This craft project encourages the exploration of materials, textures and patterns. Have a look at what objects you can find around the house or on a walk and see what fun shapes they make when rolled into clay. Lace, dried flowers and fresh leaves make my favourite imprints, but when you’re feeling creative, there’s no end to the textures you can find.
You will need
air-dry clay
fabric
rolling pin
lace
cookie cutters
sponge
pencil
ribbon
Optional
paint brushes
paint
PVA glue
To make
On a flat surface, roll out the air-dry clay onto the fabric. The fabric prevents the clay from sticking to the table.
Using your rolling pin, gently press the lace into the clay.
Peel back the lace to reveal the textured imprint and cut out the decorations with the cookie cutters.
If the decorations have any rough edges, these can be smoothed down with a wet sponge.
Make a small hole in the top of each decoration. This can be done by pushing a pencil through the top of the decoration.
Once your decorations have dried, you have the option of decorating them with paint or biodegradable glitter. You can also coat them with PVA glue for a glossy finish or you may prefer them plain. After any final touches have been added, leave the decorations to dry.
String your decorations up with ribbon, and they are ready for the tree.
Other objects to try rolling into the clay
pressed flowers
scrunched paper
shells
scrap fabric
fresh leaves
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Isobel Higley lives in Bristol with her partner and their two pet goldfish (Coco and Chanel). Isobel has a passion for pottery and you can find her ceramic work at isobelhigley.com or follow her on Instagram @isobelhigley.
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Photography by Matthew Broadhead
matthewbroadhead.com and on Instagram @matthew_broadhead
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First published in Issue 76. Accurate at the time the issue went to print.
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