Caning Workshop

Learning Objectives

The purpose of this workshop is:

• To understand how mosaic glass is made
• To recognize the materials used in making mosaic glass
• To identify the safety hazards of making mosaic glass by substituting molten glass for polymer clay
• To learn about polymer clay and other modern, synthetic materials
• To engage in a group discussion about the process of making mosaic glass, caning, and the benefits of synthetic materials.

Curricular Tie-Ins

• This workshop allows students to simulate the process of making mosaic glass by replacing the dangerous, molten glass with a safe, non-toxic, synthetic material.
• The substitution of polymer clay allows for a discussion on modern materials.
• Students will be able to answer the following central questions after this workshop: -How can modern materials like polymer clay be used in art production?
  • How do conservators work with modern materials when the properties of their longterm aging are still unknown?
  • Students will learn about the glass-making process and how glass is conserved. –
  • Students will learn about the properties of polymer clay and how it and other synthetic materials are conserved.

Supplies

• Place mat (Clear sheet protector)
• Polymer Clay of different colors (Sculpy)
• Ziplock bags
• Knives
• Wide popsicle sticks
• Tray
• Oven
• Paper towel

Steps

1. Set out mylar placemats over work area
2. Cut blocks of sculpy soufflé clay into small blocks/chunks for easier use
3. Roll ~10 small snakes from blocks of clay
4. Assemble ~5-6 small snakes into one thick cane
5. Press snakes together so that cane holds
6. Cut cane into ~1/8-inch slices
7. Assemble slices lying horizontal into circular or square pendant ~1-2 inches
8. Make sure all slices are smushed together so that they don’t fall apart
9. Poke hole (if you want) with a needle/skewer for string to be threaded through
10. Bake pendants ~15 minutes to harden

Tips

• Some clay may be stiff- so warm it up with your hands
• Roll a snake out using both hands – start in the middle and move your hands outwards
• Do this as gently as possible
• Try to keep the size of the rolled-out section consistent so it will be easier to create a uniform design later
• The snakes do not need to be very long
• When laying out the cross sections to create the final pendant, squish each piece together as you go.
• The pieces will not melt and flow together when they are baked.
• Some dyes may stain your hands so roll out the lighter clays first

Safety

There are minimal safety concerns in this workshop, as no toxic materials are being handled.

• Do not eat the clay polymer material.
• Be careful when cutting the clay. For children, plastic butter knives can be used to minimize risk of cuts.
• Be aware that certain clay colors can stain clothing.
• Be careful not to burn yourself heating/firing the pieces in the oven (both when removing and when putting them in).