Art Sculpting Ideas for Parents and Kids

Fun, creative clay sculpting projects to inspire families and beginners

By Peter Holland, Master Sculptor | Updated December 2024

Why Aren't You Sculpting Yet?

There are many things that stop people from trying the art sculpting they've been longing to have a go at for so long:

Busy?
Proud?
Blank?
Overambitious?
Timid?

This process is an art form of its own. It's called PROCRASTINATION!

This page is all about showing what you can achieve in clay art with just a bit of know-how. The possibilities are endless. It doesn't have to be Rodin. It can be funky and fun like the little elephant with leopard print shown above.

My first sculpts were flower fairies in Sculpey. Just had to be done!

Creative Art Sculpting Ideas to Get You Started

Below is a range of different art sculpting ideas for parents and kids that you can create using the methods shown on this website (see the 'How To Sculpt' section).

Good news for beginners: Clay art doesn't have to be figurative to be beautiful. It can be abstract or impressionistic—post-modern or preppy.

It is totally realistic with the information given on this website for an absolute beginner to sculpt a piece, fire it at their local pottery supplier, and have it selling on eBay or elsewhere within a short space of time. It is within your grasp—you make the time, I have given you the methods (free, no charge, gratis).

Now Is the Time to Find Your Art Sculpting Creative Touch

I always think, love 'em or hate 'em, the thing that differentiates artists from the rest of the population is that they are the people who actually did something about it, rather than just talk about it.

Even if you detest with all your heart the modern generation of weird Installation Artists, the people behind this type of work are doers.

If you don't believe me, go catch your own shark and try to put it into a clear vat of formaldehyde, then suspend it from an art gallery ceiling! Then try to persuade the art critics it's actually art. Hmmm, I can think of simpler jobs.

Simple elegant lady figurine sculpture - art sculpting ideas for beginners

Simple elegant lady figurine sculpture side view

This elegant and simple piece is fired to bisque and then a metallic glaze added and fired again. The clay modeling material is inexpensive and easily accessible at your local Pottery Supplier or online.

Follow the tutorials and tips on this website to get you started and befriend your local potter or pottery store, who will be glad to fire your work for a small fee.

Art Sculpting Ideas: Egyptian Wall Plaques

Egyptian wall plaque art sculpture - easy project for kids

This Egyptian stoneware glazed wall plaque is technically very simple to make and fire—also very effective and decorative.

There is a certain amount of skill needed in the artwork and tool use, but hopefully, the tutorials on this website will give you the basics.

Use the information on this website to achieve your goal. If you need more info, just hit the contact button and tell me what.

Inspiration: Sid Dickens Memory Blocks

Sid Dickens memory blocks - art sculpting inspiration

Shown here is the wonderful work of ceramic artist Sid Dickens. These wall sculptures have become known to collectors as 'Memory Blocks'.

I find them a truly inspirational way to use ceramic sculpture techniques. I am sure looking at them will inspire you too. Go where your imagination takes you.

You can do anything you want to—there are no rules—as Sid shows. Each sculpt has an accompanying poem.

More Art Sculpting Ideas for Parents and Kids

The only limit is your imagination. Here are some projects to get you started:

Contemporary Friendship Sculptures

Modern friendship art sculpture - simple flowing shapes

Flowing and simple contemporary shapes make a modern statement and are easy to structure and sculpt. These art sculpting ideas are perfect for beginners and kids who want to create meaningful gifts.

Decorative Fish Wall Tiles

Fish wall tile art sculpture - bas relief project

A fish wall tile makes a very decorative art piece. Bas relief tiles on any subject matter are a good place to start learning sculpture techniques. Great art sculpting ideas for parents to work on with children.

Lion Head Garden Sculpture

Lion head plaque art sculpture for garden

Beginner's Tip: A lion head sculpture is a good place to start. Some students of mine have tried to be over-ambitious and sculpt a whole lion as their first attempt at sculpture. This is too much—unless you are very determined, or will dedicate as much time as it takes.

Don't try too much on your first piece otherwise you might just give up frustrated. A lion's head for the garden is a good start.

Important: DO NOT RUSH and don't expect to achieve anything too quickly.

Classical Greek Torso Studies

A copy of a Greek torso is a great exercise to get the feel of the clay and human proportions. It looks good the more distressed the finish—so you can experiment and have a nice series of classy ornaments for your home (or the local gift shop).

Whimsical Animal Studies

Whimsical giraffe art sculpture - fun project

You can go modern and arty and do some whimsical studies of animals like this giraffe. Start by just doing the head—don't attempt the whole body to start with. Play around, do some studies, fire them, do some more. These art sculpting ideas for kids encourage creativity and experimentation.

Mosaic Sculptures

Mosaic art sculpture - creative mixed media project

Mosaics make very effective sculptures and lend themselves to any subject matter that takes your fancy. Perfect for family art sculpting projects where everyone can contribute pieces.

Personalized House Number Signs

Practical Project: Make yourself a house number sign. The secret of the frost/weather proofing is to get it fired at a higher temperature. The higher the firing, the harder the piece.

This is one of those art sculpting ideas that combines creativity with functionality—perfect for parents and kids working together on a home improvement project!

What Your First Attempts Will Look Like (And Why That's Perfect)

Your first sculptures will look rough. Proportions will feel wrong. Details will be crude. This is exactly right.

Professional sculptors creating museum-quality work for Royal Worcester experience identical early-stage messiness. The difference isn't that their rough work looks better—it's that they trust the process and keep refining.

Remember: Motivation gets you started, but good habits keep you going. Don't compare your rough attempts to finished pieces online. Compare your third sculpture to your first—that's where you'll see real progress.

Ready to start? Pick one simple project, gather your clay, and just begin. The best art sculpting ideas are the ones you actually make!