Photo by pixdeluxe via iStock
Do you love making decorative patterned plates and mugs? Are you tired of spending $20+ per plate/mug at the store?
Making your decorative patterned plates and mugs at home using clay is not only fun but also very affordable. You can make dozens of these items with just a few dollars worth of materials.
You’ll learn how to make beautiful decorative patterned plates and mugs from scratch and customize them to fit any occasion; these projects are easy DIY projects to try on the weekend.
The video below shows how to make a mug at home using clay by creator Lolita Olympia.
You can also check out this video by Umi Ceramics, which shows two techniques for making plates at home using clay.
Table of Contents:
- How to Make a Mug at Home Using Clay
- How to Make a Decorative Patterned Plate at Home Using Clay
- Design Ideas for Decorative Patterned Plates and Mugs at Home
- Final Thoughts
How to Make a Mug at Home Using Clay
Photo by Lari Bat via iStock
Collect the materials
You’ll need some clay, a cutting tool, a cup to base your mug shape on, and a rolling pin for flattening the clay. Make sure you have easy-to-shape, set, and dry clay. Also, ensure that the clay is wet before proceeding, or you won’t be able to make the shape you desire.
Shape your clay
Shape your clay into a ball, then roll it out flat. You want to create a thick layer of clay so that it will stick when you apply the design later. Next, use the cutting tool to cut out the desired shape. If you need help getting the right size, use the cup to help guide the size.
You can use a rolling pin to flatten out the clay, which you can then wrap around a cup or mug that you like the shape of to get the same design. Alternatively, you can use your hands to shape the clay until you get something resembling a mug.
Take your time shaping the mug, and ensure that you get a shape you are happy with.
Make the handle
Take another small piece of clay, approximately the size of your index finger, Roll it out and shape it until it looks like a handle for the hug.
Attach the handle and let dry
Attach the handle to the mug by applying pressure at either end of the handle, where it meets the mug. Then gently place your mug with its new handle in a suitable, dry, bright place to wait for it to dry out. Depending on the shape and size of your mug and the clay used, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days to dry.
How to Make a Decorative Patterned Plate at Home Using Clay
Photo by iloliloli via iStock
Making a plate at home using clay is not a massive challenge. You can do this in just a few steps, and depending on which technique you choose, it could take as little as ten minutes of work.
Roll out your clay
To make your homemade plate, start by rolling out the lump of clay until it is about 1/4 inch thick and even. This can take a while, as clay is often pretty stiff. However, you can use a rolling pin to speed this process along; just be careful not to rip the clay while rolling.
Use a circle to mark your design
You can take any circular-shaped object that is large enough to mark out your plate. For example, you could use another plate or an oversized cookie cutter, depending on how large you want your plates to be.
Cut out the plate
Place your marker on top of the rolled-out clay and use a cutting tool, like a box cutter or clay cutter, to slice through the clay around the marker piece.
Make a ring for the bottom
Plates have a little ring on the bottom that acts like a stand making the plates more robust and stable. To add this to your plate, make a loop out of a piece of clay. Make sure the pieces are evenly thickened along the entire loop.
Assemble and let dry
Place the loop onto the bottom of the circular piece of clay. Then leave the new plate in a safe, warm, and dry place to wait for it to set. It should be dry enough to pick up in a day or two, although the drying process can take longer.
Design Ideas for Decorative Patterned Plates and Mugs at Home
Now that you’ve got your plates and mugs dry and ready to decorate, it’s time to look at some common design patterns.
Festive decorations
Photo by ArtMarie via iStock
With the holiday season just around the corner, why not decorate your home with beautiful homemade festive mugs and plates? You could paint whatever makes the holiday season special for you, or you could design and decorate a festive mug to give as a Christmas present to a family member or loved one.
Colorful animal patterns
Photo by LUNAMARINA via iStock
These vibrant, colorful decorative patterned plates are inspired by Mexican artists. These plates will bring some color into your life, improving the vibes in whatever room they are displayed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you have clay around the house, you should definitely give decorative patterned plates and mugs a shot. They’re fun to create and look beautiful when finished. Plus, they’re super easy to make using only basic tools like a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and paintbrushes. And since they’re made from natural materials, they won’t fade over time. Best of all, they’re inexpensive and will last.
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