Floral Patterned Clay Planter

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Scupley® Souffle™ polymer clay - white, teal, green, light blue, purple, gold
• Clay tools
• Liquid clay - translucent
• Clay pot
• Flat paintbrush
• Water and paper towel for cleanup
• Baking sheet or tile
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting mat
• Pasta machine
• Small clay rolling pin
• Ruler

DIRECTIONS:

1. Condition the clay by running it through a pasta machine until pliable without cracking. This can be done by hand as well.
2. Create a large flat sheet of white clay, large enough to cover the top portion of the pot. Apply a thin layer of liquid clay to the pot with the flat paintbrush and let set enough for it to still be tacky. Immediately clean your brush.
3. Apply the white sheet of clay to the pot, pushing it down evenly to remove bubbles and adhere it to the pot. Press the clay over the edges of the pot, trim the excess on the inside to about 1/2" down. Press the edge of the clay into the pot to secure in place. Repeat along the bottom edge just below the lip. Trim in the back where the two ends meet and gently press the edges together to hide the seam.
4. Roll out the other colors of clay to 1/8" and cut into floral shapes to add to the clay. Gently press the leaves, petals, stems and details into the white clay, wrapping the design around the pot.
5. Once the entire white area is covered, place the pot onto a tile or a tray covered with aluminum foil. Tent the entire pot with aluminum foil and bake as directed on the package (325 degrees for 15 min).
6. Roll out another sheet of coordinating teal clay, wide and long enough to cover the bottom portion of the pot. Apply a thin layer of liquid clay, the same as step 2, allowing it to get tacky. Cut a long clean edge using a ruler and X-Acto® blade. Line the clean cut edge under the lip on the pot where the 2 clays meet. Gently press in place and smooth to remove any air bubbles. Trim in the back where the two ends meet and gently press the edges together to hide the seam. Flip the pot over and gently cut away any excess along the bottom under the pot.
7. Once the bottom is covered, place the pot onto a tile or a tray covered with aluminum foil. Tent with aluminum foil and bake as directed on the package (325 degrees for 15 min).

Craft Hack Tips and Tricks:

• Wash your hands regularly between colors to reduce the transfer of colors from clay. You can use baby wipes to help wipe away clay discoloration.
• When baking, make sure to always tent your clay. To do this create a foil dome to go over your piece and help regulate the temperature on the clay and keep it from scorching. This also helps maintain the colors.