How about adding a DIY clay flower garland to your list of projects you want to make this spring? I kinda have a thing for garlands, and I’m so happy that I know how to make them with clay too. Today I’m sharing a quick tutorial on how to make perfectly imperfect air dry clay flowers.
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DIY Clay Flower Garland
Air dry clay is a new medium for me, and I’m having fun teaching myself how to work with it. The last time I made anything with clay was probably in elementary school or maybe it was kindergarten.
Out of all the animals in the world, I decided to make a yellow alligator covered in green freckles. Of course, I proudly presented it to my mom.
The reason why I’m sharing my little story is to encourage you to try new crafts too. I’m starting out with a very simple project, and when I’m ready I’ll take it to the next level.
This is one of those projects you can work on at your own pace. While doing some spring cleaning, I would take short breaks, and make one or two clay flowers at a time. This is what I call small scale production, but in no time at all, I had 12 flowers for a garland.
Supplies
- white air dry clay
- assortment of clay tools
- glass bottle or acrylic roller
- mini flower cookie cutter 1.5″
- sponge and water bowl
- white embroidery thread (twisted skein)
- scissors
- plastic bag with zip closure
How To Make A Clay Flower Garland
- Cut off a small amount of your air dry clay about 1″ square and roll it into a ball. (Be sure to keep your clay in an air tight plastic bag to keep it soft and moist.)
- Place clay on the acrylic board or work surface, and roll out the clay with an acrylic rolling pin or a smooth glass bottle to your desired thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out your flower shape, then create a hole for hanging. I’m using a plastic cocktail straw to make a small hole, so that the size will be somewhat uniform on each flower.
- Carefully lift the clay flower off your board, so you can clean up the edges. I like using my fingers to clean up the edges and a wooden molding tool between the petal points. (Save the leftovers for the next flower for project.)
- Keep a wet sponge in a bowl next to your work area, so you can dampen your fingers with water to smooth out the clay or fix imperfections.
- To make the tiny holes in the center of the flower, I’m using the metal needle tool.
- Be sure to turn the flowers over every hour or so to help the clay dry as evenly as possible. Let the flowers dry overnight before creating the garland. Note I’m keeping the flowers very plain for this project without any paint or glaze.
- To create a garland cut about two to three inches of the embroidery thread for each flower, then tie and knot each flower to a long piece of string or embroidery thread.
Shop Supplies
I’m pretty happy with my first air dry clay project, and I think this garland would be so cute in a little girls room. What do you think?
By the way, one of the reasons why I’m jumping into air dry clay is so I can practice now, then make Christmas ornaments this summer. I’m thinking if I start in the summer before the fall rush hits, I’ll have more time to be creative. Well, that’s my theory anyway LOL!
Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with inspiration that you can use right now!
