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Lesson 6 of 9
  • Year 10

3D Design: clay surface techniques

I can explore and apply surface decoration techniques on clay, linking them to a chosen theme.

Lesson 6 of 9
New
New
  • Year 10

3D Design: clay surface techniques

I can explore and apply surface decoration techniques on clay, linking them to a chosen theme.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Carving into the surface of a leather hard piece to create designs, often reveals a contrasting colour underneath.
  2. Scoring the surfaces of clay pieces and applying slip (liquid clay) helps to bond them when joining.
  3. Using pre-made molds to shape clay, allows for intricate designs and uniformity.

Keywords

  • Surface - the outside of a clay form that can be carved, built up, stamped, or moulded to add texture and meaning

  • Decoration - adding patterns, colours, or details to make something more attractive

  • Theme - the idea or message that guides your design

Common misconception

Surface decoration should be added at the end and doesn’t need much thought.

Surface design should be planned and integrated to reflect and enhance the sculptural idea.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: 3D Design: clay surface techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model how to use everyday objects (toothbrush, fork, lace, leaves) as tools for stamping and texture—this makes the process accessible and sparks creativity. Remind pupils to always score and slip when joining clay to prevent pieces from breaking off when dry.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Clay, slip, boards, clay tools, everyday objects (forks, lace, leaves), rolling pins, moulds, sponges, water pots, sketchbooks, visual references, aprons.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
True or false? Surface design on clay is only for decoration and has no deeper meaning.

Correct Answer: False, Incorrect

Q2.
Which of these is not a clay surface technique?

Carving
Slip trailing
Stamping
Correct answer: Watercolour painting on paper

Q3.
Which surface technique involves piping liquid clay onto the surface for raised patterns?

Carving
Correct answer: Slip trailing
Stamping
Press moulding

Q4.
True or false? Household items like forks, toothbrushes, or lace can be used to make textures in clay.

Correct Answer: True, Correct

Q5.
What is the main purpose of press moulding?

To build a sculpture from large lumps of clay
Correct answer: To create repeated forms or surface details using moulds
To glaze clay pieces before firing
To dry clay evenly

Q6.
Select 3 reasons why planning your clay surface design in advance is important.

Correct answer: To make sure the decoration links to the theme.
Correct answer: To decide which techniques (carving, slip, stamping, moulding) best fit.
Because planning makes the clay dry faster.
Correct answer: To integrate surface and structure, not leaving decoration as an afterthought.

Additional material

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