Make claymation
Make a short claymation film by modeling simple clay characters, building a small set, and photographing frame-by-frame to learn storytelling and motion.
About this activity
Make a short claymation film by modeling simple clay characters, building a small set, and photographing frame-by-frame to learn storytelling and motion.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to your workspace so everything is ready.
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Step 2
Write a very short three part story on paper with a beginning a middle and an end.
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Step 3
Draw quick character sketches that show one simple movement for each character.
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Step 4
Build your set inside the shoebox and place the box open toward you on the table.
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Step 5
Attach colored paper or fabric to the back of the box to make a background.
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Step 6
Make small props and anchors from clay or craft bits to use on your set.
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Step 7
Model simple clay characters that match your sketches.
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Step 8
Place props and characters onto the set in the starting pose for your first scene.
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Step 9
Set up the lamp or flashlight so the set is brightly and evenly lit.
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Step 10
Take the first photo of your scene to capture the starting pose.
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Step 11
Move one character a tiny amount to create the next pose.
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Step 12
Take another photo of the new pose to add a frame to your claymation.
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Step 13
Repeat moving one tiny step and then taking a photo until your story reaches its ending.
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Step 14
Play your photos as a fast slideshow on your device to check the motion and make small fixes if needed.
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Step 15
Share your finished claymation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a short claymation film?
To make a short claymation film, start by writing a simple story and sketching a quick storyboard. Model easy clay characters and create a small set from cardboard or a shoebox with a paper backdrop. Mount your camera or phone on a tripod, set steady lighting, and choose a frame rate (about 12–24 fps). Move characters only slightly between shots, photographing each frame. Import images into a stop-motion or video app, adjust timing, add sound effects and music, then export your short film.
What materials do I need to make claymation?
Materials: soft, non-drying modeling clay (plasticine), a sturdy base like cardboard or wooden board, wire armatures or toothpicks for support, sculpting tools or safe household tools (toothpicks, plastic knives), small props, colored paper for backdrops, a phone or camera with a tripod or stable stand, consistent LED lamps for lighting, a stop-motion app or simple video editor, and optional adhesive, tape, and scissors.
What ages is claymation suitable for?
This activity suits different ages: preschoolers (4–5) can help shape simple figures and choose colors with close supervision; ages 6–8 enjoy modeling characters, building basic sets, and learning frame-by-frame movement; ages 9–12 can plan storyboards, use simple armatures, and edit footage; teens can create more complex animations, soundtracks, and longer films. Adult supervision is recommended for younger children and when using tools, lights, or editing software.
What are the benefits of making claymation for children?
Benefits of making claymation include boosting storytelling, sequencing, and planning skills as children storyboard and time actions. It develops fine motor control, patience, and problem-solving while manipulating small figures and fixing motion issues. Collaborative projects build communication and teamwork. Editing and adding sound introduce basic digital literacy. This hands-on activity also promotes creativity and confidence as kids see their ideas come to life in a finished short film.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have modeling clay, a shoebox, or a lamp?
Use play-dough or air-dry clay in place of modeling clay, fold a cereal box open the same way as the shoebox set, and substitute steady daylight from a window for the lamp/flashlight while you model simple clay characters, build your set, and attach the background.
If my clay characters keep falling over or photos are blurry, what should I do?
Push toothpicks or wire into the bases of your clay characters as anchors and press them into the shoebox floor, steady your camera with a stack of books or a tripod, and use the lamp/flashlight to create even light before taking each photo and tiny movement step.
How can I adapt this claymation project for different ages?
For younger children simplify the task by using store-bought figures and a two-part story with an adult helping to set up the shoebox and take photos, for elementary kids follow the three-part story and model simple clay characters, and for older kids increase frames, detailed props, and editing when you play your photos as a fast slideshow.
How can we make the claymation more interesting or personal?
Attach painted or patterned colored paper backgrounds, build extra small handmade props and anchors from clay as in the instructions, record voiceovers or sound effects to play with the slideshow, or use a stop-motion app for smoother motion before sharing your finished claymation on DIY.org.