DIY Air Dry Clay Bowl

Check out the video to see the whole process, before reading the article.

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll out the clay until it's about a quarter of an inch thick. The amount of clay you require depends on size of the bowl that you're making.

Step 2: How to Get the Bowl Shape

You will need to use a plastic bowl you don't mind cutting up, I used a takeaway bowl I got from a ramen restaurant.

Using vaseline as a release agent, coat the plastic bowl with a generous amount. This will help with taking the plastic bowl out of the clay bowl

Step 3: Making the Bowl

Using the clay you have rolled out, cover the plastic bowl with the clay. Smooth down over the bowl and cut away any extra clay not needed. Leave until the clay bowl has completely dried, this can take up to 24hours.

Step 4: Remove the Plastic Bowl Mold

Once the clay has completely dried, you can remove the plastic bowl. You may need to cut the bowl with scissors an/or a knife. Be careful when doing this as it can be easy to break the clay bowl in this step.

Step 5: Sanding

Use sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or cracks. Then use a brush and some water to dissolve any dust particles left over from sanding, this will ensure your paint will go on smoothly.

Step 6: Painting

You're now ready to paint your bowl. I like to prime anything I paint with white to start off with and then paint colours on top. This will help any bright colours pop as they'll be on a white base rather than the terracotta clay base.

Step 7: Glazing

To finish off the bowl you can glaze it, I use triple thick glaze. You can brush this on just like paint and it leaves a glossy surface.
Leave to dry and your bowl is complete!

Comments

[OldGuy52]

I'm a bit confused about this project. With it being as thin as it is and not firing it don't you end up with a brittle project? is it the paint, etc that provides the durability?

[JamieC1982]

I make porcelain clay that air dries and it's just as strong as see store bought, kiln fired clay! Just cheaper and a little easier to work with!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ By the way, I LOVE YOUR BOWL!! IM GOING TO GIVE IT A SHOT NOW!

[RegularNebula]

Nope, it's not brittle, it doesn't need firing as it's air dry clay. Just make sure you have a thickness of at least a quarter of an inch. It might depend on brand but I find that 'Das' air dry clay is a good brand to use, from my experience.

[NathanDavidson]

I can never get that perfect shape! I must never give up because you make this project look so easy and fun! People are always so receptive with clay bowls as gifts and that is the reason why I love making them.