Clay Art – Slab Textures – Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youths press objects into clay tiles to explore patterns and textures.

Items Needed:

One flat rectangular tile of clay per Youth (Air Dry Clay or Modeling Clay)
A variety of texture tools or found objects (examples: shells, buttons, bottle caps, forks, string, leaves, LEGO bricks)
(Optional) Explore more object ideas from The Art of Education University

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15–25 min plus drying time):

Distribute clay and tools. (3 min)
- Give each youth a clay tile and a selection of texture-making objects.
Press objects into clay. (10–20 min)
- Youth press tools or objects into the clay surface to create patterns and textures.
- Keep the clay flat while pressing.
- Encourage exploration of different marks such as dots, swirls, crosshatching, or repeating shapes.
(Optional) Dry the clay. (2–3 days)
- Set tiles aside and allow them to dry for 2–3 days until hardened.

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Fulfills Steps 2 and 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.
Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Art and Design Brownie Step 2 and Junior Step 3: Texture in a drawing helps us imagine how things would feel if we could touch them. For example, a drawing of a fluffy cat looks soft and furry, while a drawing of a rough rock looks bumpy. When you touch a 3D sculpture, you can feel if it’s smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. This helps you understand what the artwork is supposed to be, like a rough tree bark or a smooth, shiny car.

Brownie Art and Design Step 3 requires focus on Shape and Form, Space, Patterns, or Symmetry.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
_{(Not an official GSUSA Group)}

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
_{(No official Groups)}

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Updated on January 1, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

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