By Gabrielle. Photos & styling by Amy Christie.
I could tell you that this clay containers project came about because I wanted to organize my makeup drawer (and I do need to organize that drawer), but the truth is, I got the idea to imprint lace into clay, and wanted good excuse to try it. Hah!
A few months ago, I came across a plate that had a crocheted doily imprinted onto it, and I wondered if lace would work just as well. So I combined some lace samples from the fabric store with air-dry clay, and tada!, now I have the cutest little set of containers in world. I’m using them here for makeup brushes, cotton balls, and jewelry, but I’m sure these clay containers would work fabulously on a desk as well.
Air-dry clay is so easy to work with. Just sculpt and allow to fully dry. It is easy to manipulate and holds texture well. Oh. And did you know air-dry clay can be tinted any color you like? I’m kind of into the ceramic look of the plain white, but if you’re craving color, the skies the limit with this clay containers project.
Let’s begin!
How to Make your Own Lacy Clay Containers:
Supplies for your Lacy Clay Containers:
–air-dry clay
-rolling pin or brayer (I used sizing rings to make thickness uniformity easier)
-lace (the thicker the better)
-cutting blade
-damp towel, optional
-smooth surface or parchment paper
-containers to act as molds
Roll out the clay. Cut a circle for the base. Set it aside. (You might want to store it in a plastic baggie just to keep it from drying out.) Cut out a rectangle to the height you want and wide enough to wrap around the container you’re using for a mold.
On the rectangle, lay out the lace and roll with a rolling pin to make an impression.
Then remove the lace.
Wrap the rectangle around the container mold and use your fingers to connect the seam. The damp towel might be handy right now. Because the clay gets a little dried out while you work, use the towel to dampen the edges before connecting them. They will stick together better and more easily when if they are a little damp.
Then place the base circle onto the cylinder. Again, use your fingers to connect the seam all the way around. The damp towel is good here too. For the circle dish, cut a circle and then lay in a dish of your desired shape. Use your fingers to gently press the clay circle into the dish form.
Allow the clay containers to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions. I found it best to leave the mold container in place until it’s dry, to make sure it doesn’t slump.
Remove the jars from the molds and then fill as you wish.
These clay containers is such a fun project — it can be used in so many ways. I think it would be cute to do in a classroom — maybe have the kids make these as mother’s day gifts. Or it would be a fun activity at a girly birthday party. Or you could even make these as little planters to decorate a table at a wedding feast, fill them with mini succulents and then give them to guests as a party favor.
As usual, if you try this lacy clay containers project, I’d love to hear. Feel free to send pics!
P.S. — Like to make things? Find all sorts of wonderful projects here.
Sarah
January 14, 2015 at 12:53 pmThese are stunning. I’ve been on the search for simple white (inexpensive) planters for months and I think I’ll try this instead! Quick question–onece the clay is dry, how does it hold up to water (dirt, moisture, etc.)?
Elisabeth
January 14, 2015 at 6:13 pmUnfortunately, air dry clay won’t hold up to water (at all). Only clays fired in kilns at very high temperatures and glazed will be water-safe. Perhaps you could fit the inside with a small jar to hold the dirt and water?
Sarah
January 15, 2015 at 3:17 pmThank you!
Design Mom
January 19, 2015 at 11:44 amThanks for jumping in with an answer Elisabeth! It was a crazy week, so I appreciate the help.
Lynne H
January 14, 2015 at 12:54 pmI love this!! It is so pretty, yet understated. I’m not super crafty, but I am going to try my hand (s) with this!
Sarah
January 14, 2015 at 5:15 pmLovely! If you were to tint the clay, what would you use?
Also, where are those coral towels from? Lovely!
Design Mom
January 19, 2015 at 2:31 pmHi Sarah! The towels are from Target.
As for tinting the clay, after it dries, you can use watercolor, acrylic, and these paints. I hope that helps!
Jessica
January 14, 2015 at 6:08 pmThese are so pretty and simple. Great idea!
PM
January 14, 2015 at 9:19 pmThese look so lovely! Love this idea for organizing makeup!
Katie Harding
January 15, 2015 at 9:08 amI am loving these! They look so pretty, I can’t wait to make some for my bathroom!
Design Mom
January 19, 2015 at 11:43 amOh goody! So glad you like them. I hope you’ll send me a photo when you make some.
Link Love - Maritza LisaMaritza Lisa
January 16, 2015 at 12:22 pm[…] Lace and clay? Yes please! […]
Interview with Elle Americano | Fashion Bloggers And Style
January 17, 2015 at 8:57 pm[…] DIY: Lacey Clay Containers […]
Sally from Little Hiccups
January 28, 2015 at 11:57 amAir drying clay is such a fun medium to work with – for both grown ups and kids.
My kids and I made leaf ornaments last year by pressing collected leaves into air dyring clay. We made them as Thanksgiving decorations but they’re still hanging up! You can see them here: http://www.littlehiccups.net/2014/12/clay-leaf-ornaments.html
You’ve got me thinking me need to get the clay out again and make more leaf impressions but this time turn them into little dishes and cups.
ann wood
January 31, 2015 at 5:48 pmHi Gabrielle – Just so you know – this post and other content of yours has been posted in its entirety here:
https://wheethepeople2.wordpress.com
I’m guessing without permission.
Best wishes- ann
Valentine’s DIY | Travelcraft Journal
February 5, 2015 at 7:24 pm[…] DIY: Lacey Clay Containers: This is a tutorial on making dishes from clay and imprinting with lace. Design Mom used the pieces […]
The 10 Most Awesome Springtime Decoration Tutorials to Try - Tutorials Press
February 18, 2015 at 7:26 am[…] Follow the tutorial here […]
DIY: Διακοσμητικό Βαζάκι Από Δαντέλα Και Πηλό | Misswebbie.gr
March 27, 2015 at 6:12 am[…] http://www.designmom.com […]
Judy Belcher
March 30, 2015 at 2:26 pmHi Gabrielle, love your post about the lacy air dried clay. So cute, can’t wait to try it. Bty, I live in Oakland KY.
Mel
November 25, 2015 at 1:48 amI love this project. I will try to have beautiful pots for my brushes.
Minda
April 27, 2016 at 11:18 pmFantastic website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew
of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable
individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me
know. Kudos!
75 Best DIY Room Decor Ideas for Teens - DIY Projects for Teens
May 26, 2017 at 9:48 pm[…] designmom […]
75 Best DIY Room Decor Ideas for Teens - Diy
May 26, 2017 at 10:20 pm[…] designmom […]
Lola Corazon
August 13, 2017 at 11:12 amCould it be waterproofed by sealing with a matte acrylic?
50 Crafts that Make Money for Teens Online | HMK
December 4, 2017 at 3:13 pm[…] Ceramics/Clay […]
Using Clay to Organize | It's Handmade
January 16, 2018 at 7:28 pm[…] using it to make attractive holders for what needs organizing. Gabrielle of Design Mom does that in this tutorial for a set of vanity containers. I’d probably go with … Read […]
Mother’s Day and Clay – user's Blog!
May 6, 2018 at 11:01 pm[…] If your mom (or aunt or other important female in your life) would appreciate a custom vanity set this tutorial from Gabby of Design Mom might do the […]
22 Ideas para transformar tu casa en 1 día sin mucho dinero – Doze7
May 12, 2018 at 8:49 pm[…] © designmom […]
Découvre 22 idées pour transformer ta maison en un jour sans investir beaucoup d’argent | Astuce de fille
June 24, 2018 at 5:29 am[…] Tu peux voir comment réaliser ces accessoires ici. […]
17 Beautiful and Easy Air-Dried Clay Projects - Live Better Lifestyle
September 3, 2018 at 3:59 am[…] Full tutorial from Design Mom. […]
23 Ideas That Can Transform Your House in Just One Day | world news from the latest feed that make you trill
October 6, 2018 at 9:39 am[…] You can learn how to make these containers here. […]
23 Ideas That Can Transform Your House in Just One Day - Smiles TV
October 8, 2018 at 9:13 am[…] © designmom […]
15 HOME IDEAS that will TRANSFORM your Home | MyLoList
October 12, 2018 at 7:17 am[…] You can learn how to make these containers here. […]
23 Ideas That Can Transform Your House in Just One Day – Find Your Matchs
October 12, 2018 at 3:29 pm[…] © designmom […]
23 Ideas That Can Transform Your House in Just One Day | Zepp Facts
January 2, 2019 at 7:26 am[…] © designmom […]
60 Brilliant DIY Room Decor Ideas for Teens - I Heart Crafty
January 19, 2019 at 6:35 pm[…] Clay is the favorite material of the young girls to play with and make some fun stuff out of it. So here we have this lovely idea of making jewelry containers out of the clay but with a pattern of lace on it which is really making it look beautiful and fun and spiced up.Here is the link where you can get all the information about this cute project and make on your own and organize your jewelry in the easy and decorative way.Link here designmom […]