Ganesha Sculpture
Materials needed :
Terra-cotta Clay or any natural clay – other colors are white and gray (All sold in local craft shops)
Cup of water
Black sesame seeds or black pepper for eyes – optional
Any pulses that would function as jewels – optional
Method-
1st Step :
Make 10 balls of varying size
The first ball could be 3 inches in diameter- large
Second and third 2 inches – medium sized
Fourth and fifth around 1 inch- small
Sixth to tenth will be around half inch and should be same size – extra small
Smoothen with water 💦 . There should be no cracks
2nd Step :
Take a the largest ball and make pear shape. Using the balls meant for the legs and make 2 cylinders. Smoothen both with water, Bend / pinch the feet part of the cylinder. Attach the legs to the body and blend them at the back. Smoothen really well.
Take a small pieces of clay and add necklaces of your choice .
3rd Step :
Take the balls meant for hands make cylinders, make a L shape for elbows , bend the clay for right , left hands and attach them to the shoulders. Smoothen at the back.
4th Step :
Using the ball meant for the head , make a carrot like shape , with the trunk part to the length you want , Attach to the body . Smoothen at the back.
5th Step :
Using the balls for ears , press 2 to 3 times to make a flat shape. Use the thicker side to attach to either sides of the head. Smoothen at the back.
6th Step :
If using seeds like pepper or sesame , use them as eyes. If using toothpick make sure you shape the eye on either side of the head with the same size.Add eyebrows with really thin rolled clay as eyebrows if desired.
7th step :
Flatten 2 or 3 small balls into descending size discs . Place on top of each other to make a crown and place on top of the head. Smoothen.Finish the sculpture by making a small mouse . Make a tear drop shape , attach pair of small ears and the thin tail . Smoothen. Make eyes with toothpick.
Make any other decorations as you need.
Ganesha is ready.
Other Examples –
Ganesha with additional decorations.
Ganesha done by a young elementary school child using the same method and using cake sprinkles for decoration.