DIY Modern Gold Clay Salt Cellar and Spoon

Last time at this year I was wrist deep in clay and just past the stage of struggling to get my piece of clay (which would eventually become a bowl) centered on the pottery wheel. Taking that pottery class not only allowed me to cross something off my to-do list that had been on it for years but also made me realize how much I loved working with clay. This year I opted to not make the time to go back to the pottery studio but instead decided to dive deep into learning new marketing strategies for Dear Handmade Life. I know, my winter ‘hobby’ this year seems a little dull but seriously it’s been invigorating! AND… if anyone would have told me a year ago how excited I’d be to learn about social media, Facebook ads and launching strategies I would have told them they were nuts. BUT, I’m seriously loving it! However I’ve been missing that feeling of clay between my fingers so I got some air-dry clay and have been experimenting with it. I created this abstract painted clay necklace. Then I made this modern gold salt cellar and spoon. Air-dry clay is inexpensive and easy to work with and although I don’t get the same thrill I get when working on the pottery wheel, for now, it’s the best I can do to satisfy my pottery itch.

-Nicole S.

What to get:
-Basic clay tools (we like this set)
–Air-dry clay
-Rolling pin
-Wax paper
-Bowl of water
-Paintbrushes
-Acrylic paint

1. Create a ball from the clay (about 2-3 inches in diameter).

2. Press your thumbs into the center to create an indent. Continue pressing the clay out from the center until you have a bowl.

3. Wet your fingers and run them along the edges to smooth them out.
4. To create the spoon roll another ball of clay (about 1-2 inches in diameter).

5. Roll out the ball of clay with a rolling pin until it’s flat.

6. Using one of your clay tools cut the shape of a small spoon out from the center of the clay.

7. Press your finger into the round end of the spoon to give it a bit of depth.
8. Let the bowl and spoon dry overnight.
9. Once dry, paint the bowl and spoon with acrylic paint.

*If you’re using your bowl for salt be sure to use non-toxic paints.
*If you work on a sheet of wax paper it will help the clay not stick to the surface you’re working on.