Introduction: Make a Mini Strawberry Pot Planter With Air Dry Clay
This is such a fun project for anyone who's is looking to make a little planter! The best part about it is the self watering system! String can be used to help water the plants and keep the soil moist! I haven't used air drying clay in a long time, so this project was definitely a little bit of a learning experience for me, so come and learn along with me! All you'll need is a few basic supplies...
Supplies
- Newspaper (or something of the sorts to protect your workspace)
- Parchment paper or Wax paper (create your pot on this so it doesn't stick)
- Air drying clay (I used Das, but you can use any air drying clay that you would like though)
- Cup of water in a disposable cup
- Plastic knife
- Paper or plastic straw
- Paint (optional)
- Modge Podge or similar top coat to help seal it
- Dirt and a plant or seeds
Step 1: Create Your Base Shape
We're going to start with a basic pinch pot. I used about a third of my clay for this step. Start by rolling your clay into a ball. Place your thumb in the center to create a hole and keep pinching until you have a bowl shape.
Step 2: Make the Base Taller
My bowl wasn't tall enough for how I wanted it to work, so I got out some more clay (about a quarter of what was left) and rolled it out. Then I flattened it to the thickness of the pot I already made. Now to attach it! Place your new strip of clay on the rim and pinch and smush the clay together until it is solidly attached. This is where your water can come in handy to help soften the clay. Just put a tiny pit of water on your fingers and rub it into the clay!
Step 3: Add Holes for the Water
Now we're going to make holes for the string self-watering system! Poke 4 holes in the base of your pot with your straw. Later, we'll thread the strings through here so water can be delivered throughout the pot.
Step 4: Create the Smaller Pots
Now lets repeat the pinch pot process! These are going to be much smaller, but they are made the same way. Cut it in half, so that you have two!
Step 5: Attach the Mini Pots
Once you figure out where you want the first mini pot, poke a hole in the pot with your straw. This will be another spot for your string to come in and help water it. Now attach it to that spot (preferably with the hole in the center) the same way you attached the extra part of the main pot! Make sure you smooth out any cracks or bumps that you're not quite happy with!
Step 6: Repeat!
Repeat the last step in another spot of your choosing! Keep in mind that you will have one more mini pot to add on, so space them out to your liking! I also decided to change up the heights I put mine at, so feel free to do the same!
Step 7: Repeat!
Now attach that third mini pot!
Step 8: Make the Tray
Let's make another ball! Make this one as circular as you can and flatten it! This will be the tray your pot sits in, so make sure its thick enough to be sturdy and large enough for your pot to fit on.
Step 9: Add a Rim
Take another section of clay and roll it out so that its just thick enough for the rim. Now attach it the same way you've attached everything else. Smooth out any of those cracks with your water and make sure its flat enough for your pot to sit on it solidly!
Step 10: Let It Dry!
Let everything dry! Mine took a couple of days, but depending on the weather it may take more time. When its all dry, you'll be able to see what it looks like and decide on a paint color and/or protective layer.
Step 11: Paint and Protect
I decided to paint mine purple and I used Modge Podge to seal it and protect it from water! If you are intending to leave your pot outside find something a little more protective that is meant to be used outside. After you paint it, leave it to dry and then we'll be ready to plant something!
Step 12: Prepare for Planting
Lets get ready to plant! I decided to plant Forget-Me-Nots and Lavender seeds. To get started, thread the strings through the holes in the bottom and to the smaller pots as well. You'll have one string that doesn't go into a mini-pot, so it'll stay in the main pot.
Step 13: Let's Plant!
Lets plant! I covered a little bit of the bottom of the pot with dirt and then made sure all of my strings were exactly where I wanted them and covered them with dirt. Next I added my seeds and added a little more dirt on top. And that's it, we're done! Thanks for making this with me! I hope you had fun!
