How to Make a Clay Dish

If the clay begins to dry before you are finished forming the bowl, rub a little water on it to keep it moist.

Making a pottery dish or bowl is a fun, hands-on activity for you and your children that results in a memento you can cherish forever. A pottery dish is made of clay that is formed into the shape of a bowl or plate. Once shaped, the clay bowl is dried and painted. If you're not an experienced artist, don't fret. The imperfections of a handmade clay dish give it personalized character.

Things You'll Need

• Tape
• Wax paper
• Scissors
• Disposable paper bowl
• Air-drying clay
• Rolling pin
• Plastic knife
• Bowl of water
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Water based paint
• Paint brush

Instructions

Using a Mold

1. Tape a large piece of wax paper to a table top. The wax paper prevents the clay from sticking to the table.

2. Cut a circle out of the wax paper that fits inside of a disposable paper bowl. The disposable paper bowl is used as a mold for the clay bowl. Cut the circle so that it is a little smaller than the bottom of the bowl. Place the wax paper circle inside of the bowl.

3. Knead the air-drying clay in your hands until it becomes soft and pliable. If the clay feels dry, add a small amount of water, and knead it into the clay. The mixed clay should feel slightly moist; not too dry or too wet.

4. Place the clay on the wax paper. Roll the clay flat with a rolling pin to a thickness between 1/8 inch and ¼ inch.

5. Cut a circle of clay the same size as the bottom of the bowl with a plastic knife. Insert the circle inside the bowl, on top of the wax paper.

6. Cut ¼-inch wide strips from the remainder of the clay with a plastic knife.

7. Lay a strip on top of the clay circle in the bowl. Wrap the strip around the sides of the bowl to form the beginning of a wall. Cut the strip so it does not overlap onto itself. Continue wrapping strips around the sides, one on top of the other, until the entire bowl is filled.

8. Dip your fingers into a small bowl filled with water. Rub your fingers on the cracks between each strip of clay to even out the surface. The inside of the bowl should be smooth. Do not add too much water or the clay will get soggy.

9. Shave off a ¼-inch rim from the top of the bowl with a plastic knife.

10. Dry the bowl for 24 hours. After the bowl has dried, use a plastic knife to peel it away from the clay bowl. Dry the bowl for 24 more hours.

11. Sand the bowl with fine grit sandpaper.

12. Paint the bowl using water-based paint and a fine bristled brush.

Freehand

1. Roll the clay into a ball.

2. Push one of your thumbs into the center of the ball to form a crater.

3. Cup the clay ball in your hands and insert both of your thumbs into the crater.

4. Press your thumbs outward toward the edge of the ball to begin forming the wall of the bowl.

5. Rotate the ball in your hands while continuing to press your thumbs outward to form the bowl’s wall. Continue rotating and pinching until the walls are about ¼-inch thick.

6. Press the bowl onto an even surface to flatten the bottom. Press your fingers on the inside of the bowl, not the walls.

7. Dry the bowl for at least 24 hours.

8. Sand the bowl with fine grit sandpaper.

9. Paint the bowl using water-based paint and a fine bristled brush.

Tips & Warnings

• Use air-drying clay to eliminate the need for an expensive kiln, the oven often used to dry pottery.

References

• Big Learning: Make a Clay Bowl
• JH Pottery: Making a Pinch Pot
• Crayola: Air-Dry Clay Tips for Use