How to Use Paper Clay
I discovered a new product for paper crafting! Paper clay is very easy to use, and I can’t wait to share my DIY pot.
I have made many crafts with clay before, but I have to be honest—until a few days ago, I wasn’t even aware of paper clay. The best news? Paper clay was fun to work with!
My previous clay crafts were all made with air-dry clay, similar to paper clay. Just to give you an idea.
Some of the things I have made with air dry clay are Personalized DIY Christmas Ornaments, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Gift Tags, Clay Valentine Conversation Hearts, DIY English Advertising Ceramic Pots. Valentine’s Hearts DIY, DIY Terra Cotta Pots in Easter Colors, Pink Tabletop Christmas Tree DIY, DIY Christmas Ornament, The Best Ceramic Planter DIY, Fall Table Setting DIY, and Valentine Crafts.
I am so happy to have discovered paper clay!
What is Paper Clay?
Paper Clay is made from all-natural ingredients, is non-toxic, and is biodegradable. It is basically clay mixed with shredded paper or other fibers.
I must say that I love how this came out. It was straightforward to make, and I loved that I could use some lavender from my garden to leave an “impression” on the paper clay!
There are so many different uses for a bowl like this. I love that it looks great in my craft room and the back patio. The uses are endless!
I can’t wait to make another one. While I am not exactly sure what I will make, I know that I will use paper clay.
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How to Make a Paper Clay Pot
I must admit that I started this project without knowing what I was doing. I knew I wanted to make a pot, but I thought I was going to make a decorative edge with the patterned serrated knife. My plans changed halfway through, and I love how it turned out.
Here’s what you need to make this paper clay pot.
- Creative Paper Clay Modeling Material – two 8 oz. packages
- A jar or bowl to use as your mold. Be sure the mold is larger at the bottom than at the top. I used a large mason jar
- Rolling pin
- Acrylic paint (I used a light brown color) and a small brush
- Matte Mod Podge and Paintbrush
I wanted to mention that you can also make your own paper clay (google it for a recipe). I decided that was too much work and bought the paper clay instead.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how to make a paper clay pot.
- one – roll the paper clay flat to about 1/4 inch
- two – cut the clay about 1″ larger than the bottom of the bowl and lightly form it around the edges
- three – roll out more clay for the sides of the bowl
- four – lay the clay around the side of the pot
- five – roll more clay so that it completely covers the bowl
- six – turn the bowl upside down and gently press the two pieces together, leaving the clay loose and not tight
- seven – cut the edge so that it is straight across the top (measuring with a ruler is suggested)
- eight – gently remove the bowl from the paper clay mold.
- nine – when removing the bowl, you may need to use a knife to cut it away from the sides
- ten – smooth the edges inside and out on the clay bowl
- eleven – using fresh plants, such as lavender, press them into the clay
- twelve – once the plant has left an indentation, remove
- thirteen – let the pot dry for at least one day (a hairdryer will help it dry faster)
- fourteen – using a small brush, lightly highlight all of the indentations made from the plants
- fifteen – once the paint is dry, seal the inside and out with Mod Podge
- sixteen – use the paper clay pot however you want; just be sure not to use any liquids inside the pot
Frequently Asked Questions
Paper clay is clay that is mixed with shredded paper or other fibers and is a solid but lightweight clay. It can be fired in a kiln to set. Air-dry clay does not need to be fired (you cook it in the oven), and it dries very well.
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I love this little pot you made. I look forward to trying it sometime. I really like that you pressed the lavender into it. Great job.
I’ve been using paper clay for years, very pliable and easy to work with. I recently used it to fix/mold a bottom piece of a lamp that my one cat knocked over and broke off. I molded it, let it dry for several days, then painted/stained it to match. You would never know it was broke to begin with. I’ve also used it for several projects for my son for school as well.
Love this pot especially the lavender touch. I’ve never tried paper clay but will now !
With pots or containers that can’t have water in them I often use a glass jar to hold water for flowers or plants
Thank you for sharing this beautiful project
Thank you so much Erin for reaching out. I am so happy that you enjoyed this post! Yes, for this pot, I definitely used a liner of glass. Happy Friday to you!
Love paper clay. Have used it for so many fun things! Your pot is beautiful.
I love this! Are you going to show how to make your spice rack? I would love to do that project too! Thanks!
Love the paper clay pot! Purchased my paper clay & going to give it a try this weekend. Also just wanted to tell you that I’ve jumped right in making pretty much everything you’ve presented and LOVE everything. So many things folks lived getting, especially at the holidays. Thank you for sharing your creativity.
Beautiful! have you ever seen the things that IOD Designs do with paper clay. They have these amazing molds that use the paper clay and you can glue the designs to wood and glass and make wonderful things.
That sounds amazing Carole!
Thanks for the useful tips. This article was very informative.