Here's a quick and easy Autumnal clay project.
Immortalise a leaf and create the cutest trinket dishes with this simple and fun technique. No patterns required, just some air dry clay and a dash of creativity.
Think 'pottery throw down' without all the tears!
Here's the tools and materials you'll need with handy links to some of my favourite products:
• Scissors
• Air dry Clay
• Rolling pin
• Pokey cutty tools
• Board to protect your table
• Acrylic paint (optional) and brush
• Varnish (optional)
• Cup of tea / coffee (essential
And here's how to create your clay dish
Want to print the instructions see HERE
1. Forage for leaves with good vein system showing underneath.
I particularly like the shape of mulberry, squash and courgette leaves
2. CUT some clay and roll into a ball.
You always need a little more than you think.
TOP TIP to keep your clay soft and most keep the remainder in zip seal freezer bag.
3. ROLL out to 1-2mm thickness (think rolling pastry)
Roll a little bigger than you need.
TOP TIP remove rings + bracelets
4. Place LEAVES face up on your clay and roll down onto the clay gently until the leaf sinks in and leaf veins make an impression.
Snip stalk right down to avoid pushing through the clay
5. CUT around your leaf shape and close or leave a gap using a knife or clay tool.
TOP TIP: loosen clay + leaf from the surface before peeling the leaf from the clay to avoid damaging detail later.
This bit is fun and you can squish and reuse clay off cuts.
My favourite tool has a knife end and a flat end. At this point you can smooth out any faults but don't be a perfectionist, nature is unique and so is your art.
6. Carefully place your leaf onto a plate or curved bowl to air dry for 24hrs or more.
I used a bowl to help form a dish shape but a flat leaf plate is also effective.
7. Once your dish is dry consider PAINTING before varnishing, whatever your desired finish.
I wanted a really natural effect so I used acrylic paint in a mixture of autumnal colours like burnt umber, sienna and a wash of watery green.
Finally MARVAL at your work and have another go!
Once I'd made one, I was totally inspired and set off around the garden to forage more leaves. Although most of the time you can use the same leaf more than once if you are careful.
Print these instructions:
If you liked this project find more seasonal craft ideas HERE and share your makes with me @frecklesandcocraft
Until next time, Happy Crafting
