Clay rabbits

A simple children's clay activity idea - using natural materials to make the features of the rabbit.

Introduction

A great activity for any time of year but bunnies tails can be found in springtime. If you are out and about look for willow catkins; they make lovely furry rabbit tails.

* Muddy Faces actively promotes child-led outdoor play & learning. We recognise and believe in the curiosity that children have and their drive to explore and discover. We hope that you will bear this in mind when considering more prescribed activities like this one – often much more creative ideas will occur if resources are simply provided and children are given the time and space to explore independently.

What you'll need

Leaves for ears
Catkins - we used willow, whatever you can find that gives the fluffy tail experience.
A stick and a pencil sharpener - you don’t need clay tools to make marks in the clay – make your own pointy sticks with a sharpener.
Seeds, berries, stones - whatever is available for the eyes that are the right shape and size.

This activity has been provided by

Useful items from our shop

Item available from our shop

Environmental Considerations

Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:

source of natural materials

Health & Safety Considerations

Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:

collecting natural materials

Step #1

Make a ball of clay and roll it slightly to make an oval shape.

Use a thin stick to carve details onto the clay to make it look more like a rabbit, e.g. a nose, some whiskers, back legs.

If you have a pencil sharpener you can sharpen a stick to make it pointy and use as a tool.

Choose two matching leaves for ears and poke two small holes to push the ears into, push the clay together around the base of the ears to improve the support.

Use the stick to poke holes for the eyes - you can add a small stone or squeeze the eye hole shut to create a sleeping bunny!

Step #2

Add the final important touch - the soft catkin tail.

Make a hole with a stick first to help hold the catkin and squeeze the clay near the tail to secure it in place.

Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.