How to Make a Crayfish Model

Shape the crayfish body, head and legs using your fingers, and by following the diagram of a crayfish (see Resource). The model does not have to be perfect at this point; just form a close approximation of its anatomy.

Form the ten legs of the crayfish by extending the clay away from the body, still using the diagram to guide you. Shape the two claws and the pincers.

Elongate the tail and curve it inward to duplicate the crayfish tail.

Fine tune the details of the head. Be precise with this step, since this part of the anatomy is complex. The crayfish has several long antennae extending from its antennule. Above the antennae and attached to the head is a small elongation called a rostrum, below which is the animal's "compound eye."

Fire the model in a kiln and apply glaze before firing if you prefer. An optional step is to paint labels (using words or numbers and words with a corresponding key) describing the different parts of the crayfish.