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How to Make a Patterned Air Dry Clay Bowl

This patterned air dry clay bowl is super cute and surprisingly easy to make! Roll out clay, shape it, and then add a beautiful patterned napkin to the bowl. It's a simple piece of DIY decor that looks great and is fun to make.
Active Time30 minutes
Drying Time3 days
Total Time3 days 30 minutes
Yield: 1 air dry clay bowl
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls supplies

Step 2: Choose a napkin

  • To decorate your bowl you'll need a regular paper napkin.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Unfold the napkin and carefully peel off the top patterned layer. You only need this top layer.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer

Step 3: Roll out the clay

  • Place a piece of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Add a ball of conditioned clay to the center of the plastic wrap and cover it with another piece.
    This ensures the clay won’t stick to the cutting board or your rolling pin.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Roll out the clay until it's about 3/8 inch thick.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Then place a bowl upside-down on the clay and use a knife to cut around it.
    We actually like to use the back of our craft knife or a dull butter knife to do this. This ensures you don't cut through the plastic wrap and can use it again.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer

Step 4: Add the napkin to the clay circle

  • Find a section of the napkin that you like and cut it to a smaller size -- just larger than the circle. Place it onto the clay and use your fingertips to smooth it out.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Now dip a cotton ball into acetone nail polish remover. Use the cotton ball to smooth out the napkin even more, helping it adhere to the clay.
    (Acetone can be harsh on skin, but you don't have to wear a glove unless you're wearing nail polish and don't want it ruined!)
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Trim the napkin down around the edge of the clay, leaving just a bit extra around it.
    Then pick up the plastic wrap to help you flip over the clay piece.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Cut another piece of napkin and use acetone to adhere it to the back of the clay. You can leave this napkin piece larger to help you shape it into the bowl.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer

Step 5: Shape the clay bowl and allow to dry

  • Pick up the clay piece and gently push it into the bowl.
    You can rip or cut off the excess napkin now.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • If needed, use more acetone to smooth down any areas of the napkin that separated a bit.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Allow to dry overnight.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Then remove the clay bowl from the bowl mold and set it upside-down so the bottom can dry.
    Let it dry overnight again.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer

Step 6: Add the finishing touches

  • Once the bowl is dry, use an emery board or nail file to clean up the edges, removing the excess napkin from the edge of the bowl.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Paint the rim of the dish with gold metallic paint. Allow to dry.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Then brush a coat of matte Mod Podge onto the bowl. Once the inside has dried, repeat on the outside of the bowl.
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Your patterned air dry clay bowl is complete!
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer
  • Have fun making these patterned trinket dishes in various sizes and patterns!
    Patterned air dry clay bowls with napkin transfer

Video

Notes

Looking for more decorative clay crafts? Here's a few of our favourites:
How to Make Clay Mushrooms
DIY Clay House
Clay Christmas Tree