DIY: jewelry dish in self-hardening clay
Here's my guide to make a jewelry dish from self-hardening clay. Unlike traditional clay, this one doesn't require a specific furnace, which makes it very practical for making all kinds of decorative objects. Easy to handle, it becomes solid in 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the object. However, due to its properties and curing method, it is not suitable for food use. It is therefore perfect for purely decorative creations such as these.
Material
For one dish:
approx. 200g. self-hardening clay
a rolling pin
a bowl
a damp sponge
sandpaper
acrylic paint
brushes for painting
a finishing varnish (matt or gloss)
Preparation
1. Slightly flatten your piece of clay, then use a rolling pin to roll it out to a thickness of 1.5cm. Then cut out a circle approximately 12-15cm in diameter.
2. Place your piece of clay at the bottom of a bowl, then shape it into the desired form.
3. Smooth out any imperfections with a damp sponge. Then leave to dry. Although some brands/packaging may indicate a drying time of 12 to 24 hours, I recommend waiting 48 hours for optimal drying.
4. Once your piece is completely dry, you can move on to sanding. Use sandpaper to smooth out any remaining imperfections. Don't be afraid to apply pressure: if your piece has dried well, it will be solid enough. Then, carefully dust off your dish so you can move on to the next stage: painting.
5. It's time to let your creativity run wild! I recommend acrylic paint, which is ideal for painting on clay without firing. Don't hesitate to apply several coats to achieve an even result. Allow the paint to dry for about an hour, then apply a finishing varnish. This step is essential to waterproof your piece. You can choose a matte or gloss varnish, depending on the desired effect. Another hour of drying, and your jewelry dish is ready!
