Clay bowls make perfect homemade gifts, from the kids, on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Christmas, and birthdays! Let the kids get to work with the rolling pin as they’ll need to use their fine motor skills to press down firmly on the pin to flatten the clay to about one-quarter inch thick.
After you have developed a thin, even layer of clay, place a bowl over the top of it and use your hands to remove the excess clay. Either re-use the clay for another clay bowl or put it back in its container. The bowl you are using to cut the clay should be the same bowl that you plan to let the clay dry in. It will need to dry for about three days.
I recommend waiting at least three days before moving it. I have inadvertently moved a clay item I created after two days, and it ended up breaking in half. This is the reason I recommend three days minimum before moving it to decorate it or paint it.
The best part about it is seeing mom or dad’s face when they open their new, handmade gift! It can be used as a catch all or small bowl for trinkets or paper clips. These bowls cannot be eaten out of and are only meant to be used as office, key, or coin trays. My husband is an IT guy so I’m sure he will pile his new Father’s Day clay bowl with USB drives!
Air Dry Clay
Crayola and other brands make air dry clay and it can be purchased on Amazon here or found in big box retailers and hobby stores like Michaels. At times, you can get lucky and find it for cheap on Amazon. I love working with air dry clay. It’s easy and just takes some patience. It’s amazing how many things I’ve created from just one five-pound container of air dry clay!
How to make the best Clay Bowls
STEP 1: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or other large space, roll out air dry clay. I recommend rolling out the clay on top of parchment paper as it will stick to most other surfaces. Have the kids use a rolling pin to evenly flatten it to about ¼-inch thickness.
STEP 2: Place a small to medium sized bowl face down, on top of the clay, and use your hands to scrape the excess clay around the bowl. Scoop up the excess and put it away or use it to make another bowl. Place the round shape, which will dry out to be your new clay bowl, inside a bowl (preferably the bowl you used to shape the clay). Let the clay rest in the bowl for a minimum of three days for best results. Do not get rushed and think it will be dry before three days. I have rushed in the past with air dry clay and I have ended up breaking pieces that would have otherwise not been broken had I been patient enough to wait the full three days.
STEP 3: When the clay bowl has completely dried after three days, use acrylic paint to let the kids paint it. When the paint dries, spray Mod Podge varnish over the paint to seal it (Mod Podge is an acrylic sealer). I recommend an adult spray the varnish – it’s strong and should be sprayed outdoors until it’s dry.
I had my toddler paint these two bowls for my husband for Father’s Day. She calls it “Daddy’s Day,” but same thing, right? She enjoys painting and it’s a terrific fine motor activity for her. Toddlers should be practicing fine motor skills daily. Painting is also therapeutic and is a calming activity not only for my daughter and toddlers, but even for older children and adults. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable activity.
More crafts you’ll love!
Clay Handprint Bowls—Easy Mother’s/Father’s Day Keepsake Gift
Easy Kid’s Father’s Day Gifts or Summer Crafts
Simple 4th of July Kid’s Crafts
Paper Plate American Flag Kid’s Craft
Homemade Mother’s/Father’s Day Gift—Handprint-Potted Cactus
Seven Easy DIY Father’s Day Cards
Easy DIY Handmade Mother’s Day Cards
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make these Clay Bowls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Clay Bowls—Easy Mother’s/Father’s Day Keepsake Gifts
Materials
Instructions
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or other large space, roll out air dry clay. Use a rolling pin to evenly flatten it to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Place a small to medium sized bowl on top of the clay and use your hands to pick up all the clay around the bowl. Scoop up the excess and put it away or use it to make another bowl. Place the round shape, which will dry out to be your clay bowl, inside a bowl (preferably the bowl you used to shape the clay). Let the clay rest in the bowl for a minimum of three days for best results.
- When the clay bowl has completely dried, use acrylic paint to let the kids paint it. When the paint dries, spray Mod Podge varnish over the paint to seal it (Mod Podge is an acrylic sealer).
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