How to Make a Small Square Vase

Making a square vase is an easy and fun craft for the family.

Not only is a handcrafted vase a way to make art for the home, this craft is a good way to spend quality time with children while encouraging their individual creativity. This project uses common craft clay found at hobby stores. The process is simple and can be completed in one day.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic tablecloth
• Air-drying clay
• Plastic tumbler
• Rolling pin
• Plastic knife
• 3-inch to 4-inch square cardboard box
• Waterproofing spray sealant

Instructions

1. Cover a work surface with the plastic tablecloth. Do not use newspaper, as it could leave black ink on the clay.

2. Place a ball of clay on the tablecloth. Use a rolling pin or a plastic tumbler to roll the clay into a square at least 12 inches by 12 inches.

3. Place the cardboard box in the middle of the square. Lightly press the box into the clay to make an imprint of the box bottom. Carefully turn the box on its side from the first position, then imprint the sides of the box in all four directions. Remove the box and be sure that the bottom and all four sides are imprinted into the clay.

4. Using a plastic knife, cut the clay pieces along the imprinted lines. Once the sides are cut, replace the cardboard box onto the center of the bottom imprint. Fold up the clay sides onto the cardboard box. Pinch the edges of the clay box sides together. Allow the formed clay to dry until hardened while still on the cardboard box, which helps the vase keep its shape.

5. When the clay is dry, remove the cardboard box and discard. Apply waterproofing spray sealer to the inside and outside of the vase and let dry. Apply a second coat if you plan to put water in the vase.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate the outside of the vase as desired after the waterproofing sealer has dried.

• Apply the sealer spray in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Make a clay vase