Terra cotta clay pots are easy to find and inexpensive to buy. They make an excellent jumping off point for craft projects that appeal to all age groups. Additionally this platform can host the span of talent from primitive drawings to artistic renderings. The completed project is a functional product that can be used and treasured.

WHAT TO MAKE

1. Container for indoor or outdoor plants

2. Candle holder
If used for an outdoor or indoor candle holder be sure and paint the
inside with sealer as the candle can burn the clay.

3. Fill the pot with rice (plug the hole) and use it as a receptacle for

pens and pencils. Tape wild plastic flowers to your pens. This makes
it easier for the user to remember to put it back when finished.

4. Bird Feeder or Bird Bath
This is created by turning the pot upside down and placing the saucer,
that the normally sits under the pot, on top of the inverted pot.

MEDIUM

Acrylic paints are a good medium. They are easily obtained in small craft sizes for between .50 and $1.00. The brushes will clean up with soap and water.

PAINT YOUR POT

1. Free Hand: Your masterpiece may be a stickmen figures painted by your
five year old or your teenagers idea of the newest screaming dragon
from his world of fantasy books.

2. Stamps: Inexpensive foam stamps can create an attractive finished
product.

3. Taping: Think about grabbing some painter's tape. This is usually
blue. The tape is designed to block of areas that you want to paint
while protecting the other areas. After each pass is dry, you can use
more tape to isolate more areas. The tape is specifically designed to
leave any paint underneath it unharmed.

4. Stencils: Stencils are another way to transfer designs onto your clay
pot.

FINISH

Finish your project by protecting it with a final finish of shellac or other glaze. It can be glossy or matt. I have a particular favorite that is put out by Deco Art and it is called "Triple Thick Gloss Glaze Diamond Clear Finish". A few coats of this product or something similar leaves your project with a great shine!

This activity is flexible and will accommodate all skill levels. Inexpensive components, artistic expression and a usable finished product: What a great family project!

Now let me leave you with something profound to muse over:

"Man who stands on toilet is high on pot"

Learn more about this author, Pam Hilts.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Kids crafts: Pottery painting tips?
We want to hear your view. Write now!