Craft Stunning Wall-Mounted Terracotta Vases: A DIY Guide

Craft Stunning Wall-Mounted Terracotta Vases: A DIY Guide

Embrace the terracotta trend with this simple step-by-step guide to crafting your own DIY floral vases. This project is perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your home decor.

Materials Needed:

• Modelling clay (air-drying or baking)
• Rolling pin
• Knife
• Straw
• Fine sandpaper
• Resene testpot brush
• Resene testpots (see colours listed)
• Resene FX Paint Effects Medium
• Small sponge
• Cord to hang

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Start by rolling out your clay to about 7mm thick. Ensure you work on a clean, non-stick surface to prevent the clay from sticking.

Step 2: Cut the Clay

Use a knife to cut a rectangle as long as you want the main shape to be. Then, cut a square roughly twice the width of the rectangle and two-thirds the height. The top piece should be wider to form a dome or pocket. The backing piece needs to be taller to support your flora and allow for a hole.

Step 3: Shape the Clay

If using air-drying clay, dip your fingers in water and wet the edges of the clay slightly. For baking clay, no water is needed. Take the smaller, wider square piece and make an arc over the backing piece, bringing the sides together. Press the sides down so the clay bonds together, ensuring you still have a curved opening at the top.

Step 4: Trim Excess Clay

Trim the edges to remove excess clay and create a tidy shape. If making a circular bud vase, use a small bowl to cut around for the base, then make a larger circle and cut an arc for the top pocket. Seal the edges and cut off excess clay.

Step 5: Create a Hole

Using a straw, make a centred hole about 1cm down from the top edge. Leave air-drying clay to set for at least 48 hours, or place baking clay in the oven for 15 minutes at 130°C.

Step 6: Sand and Paint

When all vases are dry, sand them lightly to remove any lumps. Wipe clean and then apply two coats of Resene Apple Blossom.

Step 7: Mix Paint

Mix two parts Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with one part Resene Sakura. Note that the more medium you add, the more transparent the colour will become.

Step 8: Apply Paint

Use a clean, dry Resene testpot brush to apply long strokes of the lighter shade onto your vase. Don’t overload your brush with paint; just lightly dip the end in the colour and apply.

Step 9: Create a Streaking Effect

Rub the paint with a dry sponge, using long even strokes to create a streaking effect. Rub some areas more than others for a more realistic terracotta look. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Step 10: Hang Your Vases

Once completely dry, thread a piece of cord through the hole, fill with your chosen foliage, and hang your masterpieces proudly.

Resene Colour Tip

By subtly adjusting your Resene basecoat colour, the ratios of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and Resene topcoat colour, or your application technique, you can create a whole range of different effects.

Note: Both air-drying and baked clay can be used for this project, but remember they are not water-tight, so use them to display faux or dried foliage.

Visit Resene.co.nz to shop the look.