Simple DIY for Adults + Kids: Clay Leaf Dish
Autumn is the one of our favorite times to get outside, go explore and talk about all that we see in nature. And it is a great time to make simple crafts with what we find! I wouldn’t call myself crafty and keep with simple DIYs, and this was a perfect fit! This leaf clay dish was fun and easy, and it will make a beautiful gift for the holidays too!
DIY Clay Leaf Dish
You will need:
Air dry clay
Craft paper
Rolling pin
Craft paint (we like the metallic colors!)
Paint brushes
Modge Podge gloss or other sealer
Various leaves from your yard
How-to:
First, explore around your yard and gather your leaves! We tried a few different leaf shapes until we found the ones we liked the best. Once you’ve gathered your leaves, the crafting can begin!
1. Cut out a piece of air dry clay, then roll it out about 1/2 inch thick, making sure your leaf will fit fully onto the clay. Then, press your leaf (vein side down) onto the clay. Make sure all parts of the leaf press in so that you get all the pretty nuances of the leaf!
2. Remove the leaf from the clay, and cut around the outline with a knife (have adults do this part), then remove the excess air dry clay from around your imprint.
3. Go around the perimeter of the leaf and gently press the sides up and in to create a small edge. There’s not right or wrong way to do this, just try and leave as much of the imprint in tact as possible!
4. Allow the clay to air dry and harden. We set ours on a baking rack so that both sides were exposed to air. After 24 hours they had hardened and were ready to paint!
5. Paint! We chose metallic colors, but vibrant reds, oranges and yellows would be pretty as well! Them metallic paints required two coats, and some lighter colors may need three.
6. Once the paint is dry, cover with a coat of Modge Podge gloss, then let that dry for 24 hours. After the seller is dry, have your children sign the back and write the year. Voila!
We love the way they turned out! Each one is a lovely piece that can be used as a ring dish or to hold small items like keys and coins, and my oldest can’t wait to wrap these up as Christmas gifts. There are a lot of variations here too! You could create smaller or larger dishes or even a leaf bowl by using different leaves! If you make some share them over on Instagram and tag me so I can see!! Happy crafting!
