DIY Clay Peonies

Make clay peonies to use in craft projects.

Peonies are a favorite flower and so pretty that they make the perfect subjects for clay flowers. The clay peonies we will make here are small enough to be added to rings, earring and pendants. If you wish to make larger peonies for vase displays or bouquets, simply increase the size of the clay petals. Each peony is unique, so you don't have to make the flowers all the same. Use air-dry clay, which can be painted should you wish to color your peonies.

Things You'll Need

• Air dry clay
• Paint (optional)
• Paint brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Break of six balls of clay that are about 1/8 inch in diameter. Roll them between your palms to make perfectly round balls.

2. Pinch the balls on one side so that they make a teardrop shape. Press down on the top of the teardrops until they are flat. They should be about as thick as cereal box packaging cardboard.

3. Pick up the first petal and hold it by the pointed part of the teardrop. Gently roll the edges of the petal into a bud. Take the next petal and attach it to the first one by squeezing the pointed bits of the teardrops together. Wrap it around the first petal. It won't go all the way around.

4. Take a second petal and press the tip of the teardrop to the other two petals. Wrap this petal on the side opposite to the second petal.

5. Use three more petals to make another row of petals wrapped around the first three petals. Use your thumb and forefinger to ruffle the edges of the petals.

6. Make six 1/4-inch diameter balls. Create teardrops and fashion them into petals as you did before. Wrap these petals in rows around the smaller petals. Ruffle the edges of the petals.

7. Make eight 1/2-inch balls. Create petals as you did before and wrap them in rows around your peony. The outer petals should be loosely wrapped and more open than the central petals. Ruffle the edges of the petals and set the peony aside to dry.

8. Paint the peony if you wish. Wait until the clay has completely dried. You can test for dryness by pressing a fingernail into the clay. If no mark is left, your clay is dry enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep clay that you are not using wrapped or it will dry out. If the clay petals start to dry before you have had the chance to use them, wet the tips of your fingers with water and rub them over the clay to add moisture.