Salt Clay Mosaics

A fun way to study the early Christian church in ancient Rome is to make salt clay mosaics of Christian symbols. To see some early Christian symbols, see: http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/symbols/a-z.htm

Directions:

1. Mix together flour, salt and enough water to make a stiff dough. Knead until smooth.

2. Divide into three equal sections. Wrap one section in plastic wrap and set aside. Divide the other 2 pieces each in half. Add different color tempera paint to each section and knead into the dough. You may have to add more flour to keep it smooth.

3. Flour 2-4 cookie sheets and roll out each color, individually, to a 1/8” thickness. Cut into small squares (1/2”x1/2”) using a long knife. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until hard. Remove and cool.

4. Roll out uncolored clay onto a floured cookie sheet to ¼” thickness. Trim edges to make an oval, circle, square or any shape desired.

5. “Draw” your Christian symbol (click HERE for ideas) with a knife onto the clay and press in the various colored tiles to outline the shape. Use a different color tile for the background. Create a colorful border with several alternating colors.

6. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until hard. Cool on a rack until completely cool.

7. Optional: Brush with floor wax and let dry. Repeat with several coats, if desired.

Printing of this art lesson plan is only allowed for personal or educational use. It may not be copied for resale or reprinting without the author's permission. Copyright 2003 Karine Bauch

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