Learn how to make your own pressed flower jewelry dish from polymer clay, a few flowers from your yard, and craft paint.
Recently I came across a pretty ceramic soap dish made by Salt Marsh Pottery. It was one of the items we used to sell at the herbal gift shop.
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As I was looking at it I wondered if I could make a little pressed flower jewelry dish from polymer clay. So I went out to Hobby Lobby and purchased some polymer clay and a plastic clay kit with a roller and cutter.
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How to Make a Pressed Flower Jewelry Dish
Supplies
- Polymer clay
- Flowers and leaves from the garden
- Oven safe bowl - (dollar store)
- Rolling pin for clay (anything round, not your baking tools)
- Craft Paints
- Varnish
Start by picking a few flowers. Rinse them well and let them air dry.
In the meantime work on softening the clay. I don't have a special tool to condition the clay for rolling so I sat in front of the TV and used my hands to knead it until it was soft and pliable.
This was the hardest part and took me about 20 minutes.
Next, roll out the clay on some parchment paper until it was about 1/4 inch thick.
Place some of the flowers on and roll it gently into the clay to make an impression.
Gently remove the plant material and used a pin to lift out any stragglers.
Use something like a plastic round container to trace a circle and cut it out.
Place the clay into a small ovenproof bowl. I had read somewhere that you shouldn't use your regular utensils or dinnerware when working with polymer clay. I used one that I bought from the dollar store.
The directions on the particular clay said you bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
Once the clay is done baking let it cool, and then turned it upside down on some paper towels and tap on the bottom until it comes out.
Use some heavy sandpaper to sand off any rough edges.
Next, use craft paints to color and fill in the impressions to match the real flower.
Once the paint dries add a nice clear varnish to give the entire piece some shine and protection.
I think they turned out great.
I'll admit they are a far cry from the fine craftsmanship at Salt Marsh, but sometimes it's just fun to do it yourself. And, I think with some planning and practice, this project could only get better and better.
Do you ever go to bed with earrings on? I hate getting out of bed but worry about losing studs if I place them on the nightstand so this jewelry dish is the perfect solution.
It would also make a great gift, don't you think?
P.S. You may also like these Alcohol Ink Jewelry Dishes. They are less work and a bit messy but really fun and easy to make. Or you may want to try this Floral Handmade Clay Tray using pressed stems of lavender flowers.
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Handmade Pressed Flower Jewelry Dish
Equipment
Materials
- Polymer clay
- Flowers and leaves from the garden
- Oven safe bowl
- Rolling pin for clay
- Craft Paints
- Varnish
Instructions
- Gather a few flowers.
- Rinse them well and let them air dry.
- Use your hands to knead the clay until it is soft and pliable.
- Roll out the clay on parchment paper until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place some of the flowers on and roll it gently into the clay to make an impression.
- Gently remove the plant material, with a pin if necessary.
- Trace a circle and cut it out.
- Place the clay into a small ovenproof bowl.
- Bake at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes.
- Once the clay is done baking let it cool.
- Turn it upside down on some paper towels and tap on the bottom until it comes out.
- Use some heavy sandpaper to sand off any rough edges.
- Use craft paints to color and fill in the impressions to match the real flower.
- Let dry.
- Cover with a clear varnish to give the entire piece some shine and protection.
Melissa S
They look fantastic. My mom will be visiting i June., I think this would be fun, grown up craft to do. Thank you for the instructions.
Patti Estep
You are very welcome. I love the idea of sharing it with your mother!
Ann
adorable!
michelle doolittle
I just made one! I trimmed around the circle with scissors, which turned out nice and clean edges. Also, I used small "fake" flowers and it worked out great! love yours!!
Patti
Both great ideas Michelle. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley
Are these safe to wash or eat from? Also, what type of varnish/sealant did you use/recommend?
Thanks!
Patti
Hi Ashley,
I don't believe that polymer clay is suitable for eating off of. These were meant to hold earrings and rings etc.. Also, I used a varnish that was sold with the craft paints. I simply painted it on the dishes once the colored paint dried. You could probably also use spray varnish.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Laura / Pet Scribbles
These little dishes are perfect! Love these!
Patti
Thanks Laura.
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I think these turned out beautiful! I've been wanting to make some little bowls like these to hold my earrings. I like how you used flowers to imprint a design. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.
Patti
Thanks Linda. They were fun to make and I definitely want to try them again when I have more time now that I've made a couple.
Betty
I love this project! I'm not artistic in the least when it comes to painting art, but maybe I can do this. Thanks for the tutorial!!
Patti
Hi Betty,
You certainly can. As I mentioned the hardest part was conditioning the clay. Thanks for the lovely comment.
Patti
Betty
My husband had a grand idea: using my pasta machine as a conditioner since I never make pasta. 🙂 I don't know if it will work, but it's a thought.
Patti
Great idea.
Pat Schwab
A pasta machine works great with clay. Do not use for food after using clay in it.
Patti Estep
Great idea Pat.
Thanks for sharing!
Pat Schwab
Clay artists use pasta machines all the time. Once it has been used with clay it is no longer food safe.
Patti Estep
Hi Pat,
Yes I have heard of using a pasta maker. It would certainly help a lot with the conditioning. I will have to keep my I out for one at the Goodwill or garage sale.
Thanks for this helpful comment,
Patti