Plasticine Clay Low Relief

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Have a stack of old CD-ROM cases lying around with no clear purpose anymore? Same. They’re shallow, a little awkward, and somehow… perfect for clay. I’ve used this project across multiple grade levels, and it never looks the same twice - which is part of the magic.

Students use plasticine (non-drying) clay to create low-relief sculptural artworks directly inside the CD case. Because the space is shallow, it naturally encourages students to think carefully about layering, compression, and detail. We start with an important reminder: keep that first layer thin so there’s room to build up forms and textures. This makes it an excellent lesson in observation-based sculpting, as well as color mixing and intentional mark-making.

Themes can be easily adapted to fit your curriculum or age group. We’ve created animals, landscapes, still lifes, abstract designs, and even symbolic or narrative scenes. The clear plastic casing acts like a built-in frame, instantly elevating the work and helping students see their sculpture as a finished piece of art. An added bonus? The case protects the clay, allowing the artwork to stay intact and last indefinitely.

Why it works: This project is a fantastic introduction to relief sculpture without the drying time, cracking, or mess of traditional clay. It’s also an ideal way to use plasticine, which can be tricky to store or preserve in larger projects. Students explore texture, layering, form, and color theory while working in a confined, non-intimidating space. Because everything is self-contained, the pieces are easy to store, stack, and display - making this project extremely classroom-friendly. And let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about turning an old, forgotten piece of tech into a tiny, framed work of art. Check out another one of our lessons that uses plasticine and CD cases!

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