I’m beginning to plan out Christmas Gifts for 2018. My goal is to hand make each one for all of our friends and family. This would mean taking on new projects each weekend. I’m doing a quick test run by making mini planters for my sister’s birthday in early November.
I started with a home oven-bake clay called ‘Sculptey.’ This medium allows you to express your potting creativity without having to own a kiln or wheel. Starting simple was my goal. I looked up how to make a pinch pot on YouTube and took that as my template for little succulent planters. I tested out a few shapes until I landed on what I liked best - which was thumb-printed round pots (because, why not highlight how hand-crafted they are!).

Once my shapes were finalized, I was able to pop them in the oven for 25 minutes at 275 degrees. You can tell if they’re done as they’re no longer ‘rubbery’ when you poke them. After they cooled, I added a few layers of acrylic paint and then consecutive layers of acrylic varnish (both can be found at your local craft store). The layers of varnish really make them look like a finished piece! Can’t wait to send these to my sister and see what she thinks :)
