How to Make Miniature Teapots From Clay

Teapots come in a variety of shapes.

Making miniature dishes from clay can help give a dollhouse or other decorative scene a personal touch. Simple modeling clay and an oven can give an artist the ability to create these tiny dishes. Teapots come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes; all have a body to hold the tea, a handle and a spout. Artists can create their teapots in whatever design they like to compliment the rest of the dollhouse's decor.

Things You'll Need

• Modeling clay
• Acrylic paints
• Small paint brush
• Oven or toaster oven
• Old baking sheet or pan, lightly greased
• Cotton swab

Instructions

1. Soften clay by warming. Modelling clay comes in hard bricks that will break off and crumble when first opened. The clay needs to be worked to soften it into a useable medium. Pull off a piece of clay about the size of a quarter and roll it in your hands until it softens. This can take several minutes depending on the humidity of the room and the type of modeling clay and its age. Older clay can take longer to work.

2. Mold the clay into a ball the size of a dime. Roll it in your palms in a circular motion, and a ball shape will form. Pinch off another small piece to use as the spout and one to use as the handle.

3. Work the clay until it becomes malleable. Roll the spout piece out into a tube shape. Pinch one end and continue to roll that end to form the tapered opening. Tear off a piece near the end, and flatten the end with a finger. Curve the spout piece into a slight s-curve. Roll a tube shape to be used as a handle. Trim it to the length you desire and curve it in a C pattern.

4. Flatten the bottom of the clay ball to form the bottom of the pot and to help the pot stay stable. Attach the spout and handle pieces carefully. Smooth the joints using a cotton swab that has been moistened with warm water. Place the teapot on a lightly greased baking sheet.

5. Bake in a toaster oven or a conventional oven according to the package directions. If no directions are available, start with 10 minutes at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pot has not hardened, continue baking for five more minutes at a time until the clay has hardened.Let the teapot cool. Hot clay can break more easily. Once cooled, paint the teapot in your choice of design.

References

• Nora Jean: Crazy Teapot -- How to Make Pumpkin Teapot and Snowman Teapot
• Artists Helping Children: Arts & Crafts: How to Make Clay and Dough Projects with Ideas Crafts for Kids