Clay Dreidel

The dreidel game is simply more enjoyable when played with your little one's own art piece

Supplies:
Modeling clay (assorted colors)
Plastic clay modeling tool kit
Clay roller or rolling pin
Dreidel Letters Template
Scissors
1/4-inch wood dowel (optional)
Pyramid clay mold and cube clay mold (optional)

Directions:

Step 1
A few hours before you start making the craft, roll a piece of clay into a stick with a thickness of about 1/4 inch and a length of 2 inches. Allow the stick to dry. This will be the top's handle.

Step 2
Help your child knead a piece of clay into an approximately 1 1/4-inch square cube. Use the same color clay that you chose for the stick.

Step 3
While the clay is still moist, push the pre-made stick into the cube from the center of one side to the center of the opposite side, so it just barely pokes through the bottom.

Step 4
Using the same color clay, have your child knead another cube the same size as the first. Use your finger and thumb to push this cube's top four corners inward toward each other. This will make the top of the cube pointed and will make the cube gradually become shaped more like a rough pyramid.

Step 5
While the clay is still moist, press the square base of the pyramid onto the bottom of the cube.

Step 6
Knead more clay of a different color into a thin layer. Use a clay roller or a rolling pin to smooth out the clay.

Step7
Print the Dreidel Letters template and cut out the letters with scissors. Trace each letter onto the clay layer with a plastic clay knife and cut out the clay letters. Press the letters onto four sides of the dreidel.

Step 8
Wait till the dreidel is dry, and then let the game start!

Craft Tip
For convenience, use a 1/4-inch wooden dowel instead of the clay handle.
To make a perfectly shaped dreidel, use a cube clay mold and a pyramid clay mold. These are available at craft stores.
Make the letters from four different colors of clay or trace the letters onto white clay and paint them when the clay is dry.