Create a Claymation Video!
Make a short claymation video by sculpting simple characters, moving them frame-by-frame, photographing each pose, and compiling images into animated scenes.
About this activity
Make a short claymation video by sculpting simple characters, moving them frame-by-frame, photographing each pose, and compiling images into animated scenes.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Write a short one-sentence story idea on your paper.
- 2
Step 2
Draw a simple 4 to 6 frame storyboard showing the main poses for your story.
- 3
Step 3
Sculpt all the characters and props you need from the modeling clay.
- 4
Step 4
Attach the background paper to your cardboard stage so it stands behind your scene.
- 5
Step 5
Place your clay characters on the stage in the starting pose for your first storyboard frame.
- 6
Step 6
Turn on and position the desk lamp to light the stage evenly and avoid shadows.
- 7
Step 7
Set your camera or phone on a steady surface and make sure the whole stage fits in the picture.
- 8
Step 8
Take the first photo of your starting pose.
- 9
Step 9
Move the characters a tiny amount toward the next pose in your storyboard.
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Step 10
Take another photo of the new pose.
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Step 11
Repeat Steps 9 and 10 until the scene plays your whole story.
- 12
Step 12
Import your photos into a stop-motion app or a video editor on your device.
- 13
Step 13
Set the frame rate to about 8 frames per second so the motion looks smooth.
- 14
Step 14
Export or save your animation as a video file from the app or editor.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished claymation video on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a short claymation video?
To make a short claymation video, sculpt simple characters from modeling clay and place them on a steady, well-lit stage. Mount a camera or smartphone on a tripod, frame the shot, and move the figures slightly between each photo. Capture many frames (about 8–12 per second), then import images into a stop-motion app or video editor, set playback speed, add sound effects or voiceovers, and export. Keep scenes short and test a few seconds before committing.
What materials do I need to make a claymation video?
You'll need basic supplies: soft modeling clay or plasticine, a small work stage (cardboard or flat board), and a tripod or phone stand to keep the camera steady. Also gather a smartphone or camera, consistent lighting (desk lamps), a plain background, simple sculpting tools or toothpicks, masking tape, and a stop-motion app or video editor on a tablet/computer. Optional: armatures (wire), extra props, and headphones for recording voiceovers.
What ages is creating a claymation video suitable for?
Claymation is great for children about five years and up. Preschoolers (five to seven) can help shape characters and pick colors with adult supervision, while ages eight to twelve can plan scenes, move figures frame-by-frame, and use simple apps. Teenagers can handle complex storytelling, editing, and sound. Always supervise younger kids because small pieces and tools can be choking hazards, and choose non-toxic clays.
What are the benefits of making claymation videos with kids?
Making claymation builds creativity, storytelling, and fine motor skills. It develops planning, patience, and problem-solving as kids design characters, plan scenes, and solve framing or pacing issues. Working together improves teamwork and communication. It also introduces basic filmmaking concepts—timing, lighting, and editing—which support STEAM learning. Short projects boost confidence with visible results, and quiet, focused work can help concentration. Encourage reflection to reinforce wha
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have modeling clay or a cardboard stage?
Use air‑dry clay or Play‑Doh to sculpt characters and a flattened cereal or shipping box as your 'cardboard stage' when you 'Sculpt all the characters...' and 'Attach the background paper to your cardboard stage'.
My photos are blurry or have harsh shadows—how do I fix that?
Place your camera or phone on a steady surface like a heavy stack of books or a tripod and soften the desk lamp light with a sheet of tracing paper or thin cloth so the stage is steady and shadow‑free as instructed in 'Set your camera or phone on a steady surface' and 'Turn on and position the desk lamp'.
How can I adapt the activity for younger or older kids?
For ages 4–6, cut the project to a 2–3 frame storyboard with big clay poses and adult help with the camera, while ages 10–12 can use 6+ frames, finer sculpting, and set the frame rate to about 8–12 fps as suggested in 'Draw a simple 4 to 6 frame storyboard' and 'Set the frame rate to about 8 frames per second'.
How can we make the claymation more professional before sharing?
Record voice lines or sound effects and add them in your stop‑motion app, paint or detail the background paper to attach to the cardboard stage, and then 'Export or save your animation' with titles before you 'Share your finished claymation video on DIY.org'.