Marie, site manager of Somerset Brick and Tile Museum shares her insights about clay, a material that is fundamental to the museum’s daily life and activities.
Why Should I Play With Clay?
Clay is at the root of everything we do at the Somerset Brick and Tile Museum.
Not only is it a completely natural product, but it is mouldable into virtually any shape. It’s creative potential is endless. It has been used by humans for thousands of years for construction, vessels, storage, ammunition, instruments, writing tablets, and also for aesthetic or artistic purposes.
Here’s 6 Reasons to Play with Clay
But let’s take a minute to forget the ‘end product’ and focus on the tactile process of working with clay. There are so many hidden benefits to working with clay.
Self-Care and Mindfulness
Being hands-on with clay is a form of self-care and stress relief, working like a stress ball. The stress hormone (cortisol) can be reduced when your hands squeeze, mould or play with clay.
At times the process of working with clay and detailing can improve focus. This calm concentration, or mindfulness, allows the mind to relax and be present.
Sensory Engagement
Clay also engages the senses (not taste – please don’t.) Its smooth and mouldable texture, and earthy scent, can be therapeutic. The pliable texture of clay with the materials we use to emboss and add texture to the clay’s surface are beneficial when it comes to sensory and cognitive development.
Fine Motor Skills
Forming shapes by rolling and squeezing clay helps develop hand-eye coordination, improve dexterity, promote joint movement and refine fine motor skills too.
Creative Expression
Clay, as an open-ended craft, encourages imagination and promotes creativity. The creative process is a great form of self-expression which can boost confidence and self-esteem. The final creations might be rewarding and give a sense of achievement and positivity. Clay is an outlet for physically expressing emotions through art, and for anyone who’s had a rough day, getting stuck in with a big lump of clay can work off all that frustration.
Historical Connection
Pottery is often found in archaeological digs from ancient civilizations. Creating your own pottery whilst sitting in the last pottery kiln in Somerset surrounded by the story of Bridgwater’s brick and tile industry, creates a tangible link across time.
Sociability and Fun
At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum we always have a great atmosphere of sociability and working with clay often boosts that atmosphere with easy, friendly chatter. This might be because clay is a great leveller, no matter a person’s experience, when experimenting and exploring with clay there is no right or wrong, only relaxed freedom.
Release more dopamine (the happy hormone) by doing something you enjoy. There’s no denying it, playing with clay at any age is messy, and squishy, and fun!
Pottery Parties
Want to enjoy clay with friends and family? Book a pottery party and choose the ‘clay’ package to have fun shaping and crafting with clay. Perfect for all ages and celebrating a special occasion, these parties are a chance to play, learn, and connect through clay. Who says playing can’t be for grown-ups too? Choose Your Party Package.
Experience these benefits in your own home with this Cloud Dough Recipe
For those who aren’t able to visit our creative clay events we’ve gathered a dough recipe for you to make at home. Try it – it’s not just for kids!
Cloud Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 250 grams cornflour
- 60 ml veg oil or baby oil (you can also substitute the oil for hair conditioner which makes your dough smell lovely!)
- Food colouring (optional)
Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until it gets hard to mix. Then use your hands to finish kneading the dough together. It will start off very crumbly, keep adding more oil slowly until it all comes together. Use less oil for a crumbly sand-like texture, or more oil for a dough-like texture. When you’ve finished playing with your dough you can turn it into slime by gradually adding water.
Note: This is a craft activity and is not for consuming (eating). It’s just for playing with!