Miniature Clay Vase Project
Updated: 2 days ago
If you love miniature craft items that you can make yourself, this article will give you step by step instructions on how to create your own tiny clay vase using Fimo or Sculpey clay. You can use any type of clay but the baking instructions in this blog is for Fimo and Sculpey clay. Other clay brands may have different oven temperatures, so make sure you check the packaging on the clay you buy.
All you need to make a mini clay vase is a few small lumps of clay and some simple tools.
List of Supplies:
Clay
Parchment paper
Cutting board or smooth table surface to lay your work on
Clear acrylic press boards
Modeling tool
Baking sheet
Sculpey glaze (glossy)
Paint brushes
Start by laying the parchment paper on your cutting board or table. Wash your hands as this will keep your skin oils or dirt from ruining your project.
Step 1. Set oven temperature to 230 degrees F for Fimo clay or 275 degrees F if you are using Sculpey clay. If you are using another type of clay, check instructions on the packaging.
Step 2. Pick the color or colors you want for your miniature clay vase. I usually use three colors, but you can us one or as many as you want. Roll each color into a little ball about on half of an inch around.
Step 3. Roll the clay balls into long "logs" or thick strings. Line them up next to each other and then fold them all in half.
Step 4. Twist the thick clay strings three or four times, then roll into a ball, then back into a thick string. Repeat this step two or three more times. This will create a marbled effect so how many times you fold and twist the clay is up to you.
Step 5. Once you have the marbled effect you want for your mini vase, roll the clay into a ball and shape it into a rectangle.
Step 6. Use the modeling tool to poke a hole into the top of the rectangle. the depth should be about halfway down the length of the vase.
Step 7. Take the acrylic press boards and press gently on each side of your project, including the top and bottom. This will make all sides, top, and bottom smooth and straight. It will also change the size of your project and distort the hole in the top so you will have to use the modeling tool to reshape the hole. Continue using the press boards and modeling tool until you are happy with how your miniature vase looks.
Step 8. Place the clay vase upright on the baking sheet and put it in the oven. The general rule is to leave your project in the over for 15 minutes for 1/4 inch of thickness. I usually leave mine in for 20 to 30 minutes. Any longer than 30 could scorch the bottom of the clay and discolor the vase. Check your clay packaging for instructions. When the time is up, remove the miniature clay vase from the oven and set it aside to cool for 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 9. Using your paint brush, brush your tiny vase with a very thin layer of the Sculpey glaze. You will only need a few drops at a time because the glaze lays on the top and does not soak into the clay. You want to avoid drips and runs. Repeat coats as desired. I usually do two or three coats and allow the miniature vase to dry completely between coats. When you have enough coats of the glaze, allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. Then your miniature clay vase is finished and ready to display.
Steps for a pinch pot vase
If you would like to make a vase by shaping it with your fingers instead of the press tools, all you need to do is follow steps 1 thru 4. Roll the clay into a ball or short log. Then, mold it into the shape you want by rolling, pressing, and shaping until the miniatures clay vase is the shape you like. Use the modeling tool to make a hole in the top of the vase. You can still use the press boards to flatten the top and bottom of your project. Next follow steps 8 and 9 for baking and glazing.
Once you have finished your miniature clay vase or vases, some uses for them are:
To hold a tiny flower (fresh, dried, or artificial)
A decoration for a bookshelf or windowsill
A gift for a special occasion
