How To Make Patterned Clay Bowls - Video Tutorial
/Learn how to make your own beautiful stamped clay bowls using air dry clay. They're a lovely project to make on a rainy afternoon and can be easily customised by changing up the inks and stamps to create your decorative works of art.
Stamped Air Dry Clay Bowls.
It's no secret that I love any craft project using air dry clay. It's easy to use and doesn't need firing. If you've never worked with air dry clay before I promise you, you're going to love it.
If you've been following my blog for a while now you might recognise these stamped clay bowls. Even though it's been 4 years since I first made them I still get a ton of questions about them so I thought it was about time I made an updated tutorial complete with video to show you everything you need to know to make your own stamped clay bowls.
Related: Air Dry Clay Tips And Tricks
Supplies:
Ink Pads - Pink part of the Sweet Sixteen Set and Lilac Versacolor)
Set of small glass nesting bowls
An Acrylic Rolling Pin
A craft knife
And some fine sandpaper.
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Got questions? Don't panic, keep reading for my top tips.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
F.A.Q's.
1. I've opened my clay and it looks grey. Does the clay change from the grey I'm seeing to the white in the pictures?
Yes, the clay starts off white and dries to a matte, white finish.
2. Argh, help. My clay is sticking to my work surface, what can I do?
If you haven't got a glass cutting mat or a glass worktop saver I recommend using some greaseproof or parchment paper. It makes it much easier to lift and peel the clay away. As it absorbs the moisture from the clay it does begin to wrinkle so try not to leave the clay on it too long.
3. Is the clay food safe? What can I use them for? Can I use these bowls for snacks?
The air dry clay isn't food safe and should be used for decorative purposes only. So far I've used mine for storing jewellery, keys and office supplies.
4. My ink has faded, what can I do to fix this?
When choosing an ink pad look for a permanent pigment ink. It takes longer to dry but is fade-resistant. Dye-based inks whilst also considered permanent can fade over time when exposed to the sun.
5. The sides of my bowls have wrinkled. How do I stop this from happening?
Apply light, even pressure when pressing the clay into the bowls. When you press too hard the clay can bunch up and wrinkle.
Sandwiching the clay between a large bowl and a smaller bowl like in the video is the best way I've found to stop this from happening.
6. It's been days and days and my clay still isn't dry, help!
As the clay is self-hardening the drying time can vary greatly depending on the weather. In warm, dry weather the clay can dry in around 24 hours.
However, in cold wet weather (which feels like most of the time here in the U.K.) it can take several days so make sure to allow for extra drying time.
7. I want to varnish mine. Can you recommend a good varnish?
Any of the Decopatch varnishes or the Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer. I've had good results with both.
8. How long will they last?
4 years on and I still have the originals. They sit on my desk holding washi tapes, paperclips and other bits and pieces.
I've used them so much and they still look just as good as they did when I first made them. As long as you treat them well you should get many years of use out of them.
Check out the full video tutorial below where I talk you through everything you need to know.
Want more clay crafts? You can find them all here or check out some of my favourites below:
