How to Make A Dragon’s Eye
This is a great creative activity for older kids and adults. How to Make a Dragon’s Eye from Polymer Clay.
SUPPLIES
- polymer clay (we used a bright green but you can use whatever colour you like)
- glass dragon eyes (we got ours at Michael’s) or make your own from polymer clay
- acrylic paint (gold)
- paint brushes
- scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
Work clay until smooth and there are no cracks.
For the base, roll out a flat rectangle of clay using a flat jar or bottle as a roller. Cut to whatever shape you prefer for your dragon’s eye, we chose an oval-ish design. You can use any shape you like.
Roll out two thin pieces of clay for the eyelids, upper and lower.
Position the glass eye in the centre of the base and push it into the clay a little.
Trim to fit and drape it over the eye covering just a small portion of the eyeball at the top and bottom. Smooth outer edges with fingers.
To Make Dragon Scales:
Create the dragon scales by rolling thin coils and cutting them into little sections. Roll each section into a ball and then flatten with your finger to create individual scales.
Attach a row of scales around the outside edge of the eyeball. Add a thin coil beside the first row of scales and gently press into place.
Continue adding rows of scales and coils however you feel led. There is no wrong way.
Cut off and tuck any rough edges, gently smooth outer edge with your fingers.
Once all the scales are in place gently press along each row to flatten slightly and firmly secure them.
Bake in 280F oven for 30 minutes or according to instructions on the polymer clay you’re using.
We used a metal cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Once the Dragon’s Eye has cooled you can burnish it with gold paint to add dimension and texture.
Apply gold paint with a fine paint brush in the crevices between scales and then rub it with a paper towel to remove excess, before the paint dries. You can add a second burnish in gold if you like to make it more vibrant. Repeat last step for the second coat.
You can also add other details with acrylic paint in a variety of colours. Or you can add jewels, gemstones or buttons to bling it up.
Dragon’s Eyes make great jewelry or mounted and framed to create a lovely curio. Keep it simple and add a magnet to the back to create beautiful kitchen art.
Stay tuned to see what art projects Nana creates with her dragon’s eyes.
Get Your Creative On!
If you try this project we’d love to see a photo. Post your masterpiece on Nana’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GetCreativeWithNana
NOTE: Polymer clay is safe to use but there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s best not eat food while working with polymer clay and a thorough hand-washing after each use is a good idea. We work on a sheet of parchment paper to help keep table/desk tops clean.
This creative activity is recommended for older youth and adults.