Salt Dough Van Gogh Sunflowers

Van Gogh has been one of the many masters we have been studying this term. After completing many drawings of sunflowers (focusing on texture, drawing techniques and realism) Grade 2 were ready to make their own 3D sunflower tile.

Below is the Salt Dough recipe we used. I'm guilty of over baking our tiles but once painted you can't tell the difference.

YOU WILL NEED:

A cup salt

2 cups of flour

¾ cup of water

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl mix salt and flour together.
2. Gradually stir in water. Mix well until it forms a doughy consistency.
3. Turn the dough onto the bench and kneed with your hands until smooth and combined.
4. Make your creations using the salt dough.
5. Place the salt dough creations into the oven at 180C.  The amount of time needed to bake depends on the size and thickness of the salt dough creations.

Tips & Ideas:

• Store your salt dough in an air tight container as it keeps well for a few days.
• You can paint your creations with acrylic paints and seal with varnish or polyurethane spray.
• Salt dough can also be aired dried and is an alternative to oven drying. 
• Involve the kids in making the salt dough as this encourages and promotes so many learning opportunities, plus it is so much fun!

 This was a great activity to prepare my students' for Clay later in the term.