How to Make Leaf Pottery

Beautiful leaves of different sizes, textures and shapes can be used to make leaf pottery. This is a relatively simple technique for even the novice potter. Experiment with leaves from different trees to create distinctive works.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clay
• Leaves
• Craft sticks
• Styrofoam bowl
• Kiln

1. Choose healthy leaves taken directly from the trees. The size of the leaf is up to you, but you may find leaves smaller than 2-inches long more difficult to work with.

2. Wedge a ball of clay several times to mix the clay and dispel any air bubbles. Use a rolling pin to roll out a flat slab on your work surface. Test the slab with a guide stick to make sure the thickness is uniform. Aim for a thickness of 1/2 inch.

3. Press a leaf firmly into the slab. Put uniform pressure on the leaf with the heel of your hand. Do not roll your hand over the leaf while you are imprinting it on the clay. If your hand does not cover the entire leaf, press it in sections and raise your hand from the leaf for each part.

4. Take a craft stick and cut completely around the pressed leaf. Use as little water as possible to smooth out the edges.

5. Wait 1 day before removing the clay from the bowl. You will notice that the clay remains in the shape of the bowl. Discard the leaf, and then fire the clay in a kiln.

6. Finish by glazing. Use a classic green color or choose an autumn color like yellow, red or orange. Dip the leaf bowl in the glaze or brush the glaze onto the leaf.

7. Lift the leaf and the clay it is laying on into a Styrofoam bowl. Gently press the leaf and clay into the shape of the bowl. Keep the leaf in place so that while you are pressing, the texture of the leaf sets in the clay.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a kiln to use, use air-dried clay to create leaf pottery.