How to Make Clay & Glass Wine Goblets

Wine glasses are formed to convey elegance and simplicity, as well as to be functional.

Both glass and clay ceramics are popular materials used in the creation of wine goblets. When combined, they create an interesting piece with both the sturdy earthiness of clay and the delicacy of glass. Best of all, creating a usable glass and clay goblet doesn't require the use of a kiln or fired ceramic clay, and it is a home craft you can do without special materials.

Things You'll Need

• Stemless wine glasses
• Air-dry earthenware clay
• Marbles or glass pebbles
• Clay varnish or sealant

Instructions

1. Soften a cup of clay by hand-kneading it. Wet your hands to work in some moisture if it seems dry. Continue until the clay is uniformly soft and malleable.

2. Roll the clay into a ball on your work surface. Form the ball into an oblong shape by rolling it beneath flattened hands, moving straight forward and back. Turn this shape on its ends and press each of them in turn against your work surface, forming the shape into a cylinder. Leave the cylinder standing on end.

3. Shape the clay at the bottom of the cylinder with your fingertips, smoothing and smearing clay from the middle of the cylinder down to the bottom and spreading it out. This will form a wide, round foot to the stem. Make it as large as you like, provided it's big enough to be secure and at least 1/8 of an inch thick.

4. Press the stemless wine glass into the top of the cylinder, centering it. Press down just enough to form a hollow beneath the glass, holding it lightly in place.

5. Pull and smear some of the clay at the top of the cylinder up and around the base of the stemless glass. Cover about a 1/2 inch of the bottom of the glass all the way around.

6. Pinch the clay at the center of the stem, all the way around, to form a decorative ridge. Make similar ridges on other parts of the stem as desired.

7. Press glass gems or marbles into the clay to decorate it. Place them wherever you'd like them.

8. Smooth over the clay shape with wet fingers to remove irregularities. Wipe down the surface of the glass, gems and marbles with a damp rag to remove clay residue. Let the clay harden until dry and firm.

9. Cover the plastic and gems with masking tape. Tear tiny pieces for the tiny glass surfaces.

10. Spray the goblet with at least two layers of varnish. Let dry.

11. Remove the masking tape from the glass portions. Use the goblet and wash by hand. Do not submerge, as the air-dried clay will be water-resistant, but not fully waterproof.

References

• "The Big-Ass Book of Crafts;" Mark Montano and Auxy Espinoza; 2008