Capture the beauty of nature with a DIY clay leaf bowl. This leaf shaped trinket dish is SO PRETTY and it’s really easy to make!
Create an imprint of a leaf in clay and then paint the bowl your favourite autumn colours. This homemade fall decor looks so beautiful on the mantel or as part of a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving dinner table. So grab a leaf from outside and let’s get crafting!
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How to Make a Clay Leaf Bowl
Celebrate the changing leaves of fall with a clay leaf bowl. This easy autumn clay craft will preserve nature’s beauty for years to come!
Check Out The Video Tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
Step 2: Roll out the clay
Step 3: Create the leaf impression and shape
Step 4: Allow the clay to dry
Step 5: Paint the clay leaf
Helpful Tips:
- Try to find a leaf that’s at least 6 to 8 inches across. This will give you a nicely sized leaf bowl.
- Even with a sealer, air dry clay is not waterproof. Be sure to keep your clay leaf trinket dish indoors.
What type of clay is best for making a clay leaf bowl?
We used DAS air dry clay to make our leaf dish. This clay is really easy to work with and gives great results.
You can also use a different brand of air dry clay, or make your own baking soda clay. This craft would also work well using salt dough.
What can I use to cut out the clay leaf shape?
We like the precision of a craft knife, but you can also use a paring knife from your kitchen. If you don’t want to use a sharp knife you can use a butter knife, though it doesn’t cut the clay quite as cleanly.
Or try using a plastic clay scraper or a toothpick.
Do I need to seal my clay leaf bowl?
We left our leaf dishes as is, but you can definitely brush on a coat of Mod Podge or use an acrylic spray sealer. These will add durability to your leaf bowl, protecting the paint from scratches. It will also make the dish easier to clean and give it some water resistance, stopping moisture in the air from warping it.
Choose a glossy sealer if you want a shiny look, or a matte sealer if you just want to enhance the look of the finished piece.
The metallic, antique sheen of these clay leaf bowls is so beautiful! Use your air dry clay leaf prints to hold keys, jewelry, or coins. Or even use it as a tealight holder!
These clay leaf dishes are fun to make for yourself, but they also make an awesome personalized homemade gift.
Here’s even more clay craft ideas:
DIY Ghost Tea Light Holder
DIY Clay House
Clay Christmas Tree
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
