How to Make Your Own Clay Pots for Plants
Plants add oxygen to your environment and a cheery decorative touch to any space. You can make your own pots, but you must make them big enough so the plant's roots have enough room to grow. You can create your own pots for small plants by using polymer clay -- a waterproof clay that can be fired in your home oven. Store herbs and flowering plants on your windowsill in a colorful homemade pot to brighten up your home.
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Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Plastic pot insert
- Foil
- Cookie sheet
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
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1
Massage the clay in your hands until it is warm and pliable. Roll it into thin ropes that are slightly larger than a pencil while spreading your hands out to make sure your pressure is even. You can break the ropes into multiple pieces to make them easier to roll.
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2
Place the foil on the cookie sheet and use it as your workspace.
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3
Coil the rope starting at the center of the foil and moving outward until the base is slightly larger than the plastic pot insert for the plant. Once the base is the appropriate size, stack subsequent layers on top of the preceding one to create the pot's walls. Use the plastic insert as a guide for your pot's shape and size. Remove the plastic insert once you're done.
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4
Smooth the inside of the pot with your fingers while supporting the outside of the wall with your other hand.
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5
Place the pot and cookie sheet in a pre-heated oven and bake according to the instructions from the clay's manufacturer. Usually, you will bake the clay between 215 to 275 degrees for 10 to 40 minutes. Check the pot regularly to ensure it isn't burning or scorching. Remove it from the oven when it is done and allow it to cool completely.
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Paint the pot with acrylic paints if you want to add decoration or bright colors to the pot. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before placing the plastic insert and plant inside the pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice this technique to create small pots before moving onto medium-sized or larger pots.
Do not leave the clay unattended while its baking.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
