Learn How To Make These Easy Clay Bowls

Hello fellow sports fans!

I’m sure you hockey fans are enjoying the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where 8 teams have moved on to the second round. I’m wondering … are you cheering for the Bruins, Capitals, Golden Knights, Jets, Lightning, Penguins, Predators or Sharks? My grandparents lived in Pittsburgh for most of my childhood, so I’m a little partial to the Penguins, but you can’t help but cheer for the Golden Knights, in their very first NHL season!

And for you basketball fans, the NBA Playoffs have also moved into the second round. I prefer college basketball over professional basketball, so it doesn’t much matter to me, but are you pulling for the 76ers, Cavaliers, Celtics, Jazz, Pelicans, Raptors, Rockets or Warriors?

On another topic, Mother’s Day is coming up soon! Today’s project, DIY clay bowls, would make a great gift. You or your mom can use them to hold jewelry, keys, coins or other trinkets. They are easy enough for kids to make, and require no baking!

Now, are you ready to get started with a basic clay bowl?

Here’s what you need:

Air Dry Clay
A roller
A cutting tool
A dish about the size of your desired bowl
- I used the 2 small dishes and a plastic drinking glass.
A small bowl of water
Newspaper to protect your work surface and prevent the clay from sticking (read the directions on your clay, as some will do better on waxed paper or plastic wrap)
Paint(s) and a paintbrush – optional
- Acrylic craft paints work great, and are easy to clean up with just water
- Choose your favorite team colors (like I did for the bowl containing my bracelets), or colors to go with your dresser or desk accessories
Cornstarch or baby powder – if needed (again, read the directions on your clay)

Step 2 – Roll the clay

Cut off a chunk of the clay
- Put the remaining clay into a Ziploc bag to keep it from drying out
Use your fingers to flatten the clay
Place the clay on your work surface
- If the clay sticks, sprinkle some cornstarch on the surface before proceeding
Use the roller to roll out the clay
- Change directions frequently to keep the clay in a circular shape
Roll until the clay is about ¼” thick
- The clay might crack if you go thinner than 1/8”

Step 3 – Cut out the bowl shape

Place your dish face down in the center of the clay
Hold the dish in place while using a knife to cut around the edge
Remove the dish, and gently separate the clay from the dish
Wet a finger with water to smooth down any uneven edges

Step 4 – Shape the bowl

Place the clay in the dish, pressing down gently
For the smallest bowl, I turned the glass upside down, and draped the clay on it, and pressed in parts of the edges to create ruffles
Let the clay dry for 24-48 hours, then remove from the dish
- following the directions on the package for dry time
You can use sandpaper to smooth the edges after the clay is dry
- Or leave them rough for a different look!

Step 5 – Finish as desired

Paint your dish
- I found panting the outside first was easiest
- You may need 2 coats of paint, as the clay really seems to soak it up
Allow the paint to dry