Learn ClayMation!
Create a short ClayMation stop-motion movie using modeling clay, a smartphone or tablet, simple props, and frame-by-frame animation to tell a story.
About this activity
Create a short ClayMation stop-motion movie using modeling clay, a smartphone or tablet, simple props, and frame-by-frame animation to tell a story.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and bring them to a clear table or floor space.
- 2
Step 2
Think of a very short story and write three quick scenes on your paper as a simple storyboard.
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Step 3
Choose which characters you need and sculpt your main character from modeling clay.
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Step 4
Make any extra characters props and small background pieces from clay and your simple props.
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Step 5
Place the tray or cardboard on your table and arrange the background pieces to make your movie stage.
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Step 6
Prop your smartphone or tablet on the stack of books or cup so the camera points steadily at the stage.
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Step 7
Position the desk lamp to light the stage evenly so nothing is in shadow.
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Step 8
Put your characters in the starting pose for scene one on the stage.
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Step 9
Open the camera app on the device and take the first photo to capture the starting pose.
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Step 10
Move your character a tiny bit then take another photo and repeat this same action many times to create smooth movement.
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Step 11
Play the photos back on the device to watch the motion and make small adjustments to timing or poses if needed.
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Step 12
Use a simple stop motion or video app to assemble the photos into a short movie set the frame rate and add a title or sound if you like.
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Step 13
Share your finished ClayMation movie on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make a ClayMation stop-motion movie at home?
To make a ClayMation stop-motion movie, start with a short story and simple storyboard. Build clay characters and props, and set a stable background on a flat surface. Mount your smartphone or tablet on a tripod and use a stop-motion app. Position characters, take a photo, move them slightly, and shoot the next frame. Keep lighting steady, pause between sessions, then edit frames into a video, add sound effects or music, and export.
What materials do I need to create a ClayMation film?
You'll need modeling clay (air-dry or plasticine), a smartphone or tablet with a stop-motion app, and a tripod or stable stand to keep the camera steady. Simple props and a backdrop (paper, foam board) help set scenes. Optional useful items: toothpicks or wire for armatures, adhesive putty, small craft tools, lamps for steady lighting, and basic editing software. For younger kids, gather wipes and containers to keep clay tidy.
What ages is ClayMation suitable for and how much supervision is needed?
This activity suits children roughly aged 5 and up. Ages 5–7 enjoy sculpting and simple frame-by-frame moves with close adult supervision for camera handling and small parts. Ages 8–12 can plan short stories, use apps, and edit with limited help. Teenagers can produce longer, more complex ClayMation independently. Adjust complexity, session length, and supervision for each child's attention span and fine motor skills.
What are the benefits of making ClayMation with my child?
Making ClayMation builds creativity, storytelling, and planning skills while improving fine motor control and patience. It teaches sequencing, cause-and-effect thinking, and basic digital skills like using apps, lighting, and editing. Working as a team boosts communication and collaboration. Short projects offer quick wins for motivation; longer films teach persistence and problem-solving. It's screen-plus-hands learning that blends craft, technology, and imaginative play for all ages.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of modeling clay, a tray or a desk lamp if those items are hard to find?
If you don't have modeling clay use play‑dough, salt dough, or oven‑bake polymer clay; substitute the tray or cardboard with a shoebox lid or stiff poster board for the stage; and replace a desk lamp with bright window light or a flashlight positioned to light the stage evenly.
My characters keep falling over or the motion looks jumpy—how can I fix that?
Make tinier, more consistent moves between photos, secure characters' feet with removable poster tack or hidden toothpicks/wire, and stabilize your smartphone by tightening the stack of books or using tape/a clamp as you prop the device.
How should we change the activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers simplify to one scene with big basic clay shapes and adult help for the camera, for ages 6–9 keep the three‑scene storyboard and practice small movements with 10–30 photos per scene, and for ages 10+ add detailed characters, more frames for smoother motion, and edit frame rate and sound in the stop motion app.
What are some ways to extend or personalize our ClayMation project after making the basic movie?
Personalize by painting or taping paper backdrops onto the tray, building small clay or cardboard props for extra scenes, recording voiceovers and sound effects to add when you assemble photos in the stop motion app, and finally share your finished ClayMation on DIY.org.