How to craft intricate clay insects inspired by Jan van Kessel

Look up. Look down. Chances are, there’s tiny creature somewhere around.
Jan van Kessel the Elder’s works capture the brightness and beauty of the natural world by often focusing on the plants and animals around the artist in 17th century Antwerp.
This miniature masterpiece is inspired by Jan van Kessel the Elder’s 1653 “Insects and a Sprig of Rosemary,” which features over ten insect species with impressive precision.
In 2025 the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History are teaming up to present "Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World" an exhibition of this work and more alongside the natural specimens that inspired them. Plan your visit: www.nga.gov/ex...
View Jan van Kessel the Elder’s “Insects and a Sprig of Rosemary” in our online collection: www.nga.gov/co...
Here's what you need to do it at home!:
SUPPLIES:
Tin Foil
Clay
Clay tools
Thin wire
Paint
Paintbrush
Glaze
B-6000 glue
THE PROCESS:
Use tin foil to make the base shape of the insect body
Cover the tin foil with clay
Carve out the indents with a toothpick/carving tools, then bake
Paint the clay the color of the insect and add the acute details
Cut the wire to the length of the legs and antennae, attach to bottom with clay
Use satin glaze to cover the entire bug to give it a realistic glossy look
Glue on the wings
MOTH INSTRUCTIONS:
Wrap five wires in grey crepe paper and glue
Cut eight squares out of beige crepe paper for the wings, layer and glue into shape
Use wing template to cut out the big and small wings
Wrap a long piece of grey paper around the middel of the large wings
Paint the wings with satisfying details
Bend the legs and antenna into shape
Attach the big wings to the bug body by wrapping the long piece of crepe paper in an “X”
Paint details onto face/body/legs
Glue on the small wings
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[@NationalGalleryofArtUS]

Here's how to do it at home! 🎨
SUPPLIES:
Tin Foil
Clay
Clay tools
Thin wire
Paint
Paintbrush
Glaze
B-6000 glue
THE PROCESS:
Use tin foil to make the base shape of the insect body
Cover the tin foil with clay
Carve out the indents with a toothpick/carving tools, then *bake*
Paint the clay the color of the insect and add the acute details
Cut the wire to the length of the legs and antennae, attach to bottom with clay
Use satin glaze to cover the entire bug to give it a realistic glossy look
Glue on the wings
MOTH INSTRUCTIONS:
Wrap five wires in grey crepe paper and glue
Cut eight squares out of beige crepe paper for the wings, layer and glue into shape
Use wing template to cut out the big and small wings
Wrap a long piece of grey paper around the middel of the large wings
Paint the wings with satisfying details
Bend the legs and antenna into shape
Attach the big wings to the bug body by wrapping the long piece of crepe paper in an “X”
Paint details onto face/body/legs
Glue on the small wings

[@thomaskeiper4534]

Wow… these insect creations are awesome. Very real appearing ❤ Excellent work.

[@ottarsdatter]

Aw, I love you people! And not only because of the gorgeous fingernail work, which I believe I've mentioned before. The artistry! Oh, the artistry!

[@ClaudiaRousseau-uh7yb]

I LOVED it! Especially the butterfly!