Terra cotta pottery has been used for years as outside planters, as well as indoors for potted house plants. Inexpensive and dull looking as they are, with a few bottles of acrylic paint and a little imagination, beautiful, long-lasting pieces of pottery can be created. Also keep in mind, what better gift could there be than one that was created especially for the recipient? In these recent "tightening the wallet" days, for a few dollars anyone can make a unique and useful gift.
Many home improvement stores carry terra cotta pottery with matching saucers in all shapes and sizes. They are generally found in the home garden center of the store. A 7" diameter pot with saucer will cost approximately $2.00. While shopping for the pottery, be sure to check each pot carefully for cracks, small chips, or unlevel bottoms. Only purchase the pottery that is clear of any defects and sits evenly on the saucer.
Wash the piece of pottery and saucer in warm water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Lightly sand the pot with fine grit sandpaper removing any slight bumps or imperfections. Rinse and allow the pot and saucer to dry thoroughly - approximately two days.
While waiting for the pot to dry, look through photo albums, magazines, and books for scenes or objects that could easily be painted on the piece. The more experienced one becomes with painting on a surface that is not flat, the easier it will be to recognize objects or scenes that will work well. Also, be sure to consider the color scheme and theme if the pot is to be made to go in a particular room. If the piece is intended for use as a gift, always consider the recipients taste.
When the pot is dry, apply a coat of pre-sealer inside and out. Also apply the pre-sealer to the saucer. Pre-sealer can be found in the acrylic paint section of any craft store. Allow the pre-sealer dry thoroughly.
Paint the inside and top rim of pot with two coats of acrylic paint. Always paint the inside of the pot; this keeps the paint from bubbling on the outside of the pot once a plant has been potted and watered. Paint the saucer to match the rim. Allow both to dry thoroughly between coats. Paint the main body of the pot and let it dry thoroughly.
Trace or draw the items onto the pot using a light pencil, then, paint with acrylic paint. Start with pansies or other flowers; they are fairly easy to paint for a beginner. With experience will come the ability to paint scenery, animals and etc. Allow the pot dry completely before final sealing.
Seal the pot with semi-gloss varnish. Apply two coats, inside and out, letting each coat dry thoroughly. Apply two coat of varnish to the saucer as well. If the pot will be used outside, use an outdoor varnish.
After allowing the pot to dry for a minimum of two days, plant an African Violet, cactus, or other plant using a nutritious potting mix with a small amount of sand.