Clay Pot Craft Projects

Create some easy masterpieces with our clay pot craft projects. Many of these are simple enough to do in one afternoon!

Before you delve into one of our clay pot craft projects, consider the following tips:

• How will the pot be used? If you plan on placing a plant into a pot made of porous materials, such as a terra cotta pot, you'll need to seal the inside of it with an oil or water based polyurethane. For a pot that is purely decorative, seal it on the outside with either a craft or acrylic sealant after you have painted or decorated it. The sealant will protect the paint or any decals you've applied. Plan on applying a couple of coats of the sealant, letting each coat dry thoroughly before you apply the next one.
• How will you decorate the pot? Depending upon the project you have planned, you can decorate pots in a variety of ways. Popular solutions include paint, stencils, stamps, decals, markers and embellishments such as rhinestones, glitter, buttons, shells, stones, dried flowers, feathers, felt, or pipe cleaners.

You can purchase inexpensive clay pots at home improvement stores, discount shops, garden and landscaping centers, and sometimes even dollar stores. Another great place to pick up pots for a song is a garage or yard sale. Even dirty, used clay pots can be transformed into a one of a kind item. Doing so can be an inexpensive and fun project!

The following projects are just some of the many directions you can go with a simple clay pot. Have fun getting in touch with your creative side!

Of course, the first project that probably comes to mind with clay pots has to do with plants and/or flowers. Creating a beautiful or whimsical clay pot is one of the easiest projects you can do. Consider who will own the pot or what room will house it, then get to work.

• Paint: Paint stripes, checks, curlicues, or any other pattern, be it abstract or scenic. Use bright colors or stick to black and white. Popular color combinations today include turquoise and brown or pink and black. Don't forget to seal your masterpiece when you are finished.
• Decoupage: Decoupage is a great way to go wild with inspiration from the world around you. Cut out pictures from magazines, cut up greeting cards, use pages from discarded art books, travel brochures, wallpaper, or gift wrap, or add your own family photos to the pot. Use mod podge, found in craft stores, to adhere your decorations to the pot, then add a coating of decoupage. Let that dry, then add one more coat.

For the gardener in your family, what better gift is there than a beautiful clay pot filled with gardening tools, seed packets, gloves, and a gardening book? Decorate the pot with paint or leave it in its natural state.

This is one of those clay pot craft projects that kids of all ages love! Paint small clay pots in a variety of colors. Purchase small wooden balls for the heads and hair at your local craft store. Paint a face on each of your "people", then glue on the hair. Add ribbons, material, etc. if you prefer.

You'll need at least two clay pots in various sizes for this project, as well as a shallow clay dish or bowl. Paint each pot before you glue them together. If you want to add a design, such as vines and flowers, you'll probably want to do that before you attach them together as well. Turn your largest pot upside down, then using liquid nails or some other type of adhesive attach your next pot to it so that the bottoms meet. If you want a tall birdbath, you may want to glue three or four pots together, but for the actual bath, attach the shallow bowl to the top. For more stability, attach everything to a large flat plant tray. Your birds will thank you!

For more ideas, check out the following websites:

• I Love to Craft
• Craft Projects.net
• Patricia's Pots

• How to Make Key Chains with Beads
• Easy Homemade Christmas Cards
• Make Your Own Holiday Photo Card
• Christmas Craft Projects

• Free Knitting Patterns
• Free Beading Pattern
• Free Baby Knitting Patterns
• Free Baby Crochet Patterns
• Free Sewing Patterns

• Craft Decorations for Halloween
• Nature Crafts
• Wine Cork Craft Projects
• PVC Pipe Craft Projects
• Craft Projects