“The perfect craft doesn’t exist.” Welp, explain these DIY clay bowls, then. 😎
They take just minutes to make, which means it’s super easy to create a bunch and keep them on hand. Plus, paired with simple add-ons like jewellery, candles or plants, they make thoughtful gifts with a sweet, personal touch. See how to make two different kinds of bowls with our simple directions below!
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark_Canada.
• Oven-bake clay
• Acrylic craft paint
• Stiff toothbrush
• Scrap paper
• Craft knife
• Ruler
• Clay blending tool (or you can use your fingers)
• A variety of small glass bowls (oven-safe if needed)
• Rolling pin
• Sheet pan
• Baking parchment
Pro tip: Make a bunch in several sizes and stash them in your gift closet.
If needed, follow the package instructions to condition your clay. Once you’ve warmed up the clay, make a ball and flatten it with a rolling pin on a piece of parchment. Roll to about 1/4″ thick.
To make a simple round base, place a glass bowl upside down on the clay and trace around the edge with a craft knife.
To make an oblong-shaped base, use a bowl to create the rounded ends by tracing around just half of the bowl with a craft knife. Then move the bowl a few inches away and trace around the opposite half of the bowl. You’ll now have two half circles (rounded ends) facing each other. Use a ruler to connect the two rounded ends, or for a handmade look, cut the sides freehand.
Next, using a ruler as a guide, you’ll cut a strip long enough to wrap around the base. This will be the sides of your dish.
Since it can be kinda hard to measure circumference (without geometric formulas, anyway), a piece of string or a cloth tape measure might be helpful here!
Wrap the side piece around the base and use the craft knife to cut off any overlap.
Use the blending tool or your fingers to smooth the seams together on the inside where it meets the base.
Pro tip: If you’d like to make your vessel more leak-proof, roll a thin, skinny snake of clay with your fingers and press into the inside seam. Blend it down into the base and up into the side.
Make sure to also smooth the seams on the outside where you joined the side piece together.
Next, preheat your oven according to the package directions for the clay.
Place the bowls on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake according to instructions.
Pro tip: Make a foil tent to cover the pieces—this will help make sure the pieces don’t brown or burn from the heat.
This method requires a little less blending, since you’re relying on the bowl itself to hold the shape of the clay while it bakes.
The key here is to make sure the bowl you’re using is oven-safe—do not use a cereal bowl or other ceramic or porcelain bowl.
Here’s how to do it:
In a bowl, dilute some paint with a little bit of water. Practice your spatter technique on the piece of scrap paper first by dipping the bristle tips of the toothbrush into the paint, then trying some of these methods:
The goal is to make dots of different sizes instead of streaks—so practice until you get the right ratio of water to paint.
Be sure to keep dipping your toothbrush into the water and paint mix. Keeping the brush wet is a key part of spatter painting.
As far as when to paint your DIY clay bowls, you can paint them before or after you bake them.
If you choose to paint after baking or decide to give the bare clay a base coat for some sheen or gloss, just make sure the clay is completely cool before painting.
Pro tips:
You can totally just give a set of your beautiful bowls away as presents without extra items included. But to plus it up even more, we suggest adding:
Note: Don’t use dishes made of polymer clay for burning Palo Santo or stick incense, or for serving food.
We hope you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and start crafting some DIY clay bowls! Make and save these for your next gifting occasion for a personalized gift they won’t forget. ❤️
