Kindness leaves a mark. In this Art Spark, students create small ceramic tokens using the sole of their own shoe as texture, turning something that carries them through the world into a symbol of where they’ve been, who they are, and how they show up for others. Each token becomes a wish meant to be traded, gifted, or left behind for someone else to find.
These aren’t just clay tokens; they’re tiny reminders that kindness travels.
Great For
- Ceramics classrooms exploring identity, empathy, or community
- School, camps & workshops focused on mindfulness and personal meaning
- End-of-term projects that balance reflection with play
- Quick, soulful projects for all skill levels
Clay Technique
- Slab rolling & cut-out forms
- Texture pressing (shoe soles, found objects)
- Adding or pressing words or symbols after texturing
- Optional: attach a magnet or add a hole for hanging or wearing
Simple Directions
- Roll a slab of clay to about ¼” thickness.
- Press the sole of your shoe firmly into the clay to create texture (sandwich clay in plastic wrap before adding pressure).
- Cut out small token shapes (circles, hearts, tags, footprints, stones) from the most interesting part of the shoe impression.
- Option to add a word, phrase, or symbol that represents kindness, care, or encouragement.
- Smooth edges and poke a hole if the token will be worn, tied, or hung.
- Opportunity to glaze leather hard clay, just one fire! (avoid glazing the back of the token if you follow this step to allow for outgassing)
Mayco Glaze Suggestions
Several Glaze lines represented. Foundations Sheer and Elements glazes work great to enhance the textures
- Foundations Sheer – Soft, sheer color highlight texture from shoe soles
- Elements – Inspired by aspects of nature, when applied to detail pieces, the two-tone float color will appear in the crevices.
- Stroke & Coat – Bright pops of color for symbols, borders, or uplifting words
- Designer Liner – Ideal for lettering
Why? These glazes work beautifully on textured surfaces and small forms, allowing the sole impressions to remain visible while the message stays strong.
Variations & Extensions
- Walk a Mile Tokens: Students reflect on someone else’s experience and create a token inspired by empathy.
- Kindness Trail: Leave tokens along a walking path or school route with permission.
- Sole Stories: Write a short reflection on where your shoes have taken you, and where your kindness might go next.
- Community Trade: Invite other schools’ art classes to exchange tokens with your students.
