Every summer I volunteer to teach crafts to a group of teenagers who are blind and visually impaired. They come to Pittsburgh to attend the summer program at the Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. As an art teacher the challenge is to come up with crafts that are tactile and allow the students to be creative. We've used foam shapes to decorate visors, door knob hangers and banners. Tissue paper flower arrangements are decorations for the end of summer dance. We've folded paper airplanes and held contests to see whose plane would fly the farthest. This summer we're working with homemade clay to make ornaments and jewelry. These kids are typical teens who accept their challenges with grace and courage. I'm always in awe of what they've accomplished, not only with their art work but in life. Below is the recipe we use to make small clay sculptures.
Salt Clay Dough
2 cups flour (all purpose)
1/2 cup salt
1 tbs. oil
1/4 cup warm water (add as you go)
1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl; then add water gradually
2. When the dough forms a ball knead the dough well, adding water if it is too crumbly.
3. This clay can also be baked. Set the oven to a low temp. (200 degrees) and bake 30-40 minutes or until hard.
note: you can add drops of food color to the mixture or paint when dough is hardened.
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