Lately, I've been playing with clay.
I don't know why it's got such a hold on me, but boy oh boy, is it fun.
There's something about grabbing a chunk of it, mushing it into a ball and then rolling it out that just feels good. Creative.
I don't know why it's got such a hold on me, but boy oh boy, is it fun.
There's something about grabbing a chunk of it, mushing it into a ball and then rolling it out that just feels good. Creative.
So when I was at the store the other day and saw this pack of floral patterned sheets, I grabbed them.
And I knew exactly what I was going to do with them.
You see, I have quite a collection of small clay pots in my craft stash. They're very versatile, so whenever I spot them at the thrift store or at yard sales, I grab them, too.
In the past, I've aged them with paint for a vintage vignette on my Easter mantel.
More recently, I decoupaged one, to make a flower pot pin cushion.
Well, today, I'm sharing a clay pot makeover that will actually be used in my garden. Fancy that!
And like I said, it all started with clay...making it a clay on clay kind of day.
How To Embellish A Clay Pot With Clay Patterns
First, I gathered my supplies:
- Air Dry Clay
- Patterned Clay Sheets or Clay Rollers
- Clay Pots - mine were about 4"
- Rolling Pin
- Parchment or Wax Paper
- Scissors
- Paint - I used chalk paint
- Sealer - waterproof is best, mine is water resistant
These sheets are super forgiving, so you can keep stamping to cover a really big piece of clay or a piece just large enough for the rim. So you definitely need to know what your design is before you get started.
I shaped the clay into a ball, warming it up a bit in my hands, then I flattened it with the rolling pin.
If it wasn't large enough to cover the pot in one piece, I laid it down again and rolled some more.
So I just laid the clay over the rim of each pot and pressed it into place, making sure the clay only slightly overlapped itself.
I didn't want a hefty, noticeable seam, so I used my scissors to clip away any extra.
Then I used a bit of water on my finger to gently smooth over those seams, and the edges, where the clay met the pot.
If any of the pattern was smudged in the process, I simply pushed the textured sheet back over the clay in that area and it was perfect again.
I positioned the clay straight across on one pot and on an angle on another. I also used two different patterns.
The sheets were reversible, so I had six to choose from.
I could've gone with a bold color, like I did with my clay rose vase. However, we all know how that turned out. I had to redo it, so it fit my decor and my style better.
So this time, I stuck with my gut and used a warm Buttercream Chalk Paint for a sweet cottage look right out of the gate.
Lastly, I coated the painted clay with a sealer.
I used my tried and true Dixie Belle Satin Sealer. It's not truly waterproof, meaning you can't drop it in a bucket of water, but it's water resistant enough.
I've used it for outdoor DIYs before and it's held up beautifully.
Besides, it's the clay I'm more concerned about, but honestly these pots will be either in my covered porch or under the patio umbrella.
Of course, only time will tell.
In the meantime, though, wow.
I am in love with these little charmers and Buttercream was the perfect choice for the delicate look I was after.
And it allows the flowers to pop, without competing for attention.
Yet it still manages to highlight the pattern and elevate the look of those plain terracotta planters.
In simple, elegant style.
Thanks to a little bit of clay.
See, I told you it was fun!
😉
When was the last time you played with clay?
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Wait! Before you shuffle off...it's time for another installment of the Do It Over Designers Hop and you definitely don't want to miss this one.
It's all about The Garden! So you'll definitely want to stick around and see what my super talented friends have to share this month.
The Apple Street Cottage
Birdz of a Feather
Little Vintage Cottage
Pandora’s Box
Purple Hues & Me
Sum of Their Stories
Unique Creations by Anita
Vintage Style Gal
Exquisitely Unremarkable (that's me!)
Birdz of a Feather
Little Vintage Cottage
Pandora’s Box
Purple Hues & Me
Sum of Their Stories
Unique Creations by Anita
Vintage Style Gal
Exquisitely Unremarkable (that's me!)
Happy Garden Hopping, Friends!
Ooo, what a great idea, they look lovely. I love the 2 colours together and the embossing is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI've always stayed away for air dry clay for planters thinking that it could just get wet and soggy again but knowing that I could maybe seal it sufficiently to avoid a disaster really does open up a whole world of possibilities to decorate and embellish pots. A nursery pot inside to avoid water seeping through the terracotta and a sealant for the outside - I can't wait to give this a try, thanks.
I wasn't sure about this either, but so far so good! Flowers are watered and blooming and no melting clay. Yay!
DeleteGoodness Kim, I love this idea. Long ago when my friends were having children, I would make pots for their baby shower to put in the baby's room. I love this idea to add the clay around the rim. It would elevate them, ten fold. I have never seen sheets like this, I will have to see if I can find them. Clay is one of those materials that is so much fun to work with, if you make a mistake, you can easily start over. I need to get my clay back out and see what I can create, thank you for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it! I've been having so much fun with clay lately, I just know you could come up with some really cute ideas.
DeleteI haven't done anything with clay for some time. This is the cutest! I love those stamps and the finished product is full of charm.
ReplyDeleteI was so excited when I found these stamps, Mari! I can't wait to get creative with them again.
DeleteThese are adorable...You are so creative and I love how you make the simple things stand out so well. I need you around here to help me with wedding flower ideas!! Granddaughter #1 is getting married in November and wow...this is a huge undertaking. LOTs of candles. Thank you for listing your talented friends...I want to hop over and see what they are doing...BUT...just to tell you, I so enjoy visiting here Kim.. Your talents are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shug. Your sweet words are making me blush ☺️...and oh, wedding flowers!! That sounds like a ton of fun!! I bet your creations will be beautiful, especially paired with all those candles. I can't wait to see how it all comes together this fall. So exciting!!
DeleteOOh I like the idea of playing with clay. I should add this onto my "creative pastimes" list.
ReplyDeleteI've really been enjoying my clay time, Gina! I say go for it!
DeleteI've been looking EVERYWHERE for a texture sheet just like that so I can play with texture too! What store did you find this at Kim? I LOVE how your planter pots turned out. Clay is so much fun to work with.
ReplyDeleteClay is super fun to work with, Sara, I agree! I have some links above for both Amazon and Michael's. There are lots of pretty patterns!
DeleteThey turned out beautiful! Whenever I see a plain terracotta pot I always think they could be so much cuter. I used some clay on some small pots recently and gave them scallops and added mushrooms to another. They are listed in my Etsy shop now.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Tania! Those boring plain pots are just blank palettes to me. I'll have to pop over to your Etsy shop to see what you did to yours. ☺️
DeleteWhat an adorable handmade touch to the clay pots, Kim! The decorative clay designs give the pots so much character and uniqueness! So pretty and what a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail! I fell in love with those patterned sheets. I'm definitely going to be using them more.
DeleteOh Kim I love our little charmers. These are so cute. You can take things and re love them into such works of art. Happy Memorial Day. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kris! I really love them. They look very sweet on my patio. I'm definitely making more. ❤️
DeleteWhat a great way to use air dry clay, which I love. The project turned out so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol! I had a great time making these and they came out better than expected. 🌹
DeleteHi Kim, what an amazing transformation. 👏 I don't have talent in art or crafts, but I so enjoy and love to see your creativity. Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! Trust me this craft is super simple. I have faith that if you wanted to try it, you'd make lovely pots!
DeleteI like how the textured clay adds such character to the plain pots! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Patti! I’m totally making more.
DeleteYou elevated those plain terracotta pots to a whole level with that clay, Kim. They look very 'high-end' now and you'd pay a pretty price for them in a store. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ann! That’s quite a compliment. ☺️
DeleteA really great makeover, i love the textured that you added. Made them look very up market.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anita!! That's just what I was hoping for when I started working on them.
DeleteHow beautiful. Love this fun idea
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrissy! Fun is definitely the proper word...nothing like playing with clay on a warm summer-ish day. ☺️
DeleteVery pretty Kim.
ReplyDeleteI have my deck area all set up and the fountain is bubbling today. I am so happy it is finally summer here in Wisconsin. :-)
Thanks Carla! I love the thought of your fountain bubbling. Isn’t that the best sound? 💦
DeleteThose are lovely!
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, Joanne! Thank you!
DeleteKim, very well done, they look lovely.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks so much, Jan! They really brighten up my covered porch.
DeleteSuch a fun upgrade to those planters! I haven't used clay much (I'm not super crafty but I dabble some here and there) but this makes me want to get some and play with clay :). I will check out the other links as I am always looking for gardening decor tips and ideas.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I really enjoyed having my hands in the clay, Maria. So I highly recommend it! And the pots turned out really well! That was a bonus!
DeleteThe pots came out great Kim. I want to try working with that kind of clay and make something. Thanks for inspiring me with this craft.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! 💕 It's actually so much fun. There are tons of ideas out there for air dry clay. Some of my favorites involve making Christmas ornaments. You could buy a puppy cookie cutter and make one for Lucy!!
DeleteNice! There are so many cool materials that we have access to!
ReplyDeleteI agree! It's fun finding new crafting tools and materials. Keeps things interesting for sure.
DeleteThese are phenomenal! I love how they look. Very up market. I do love a good plant pot project.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pattie! I had so much fun making them and they look great with some colorful blooms tucked inside. I just hope I can keep them alive. My husband calls me a plant murderer - clearly I don’t have a great track record. 🙃
DeleteSo pretty! Thank you for sharing with us at the link party. We love it! 🤗
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie! I always enjoy the party and I appreciate your coming by to take a peek at my entry.
DeleteI love how these turned out! So pretty. Visiting from the Senior Salon Pit Stop link party.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit Jennifer and for the party!
DeleteWow, this is stunning and so well done, love the final products.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Kim, thanks for this amazing post, you will be featured at SSPS on Monday.
Thanks so much, Esme! I'm so excited!!
DeleteHi, Kim. I really like the clay imprint on the pot. I must be an odd bird here. Why did you take the clay to the half mark on the pot. I mean my imagination would think it'd just cover the top inch or so, stopping at the neck, collar, rim? Or even going all the way to the base of the pot.
ReplyDeleteI guess, that's the best thing about art. There's no correct answer. Do as your heart wishes.
I think I answered my own question :)
I'm visiting from Esme, SSPS featured post.
All the best.
Debra @ Life Captured
Hi Debra! Thanks so much for the comment. It's funny, my original plan was to cover just the rim of each pot. However, when I saw the clay on more of the pot, especially the one with the uneven edge, I loved it. Something about the mix of the white pattern and the terracotta make me smile. I guess it's like you said, when it comes to art, do as your heart wishes! I hope you'll come back to visit again!
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