There’s a lost art in the way of home decor… something we’ve all probably forgotten about that we haven’t tried since our days of VBS and summer camp.
Last week, we sat down with the kids to make a little art, and I guess you could say I got a little carried away.
It seems so simple, it’s almost comical that we’d be sharing a how to for this little post, but we also think it’s a forgotten art, and too fun not to share.
A great way to add a little splash of color to any vignette in your home, a little handmade personality to a gift,
and a fabulous way to organize your jewelry… for starters.
So today we thought we’d share a little how to for making your own pinch pots. It’s a great way to try you hand at pottery, without any big investments or huge messes around the home.
Though one of these days, I totally plan love my own little pottery wheel…
It’s a wonderful piece of art for big and little hands, alike.
Here’s what you’ll need: {You can scoop this up at any local craft store}
• Sculpey Clay • an assortment of acrylic paints • gold leaf paint • assortment of brushes • water + cup + paper towels {for painting} + foil {for baking}
Take a little clay, and roll it into a ball, according to whatever size you want.
Take your elbow, and flatten it in the middle.
Working your way around gradually, to make it as smooth as possible {It will be imperfect because it’s a handmade piece, and not on a potter’s wheel} use your fingers to slowly smooth it out, and work it into the shape of a small bowl.
Not to sound all artsy or anything, but sometimes the clay will let you know what it wants to be… we made one into a small plate for holding rings.
Emerson started to make some, and then went all rogue,
And went all Mr. Tumnus instead. Yep. That’s what she named him, per her current fave selection of books/movies.
Smooth out any little creases, and you’re ready to bake!
Bake your creations per the directions on the back… we placed ours on a piece of foil so it didn’t stick, and after a few minutes they were cooled down and ready to paint.
For painting:
The possibilities for this one are kind of endless, but for this particular look, we used gold leafing paint for some areas, but layered the acrylics on the inside and out for various looks.
We simply played with it until we got the right look, but we established a base color, and then worked in areas to blend it together with lighter and darker tones. While we waited for one pot to dry, we moved on to another. And then came back until there were these great little variations and surprises on the inside.
We think we ended up with a super fun, one of a kind look: little unexpected treasures.
Mr. Tumnus is looking pretty sharp these days, as well.
Side note: Please tell me I’m not the only one obsessed with my children’s creations. I asked her if I could have him… I told her she could have all the pinch pots to put her jewelry in, if I could have Mr. Tumnus on my desk. She said she would have to think about it.
I “borrowed” him while she was thinking about it, and she hasn’t noticed him sitting on my desk yet.
But from stamps and patterns to fun marbleized looks and layers, the forgotten art of the pinch pot is definitely something fun to add to your home!
As always, let us know if you try your own version of something oh so fun!
We’d love to see!
Have an inspired day!
Jenna says
Lovely- as always! Mr Tumnus is awesome too! 😉
bruni says
Your pinch pots are lovely. Need to pick up some clay next time i’m at a craft store.
Love the glass bust. Would you mind sharing where you purchased it?
Holly says
Yes! Where did you get the glass bust?!?!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hi! It was from a company that has sold out – I’ve tried to track it down over the years because we get this question often! originally carried by La-z-boy. Sorry I can’t be more help! It’s still one of my very favorites. try searching for glass bust! or glass aphrodite bust recycled glass – was another term. Hope that helps.
Lisa says
These are so cute!! I am looking forward to making these with my little people 😀 On a site note, I actually still have one of the clay items I made waaaay back in middle school. Handmade stuff never gets old 🙂
Carin says
Excellent! I was just trying to think of something else to do with my girl while she’s sick. These would totally suit her concentration levels at the moment. Much better than the papier mache bowls I was considering. Also, Mr Tumnus is a cutie.
Jennie @ Little Girl Designs says
Oh, I’m so inspired to make these! I remember making little bowls in art class back in elementary school but since those were fired in a kiln, I just figured that was the end of that. I’d love to make these as gifts for my sisters…I would get carried away too and make a ton, I’m sure. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Mandy says
Thank you for posting, I am planning to make some pinch bowls to hold my salts and peppers.
I am wondering do you apply any glaze or protective layer after painting the bowls?
Can they withstand some gentle washing after use?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! I don’t use glaze on mine but I’m sure if you poke around the internets a little, you can find something that may work! Good luck!
Linda says
These are adorable….and I still have art that my daughter made twenty years ago–when she was 2 and a half! Just wondered how big can you make these? Is there a size where they would start to fall apart? Thanks for the inspiration!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Linda! Not really sure since it just depends on how they’re made. The best way to tell is by making some. Hope that helps. ;}
Jenice says
I also love kid’s art. I’ve saved a bunch from my children, hoping to turn their drawings into embroidery. And now I’m doing art with my toddler granddaughter. This is a fun project! Started with Play-Dough till we can get some Sculpy. Thanks!