Ingredients
- 1 pound of white air dry clay
- 1 small smooth bowl, about 4 inches wide, for shaping
- 1 rolling pin, smooth glass bottle, or clay roller, at least 8 inches long
- 2 wooden craft sticks, used as thickness guides
- 1 piece of parchment paper, at least 12 inches by 12 inches
- 1 small sharp kitchen knife or clay cutting tool, about 4 inches long
- 1 small bowl of water, 4 fluid ounces
- 1 soft paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 detail paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 2 fluid ounces of acrylic craft paint
- 1 fluid ounce of water-based matte sealer
- 1 sanding sponge or sandpaper sheet, 220 grit
- 1 disposable table covering, at least 24 inches by 24 inches
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, optional for sealing
- 1 clean cotton cloth, about 12 inches by 12 inches
- 1 pencil, optional for sketching a simple design
Instructions
- Cover your table before you begin, placing a disposable table covering underneath.
- Set out your tools: parchment paper, bowl, clay, rolling tool, sticks, knife, and water.
- Wash and dry your hands to avoid dust in the clay.
- Cut or tear off the 1-pound block of clay and knead for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and flexible.
- Place the two wooden craft sticks parallel on the parchment paper, about 8 inches apart.
- Place the clay between the sticks and roll from the center outward until the sheet is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Lift the clay carefully and turn it once to prevent sticking; roll again if needed.
- Cut a round shape about 6 inches across using your bowl as a guide.
- Place the clay round over the outside of the bowl and press down gently, allowing it to curve up the sides.
- Shape the rim using your fingertips, pinching and smoothing as necessary.
- Use a damp fingertip to glide over rough marks, applying only a little water.
- Press lightly with the cotton cloth to soften fingerprints and leave some natural texture.
- Let the shaped dish sit on the bowl for 2 hours, then carefully lift it and set it upside down on parchment.
- Leave it in a dry area to dry for 24 to 48 hours, checking if the base feels firm before sanding.
- Sand any rough spots using 220 grit sandpaper with light strokes.
- Paint the first thin coat with the soft brush and let it dry for 1 hour; then add a second coat.
- Use the detail brush for additional designs, letting that dry for 1 hour.
- Brush on one thin coat of water-based matte sealer, allowing it to dry for 2 hours, then add a second coat if needed.
- Let the finished dish rest for 24 hours before placing items inside.
Notes
Be cautious with sharp tools and sanding dust. Keep children under close supervision during the process.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
