by Ayesha Christmas

Created on: December 08, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

Pots of Plenty

One of the most fun ideas I have seen using clay pots for Christmas (or any of the holidays) is tomake a 'plenty pot' I am not sure what the  exact origin of these is (or what they are actually called) but I first saw them on the Balearic Islands and liked them so much that I brought several home as gifts and one for myself too!

People liked them so much, and  others commented on the one I had on my dresser that I worked out how to make them and over the past twenty five years I have made dozens for presents and to donate to fundraising events. They always sell well as they are a bit of novelty and also very inexpensive to make.

The basic idea is that if you have one of these pots you will always have good fortune in the way of money, food and luck. I don't think they are supposed to symbolise having lots of either of these things, rather that you and yours will always have as much as you need ! I think they are also a  nice idea because they make you entertain the idea that not everyone in the world does have enough of the basics and that if you do, you should give thanks. If given as a gift I think that also they express a kind sentiment, especially to people who may have been having a difficult time making  ends meet over the past difficult months.

You will need

Small pots, terracotta looks really nice,but you can also use small-wide necked jars,or votive candle holders (painted so they are opaque). Children could even make pots out of air drying clay  and then decorate them.

An assortment of  dried beans, peas, lentils and  large wholegrains such as barley or corn.

A couple of very low denomination coins, pennies, dimes,

PVA glue and /or varnish.

My original was just a plain terracotta pot but if the mood or the season takes you, or if you are re-cycling a pre-used container, it's also fine to get out the paints and decorate your pot. . Make sure all the paint is dry before you begin filling it though!

Filling the pot

If you are going to achieve the effect of  a pot brimming over with plenty, you may need to put something like a small stone or piece of clay in the bottom so it does not become top heavy and unstable after you  have filled it. Then you mix the beans and seeds in a disposable container (old plastic pot) with enough varnish or PVA to coat them and hold them together. Allow it to set a little and become tacky so that when you pile up the mixture in the pot it doesn't all just fall off! When it looks pretty stable add a couple of the coins by pushing them into the beans (so they remain visible)

 You will need to leave this to dry for a couple of days. I like to add a little handwritten label explaining the idea behind it or, if it  is for a friend, to personalise it. You could also add a bit of ribbon at this point.

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