Ingredients
- 1 pound of white air dry clay, in a sealed package
- 1 shallow bowl, about 4 inches wide and 1 inch deep, used as a forming support
- 1 small rolling pin, about 10 inches long, or a smooth glass bottle
- 1 sheet of parchment paper, about 12 by 16 inches
- 1 piece of wax paper, about 12 by 16 inches, for covering the clay while it dries
- 1 plastic knife or craft clay knife, with a blunt edge
- 1 small cup of room-temperature water, about 4 fluid ounces
- 1 small sponge, about 3 inches wide, slightly damp
- 1 fine sanding sponge, 220 grit
- 2 small paintbrushes, one flat brush about 1/2 inch wide and one detail brush
- 2 fluid ounces of water-based acrylic paint, one color or two colors
- 1 fluid ounce of water-based matte sealer, such as a brush-on craft sealer
- 1 disposable plate or palette, about 6 inches wide
- 1 cotton cloth, about 12 by 12 inches, for wiping the work surface
- 1 reusable table covering, about 24 by 36 inches, such as a vinyl mat or clean plastic placemat
- 1 pair of household gloves, optional for painting and sealing
Instructions
- Cover your table with a reusable mat or clean plastic placemat.
- Prepare the clay by opening the 1 pound package and cutting away a small piece about the size of a walnut if the clay feels especially soft. Knead the larger portion for 2 to 3 minutes, folding it over itself until the texture feels even and the surface no longer shows dry crumbs.
- Make a flat slab by placing the clay between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll from the center outward, turning the parchment often, until the clay measures about 3/8 inch thick and roughly 6 inches wide.
- Cut the round by setting the 4-inch bowl upside down on the clay and tracing around its outside with the blunt plastic knife. Remove the extra clay from around the circle, keeping the scraps wrapped in original plastic.
- Smooth the cut edge by running one damp fingertip around the edge, using very little water.
- Shape the dish by lifting the clay round with the parchment and laying it over the outside of the shallow bowl. Press the center gently and ease the sides down without pulling.
- Refine the inside by checking the bottom for deep folds, and use the flat brush handle or fingertip to soften any ridges.
- Check the thickness of the rim, ensuring it stays close to 3/8 inch thick.
- Let the first side firm up by placing the supported dish in a dry spot away from direct heat and covering it loosely with wax paper for about 8 hours.
- Remove the support after 8 hours, lifting the dish and parchment from the bowl and peeling away the parchment slowly.
- Dry the underside by placing it upside down on a clean sheet of parchment and covering it loosely again, leaving it for another 16 to 24 hours.
- Sand and repair by lightly running the sanding sponge around the rim and base, and pressing softened leftover clay into any shallow cracks.
- Paint the first coat by putting a small amount of water-based acrylic paint on the disposable palette and brushing on a thin coat.
- Add the second coat after the first has dried, applying another thin layer.
- Seal the surface with a thin layer of water-based matte sealer and let it dry for 2 hours before leaving the finished dish alone for another 24 hours.
Notes
Safety notes include using the plastic knife pointed away from your hand and wearing a dust mask while sanding. Children ages 8 and older can help under supervision.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
