Clay pots are a great family activity that can be used to create many different craft items. With a little paint, markers, and rubber stamps you can transform an ordinary clay pot into a beautiful masterpiece to display in your house or on your front porch.
In the past terracotta clay pots have been used to plant flowers and display on your patio or porch. Now, terracotta clay pots can make a wonderful gift for a family member, neighbor or even school teacher. The great thing about clay pots is you don’t need to run out to the store and buy new ones. Cracked or weathered clay pots will work just fine, especially if you are planning on leaving your creation outside.
Soften the appearance of your clay pots with dry sphagnum moss, real moss, or low-growing plants. This gives the clay pot a beautiful look if it is being displayed outdoors. If you are using your terracotta clay pots as planters, be sure to pick a shady or sunny location, depending upon the flowers you plant.
Here are some great clay pot craft ideas:
If you want to involve your kids in a fun craft, try making terracotta clay pot wind chimes with them. They are pretty easy to make and your kids will love displaying their work to their grandparents. Here are a few materials you will need to get started:
Five or six 2 inch terracotta pots.
Plastic craft lace.
Beads. Any size bead will work.
Acrylic paint and brushes.
Scissors.
Bells.
Stencils, stickers or anything else you want to use to decorate the clay pots.
Now its time to transform the clay pots into wind chimes. Start by painting the clay pots with a variety of colors. Then, let the pots dry (usually about 30 minutes). Thread the lace through the drainage hole in the bottom of the clay pot and attach the bell inside.
Then you will add the rest of the pots, putting about 5 beads between each. Make a loop at the bottom of each pot to prevent the clay pots from falling. Make a large loop in the craft lace at the top. Now you can hang your chime by the loop at the top.
Some other fun clay pot ideas are to make a birdbath, bird feeder, candy dish, planting pot, candle holders, and you can even shape the pots to look like people and animals.
If you choose to make your terracotta clay pots into a planter pot, be sure to put a finish on the inside. Seal the inside of the clay pot with 2 to 3 coats of oil or water based polyurethane. If you are using the pot as a decorative item, seal the inside with water based polyurethane or craft acrylic sealant. This allows the pot to clean up easily if you convert it from one craft to another.
Here is a great clay pot craft that you can tailor to fit any holiday. Use fabric, wallpaper, wrapping paper, paint, or any other craft decal to create a fun pattern on the outside. For Easter, try stenciling an egg or Easter rabbit on the clay pot. For the 4th of July, paint a flag or use patriotic colors to create a fun, decorative pot. Here are a few items you will need to get started:
Terracotta clay pot
Wallpaper, paint, craft paper, or fabric
Glue or Glue gun
Scissors with a decorative edge
Sunflower seeds or Pumpkin seeds
Cut out the wallpaper, craft paper, or fabric with the decorative scissors. Glue them onto the pot in different patterns. Paint the pot in different areas to spruce it up a little. Paint the sunflower or pumpkin seeds different colors and attach them with glue to the pot. Now you can plant beautiful flowers inside your creative pot and display it in your home!