Looking for a unique way to combine your love for fruit, plants, and crafts? This strawberry flower pot made from air dry clay is the perfect weekend project.
It’s whimsical, functional, and doesn’t require a kiln. Whether you’re using it to hold plants, pens, or paintbrushes, this DIY piece is sure to brighten any space.
Why This Plan Works
- No kiln or specialized tools required
- Easy-to-find materials and supplies
- Creative and versatile end product
- Improved stability with layered clay base
- Fun, sculptural design that resembles a real strawberry
What You Will Need
- 1kg DAS white modeling clay
- Sculpting tools (or improvised tools like chopsticks, disposable cutlery, etc.)
- Plastic cup and cling film
- Rolling pin or substitute (can, bottle, pipe)
- Scalpel or craft knife
- Old brush, fine sandpaper
- Red and yellow acrylic or spray paint
- Gloss varnish and spray-on acrylic sealer (optional)
- Two-part fast-acting epoxy (30ml)
- 3x6mm rhinestones for seeds
Step 1: Prep the Plastic Cup and Clay Slip
Choose a cup slightly larger and 2cm taller than your desired pot size. Mark the overhang for reference.
Fill the cup with rice and seal it to provide structure, then cover it with cling film.
Prepare a clay slip by soaking small clay pieces in water and setting it aside.
Step 2: Base Structure
Roll clay to 0.7–1.2 cm thick and wrap it around the cup, leaving 2cm at the top.
Pinch and smooth the edges. Cut a circle for the bottom and attach it. Let it dry upside down for 24 hours.
Step 3: Remove and Repair
Remove the cup. Use clay slip to seal cracks, filling them with thin clay rolls.
Cut a new clay circle, apply it to the bottom with slip, and allow it to dry until leathery.
Step 4: Continued – Top Half
Roll clay to 1–1.5 cm thickness and wrap the top half of the pot. Use clay slip to connect and smooth edges.
Add another clay circle to the bottom. Dry for 24 hours.
Step 5: Add Height
Add a smaller clay circle (1.5 cm thick) to the bottom to increase height. Attach with slip and dry for another 24 hours.
Step 6: Sculpt the Form
Apply slip and layer clay rolls from bottom to top to create the strawberry shape.
Press and smooth with your fingers, adjusting as needed until you’re happy with the form.
Step 7: Smoothing the Surface
Smooth with tools (plastic spoon, knife, etc.). Cut an irregular rim with a scalpel.
Brush with slip and sponge the surface with water for a final smooth texture.
Step 8: Create Seed Holes
Use a loop tool to carve shallow holes and a homemade dotting tool to shape them.
Smooth any errors with slip or water.
Step 9: Final Touches and Drying
Remove the inner cup. Fill cracks with slip and clay. Let the entire pot dry completely for up to 4 days, depending on climate.
Once bone-dry, sand smooth and brush off the dust.
Step 10: Painting the Pot
Paint with red acrylic or spray paint. Add darker red details to the seed pits for dimension. Paint the inside too, if desired.
Step 11: Waterproof with Epoxy
Mix 30ml of epoxy and coat the inside of the pot to prevent water damage.
Apply thoroughly with a disposable brush.
Step 12: Attach Rhinestone Seeds
Spray-paint rhinestones yellow.
Use a skewer with plasticine to pick up each rhinestone, dip in superglue, and press into the seed holes.
Step 13: Apply Varnish
Seal the rhinestones with brush-on gloss varnish. Then coat the entire pot. For extra shine, finish with spray-on acrylic sealer.
Step 14: Add Plants
Once everything is dry and sealed, add your plant or use it as a colorful organizer.
Note: Always allow adequate drying time between steps to ensure structural integrity and finish quality.
Other Details Display
- Clay thickness ranges from 0.7 cm to 1.5 cm
- Let each clay layer dry 24 hours for best results
- Clay slip is essential to bond wet to dry clay
- Drying upside down improves base shape
- Sanding enhances final finish before painting
- Rhinestones can be painted and glued with precision
- Epoxy prevents clay deterioration from moisture
- Optional spray sealer adds extra gloss and protection
Summary
This air dry clay strawberry flower pot is an easy and charming DIY craft that’s perfect for adding a splash of color to your home.
Follow these detailed steps to create a sturdy, plant-safe container with a glossy finish and rhinestone seeds that truly shine. Try this DIY strawberry flower pot today!
This plan is a contribution by [kura_kura in Craft]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!