How to Make Clay Daylily Petals

Some crafters build businesses around clay figures.

Modeling clay has advanced far beyond the basic dough-like substance in primary colors many people may have used in childhood. Various textures and a wide variety of colors allow crafters to create detailed, one-of-a-kind items, including delicate flowers. Make clay daylilies to match a room's decor for your home or as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Modeling clay
• Rolling pin
• Thin wooden skewer
• Paring knife
• Acrylic paints
• Fine bristle paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Draw a long, narrow daylily petal on a piece of card stock. Cut out the petal to use as your model.

2. Select your base color of air-dry modeling clay. Roll out a small amount of the clay on a clean, smooth, flat surface. Roll the clay to a 1/8-inch or smaller thickness.

3. Place the card-stock template on the rolled-out clay. Gently trace around the template with a skewer. Cut out the petal with a paring knife or clay tool.

4. Smooth the cut edges of the petal with your finger. With the skewer or the knife, gently shape the tips of the petals to create a ruffled edge. Roll the ruffled tip around your finger.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 to create the desired number of petals. Vary the ruffled edges and rolled tips for authenticity.

6. Allow the shaped petals to air-dry according to package instructions.

7. Paint narrow lines of additional colors in the center and on the edges of the petals as desired to create realistic variegated petals.