DIY Network

Clay Flower Pot Make this sweet pot, complete with clay flower. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-509

Air-dry clay makes this darling flower pot a snap.

Flower pots are a natural for terra cotta clay, and it’s easy to make your own little posey pot – and even decorate it with a terra cotta flower. Just grab some self-hardening clay and follow Michele Beschen’s B. Original how-to.

When working with self-hardening clay, remember that it’s not food-safe and won’t be waterproof unless it’s been sealed after drying. So, make sure to seal it thoroughly before planting any real posies in this pretty little pot. Scroll down to get started.

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Clay Flower Pot

Materials:

self-hardening clay
18-gauge copper wire, about 12" long
shellac and brush
needle-nose pliers

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

• Start with a fist-sized lump of clay. Pinch and work the clay to form a small pot; try to keep the walls at about 1/4" thick (figure A).

• Use a clay cutter or knife to cut a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot (figure B).

• To create terra cotta flowers, start by rolling a ball of clay about 1" in diameter. Gently roll one end of he ball to gradually create a pear shape.

• Run the tip of the 12" wire through the ball lengthwise, starting at the thin end of the pear shape. Let about 1" of wire stick out of the thick end of the pear.

• Coil the wire sticking out of the thick end to create a flat little curl. Create another curl in the wire at the bottom of the ball. These curls will hold the clay in place on the wire (figure C).

• To create the petals for the flower, roll another small ball of clay and form it into a pear shape. Flatten this pear shape until it’s about 1/8" thick.

• Score one side of the petal and a section of the flower body on the wire (figure D).

• Apply a little slip (clay mixed with water) to the scored surfaces, then gently press them together. The slip works like glue; smooth it and the clay pieces to stick them together (figure E).

• Create and attach them more petals in the same manner, layering them up until you get the look you desire. Flower books have plenty of ideas for different flower and petal shapes.

• Run the tail end of the wire through one side of the pot from the inside out. Do not cut away the excess wire at this time (figure F).

• Score one edge of the flower and the lip of the pot. Apply some slip and gently press the flower on to the lip.

• Position the flower so that its weight is distributed evenly. Don’t let the weight of the flower collapse the side of the pot.

• Smooth out any score marks and do any final carving or shaping.

• Let the pot air dry for two or more days.

• Create a few more coils and curls in the tail of the excess wire.

• Seal the piece with at least two coats of shellac.