Are you looking for your next DIY project that is both useful and beautiful? Add a touch of brightness to your home with polymer clay plants and planters, like miniature plant pots for small succulents and mini terrarium plants. Want to make the succulents on your own? You can do that, too, with our step-by-step guide on how to create polymer clay plants and planters. Let's get started.
Tools You Need To Make DIY Polymer Clay Pots and Plants
You have the freedom to choose the designs and prints you want, and each design will have a unique outcome to give your plant pot a personalized look. The tools listed will help you create basic, easy-to-make DIY polymer clay plants and pots:
- Original Sculpey® polymer clay
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Glass or metal baking sheet or the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Wax paper
- Ruler
Optional tools are:
- Water-based acrylic paint
- Fine or artistic paintbrush
Tools you need to make polymer clay plants include:
- Sculpey Soufflé™
- Knife
- Ruler
Optional tools are:
- Water-based acrylic paint
- Fine or artistic paintbrush or sponge
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Make Polymer Clay Plant Pots
Ensure you gather all your tools before you get started. This will let you enjoy the fun without looking for a brush or ruler. You can customize the design to create your own spin on your plant pot — to help you get started, follow our easy steps below:
1. Create a Ball
Protect your work surface using the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat or wax paper. Knead the polymer clay to soften it and make it easier to mold. Shape the clay into a ball. Break off one-third of the ball to form your base. You will use the larger size ball to create the siding of your polymer clay planter. Roll the larger ball into an oval shape using your hands.
2. Cut Out the Side and Base
Roll out the two clay balls using a rolling pin until they are a quarter-inch inch thick. Use the ruler and knife to create a rectangular shape on the larger piece of clay. If you are happy with the size, cut out the shape using the knife. Use a circular object such as glass to form the base. Cut it out using the knife.
3. Assemble Your Plant Pot
Now it's time to put your polymer clay planter together. Use the rectangular piece for your side and join the edges to create a cylinder. Lightly press them down to bind them. Take the cylinder and place it on the base, then pinch the edges together and smooth out the polymer clay using your fingers. Ensure there are no holes or gaps. Cut off the excess clay to create a clean look.
4. Bake Your Plant Pot in the Oven
The oven temperature and bake time depend on the clay you use. If you're using Original Sculpey® polymer clay, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit or 130 degrees Celcius. If your plant pot is a quarter-inch thick, bake the polymer clay for 15 minutes.
Adjust the oven heat and bake time according to the thickness of your polymer clay. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you get the heat to the right temperature. If you use a cooking glass dish or metal tray, place parchment paper or aluminum foil to keep the surface clean. Take your plant pot out of the oven and let it cool completely.
5. Paint Your Polymer Clay Pot
Painting your DIY polymer clay plant pots is optional. You can allow the polymer clay's natural color to shine or let artistic designs take center stage. The choice is yours. Should you decide to paint, perform a test to ensure the water-based acrylic paint is compatible with the polymer clay you used. Let the paint dry completely before use.
How to Make Polymer Clay Plants in 8 Easy Steps
Complete your project by creating plants, leaves and flowers for your polymer clay plant pot. Choose a plant you like or a design that is easy to make. You have the option to create one or a variety of different shapes. The great thing is you only need to use a little clay since they are miniature. Here are our tips on how to create succulent polymer clay plants using the tools listed above:
- Knead and roll your polymer clay into a 5-inch rope that measures at a half-inch thick.
- Cut the clay into quarter-inch pieces using a knife.
- Roll the polymer clay pieces into 16 balls.
- Flatten a ball to at least a quarter-inch thick, and pinch one end to create a leaf-like shape with a pointed tip.
- Place five leaves in a circle with the round edges touching each other. It should create a star-like shape.
- Put another layer of five leaves on top of the first layer between the spaces.
- Add the last layer of five leaves above the spaces of the second layer.
- Place the last ball in the middle to create a bulb.
Bake Your Polymer Clay Plants
If you're using Original Sculpey polymer clay, place the plants on your pot and bake them together. Sculpey Soufflé™ is available in various colors, perfect for making realistic flowers. If you choose Sculpey Soufflé™, you must adjust your baking time and bake the plant separately. Preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit or 130 degrees Celcius. Bake your polymer clay plant for 30 minutes and allow it to cool.
Create a Realistic Look With Acrylic Paint
The next step is optional, as we're sure your polymer clay plants look great. If you want to add some color, dab the succulent tips or inner corners with a paintbrush or sponge to create definition. Use a contrasting color like purple, orange or yellow to give it a gradient effect. To make polymer clay leaves, use dark green paint with a fine paintbrush to create veins.
Using Your Polymer Clay Planter for Succulents
Instead of creating succulents, you can place real flowers or plants into your polymer clay planter. You have to make a few adjustments that will help your plants thrive.
Make a small hole in the base after assembling your pot plant to let the moisture escape after watering your plants. Succulents are a great choice, as you only need to water them sometimes. After allowing the planter to cool, fill it with soil and place the succulents or plants in the pot.
Create Inspiring Pots and Plants Using Polymer Clays From Sculpey
From fresh plants to glossy succulents, create one-of-a-kind polymer clay plants and pots with Sculpey polymer clay. You have various options that are perfect for your crafting goals. Grab the opportunity to bring your designs to life with our polymer clay tools today.
You can browse our products online or complete our contact form for more details. Let's get crafting!
