a small, round object which has a small hole through its centre

the repeated use of elements (images, colours, text)

an object, shape, or image that stands for or represents an idea or meaning

a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated

Clay beads: meanings and patterns

Art and design

Wrapping a sculpture: hidden stories

Masque: sculpture, clothes and messages

Printing symbols: banners and identity

Made in collaboration with October Gallery this unit brings together diverse visual languages from across time and place, encouraging children to see wearable art not simply as adornment, but as a powerful form of communication, one that celebrates identity, and gives voice to stories that matter.

Clothes and culture: wearable art

Beads can be used for wearing, trading, or telling stories.

a shape that stands for an idea or meaning

A pattern is made by repeating {{}} or colours.

Adding texture to your bead is just for decoration.

Put the steps for decorating beads in order:

Clay is soft when wet and becomes hard when it dries.

What tools could you use to make texture in clay?

The marks or patterns we press into clay are called ...

When you press or roll objects into clay, you create __________ and pattern on the surface.

Rolling all beads the same size helps make a pattern.

Which step should you do before decorating clay beads?

Starter Quiz

Clay is soft when wet and becomes hard when it dries.