Join me this week as I share how to make this super easy DIY mini air dry clay pot. And if you’ve never used clay before, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered 😉
A few years ago, I shared a couple of simple clay projects on the blog, one using polymer and the other air dry clay.
Both have their pros and cons, but I have to say, I absolutely LOVE mucking about with air dry clay. It is SO soft and pliable and, quite honestly, a lot more fun to work with.
So today I’m sharing how to make this easy DIY mini air dry clay pot. Use it to store small items, like pencils, craft tools, or even some faux succulents 🙂
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SUPPLIES NEEDED: DIY Mini Air Dry Clay Pot
- Air Dry Clay (I used this brand (called “Das”). It arrives ‘grey’ in colour, but dries a flat white)
- Rolling Pin
- Wax paper or non-stick silicon mat
- Plastic knife (mine came from a basic clay crafting kit like this one or any of these ones)
- Pencil & Ruler
- Bottle or small vase (for shaping your pot)
- Small bowl of water
- Acrylic paint (black)
- Needle or push pin
- Optional: varnish seal & paint or sponge brush
- Optional: two ½ inch dowels & tape
STEPS: DIY Mini Air Dry Clay Pot
Step 1: Making the Side of Your Pot
Roll out the clay, ensuring that it is no more than about ½ inch thick.
TIP to create even thickness of clay: If your rolling pin does not have rubber spacers, then tape down two ½ inch dowels along the sides of your wax paper or silicon mat. This will ensure that the ends of your rolling pin roll on top of the dowels so that the thickness of your clay is perfectly even!
Measure and cut along the sides to your desired height.
Using a bottle or small vase, wrap the clay.
Cut off the excess.
Score the edges.
Dip your finger in water and begin smoothing the scored edges until they have joined.
A plastic knife can also do the trick.
TIP: Leave the side wrapped around the bottle or vase for about an hour to allow it to harden just a bit. This will make handling the sides easier for the next step. You can then remove the bottle or vase by gently wiggling it out.
OPTIONAL: Add a design detail. Here, I used the blunt end of plastic tool (or you can use the end of a pencil with an eraser).
NOTE: This creates a slight ‘barrel’ effect. If you don’t want that look, then leave it as is or you can try scraping the clay off the sides.
Set aside.
STEP 2: Making The Base
Roll out more clay, about ½ inch thick.
Using the bottle or vase, measure the base.
Score around the edge of the base.
Then score the bottom of the side piece that will be attached to the base.
Add a generous amount of water to the scored parts and gently attach the side piece to your base by adding a bit of pressure and GENTLY wiggling back and forth.
Cut off the excess.
Step 3: Reinforcing Your Pot at the Edges
To ensure all those edges will remain attached, we’re going to reinforce the base on the INSIDE and on the OUTSIDE.
Outside First:
Dipping your finger in water, begin smoothing out the area where the base meets the side.
Inside Next:
Using your hands, roll out a long thin piece of clay.
Add that to the edge of the interior of the pot where the base meets the side.
Add about ½ teaspoon of water and begin smoothing out using your plastic knife, the eraser on the end of a pencil or other blunt tool.
Or, if you can reach, use your finger.
Let your clay pot dry for a few days, or until it turns white.
TIP: You’ll know this clay is dry when it changes from a soft grey to a flat, white colour.
Step 4: Add Speckles
To add speckles, I’ve seen others use a splatter effect by dipping a brush into acrylic paint.
But that seemed messy to me.
I decided to follow the advice of this blogger who used the end of a tack to control the look of the speckles.
Taking a tack or pin, dip it into some acrylic paint.
Then simply tap the paint onto the pot at random spots. Tap the same spot for a larger speckle. Do light taps for smaller speckles.
Step 5: Seal Your Pot with Varnish (Optional)
Because my pot will be used in a bathroom display, I decided to seal it with this liquid matte varnish. Just follow the instructions on the bottle, and let dry.
Ready To Display Your DIY Mini Air Dry Clay Pot (with speckles)!
This DIY mini air dry clay pot is a great way to personalize those little spaces in your home. Use it to add small storage or to display faux succulents. Makes a great gift idea, don’t you think?
Happy clay-making 🙂
If you enjoy clay decor projects, take a look at these DIY ideas from the blog:
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