Terracotta wall vases hanging on purple wall

How to make your own wall-mounted terracotta vases

Home » Home » Craft & DIY » How to make your own wall-mounted terracotta vases

1 January 1970

Reading Time: 4 minutes

This simple step-by-step by Resene will make it easy to take on the terracotta trend and sculpt your own DIY floral vases.

Step by step

You will need:

Modelling clay (air-drying or baking)
Rolling pin
Knife
Straw
Fine sandpaper
Resene testpot brush
Resene testpots (see colours listed)
Resene FX Paint Effects Medium Small sponge
Cord to hang

Resene colours

Step 1

Resene paint pots on beige background
A

Start by rolling out your clay about 7mm thick (A). It’s important to work on a clean, non-stick surface.

Step 2

Clay on beige background
B

Use a knife to cut a rectangle as long as you want the main shape to be, then cut a square roughly twice the width of the rectangle and two-thirds the height (B).

No matter what shape you’re making, the top piece must be wider to form a dome or pocket. The backing piece always needs to be taller and have enough height to support your flora and allow for a hole.

Step 3

Clay rolled into pouch
C

If using air-drying clay, dip your fingers in water and wet the edges of the clay slightly – baking clay does not require any water to seal together. Take the smaller, wider square piece and make an arc over the backing piece, bringing the sides together (C).

Clay rolled into pouch on beige background
D

Press the sides down so the clay bonds together, then do the same along the bottom (D), making sure you still have a curved opening at the top.

Step 4

Clay on beige background
E

Trim edges to remove excess clay and create a tidy shape (E).

NOTE: If making a circular bud vase, use a small bowl to cut around for the base, then make a larger circle and cut an arc for the top pocket (F).

F

Seal the edges (G) and cut off excess clay (H).

Clay on beige background
G
Clay rolled into a circle on beige background
H

Step 5

Clay pouch having a circle embedded in it
I

Using a straw, make a centred hole about 1cm down from the top edge (I). Leave air-drying clay to set for at least 48 hours, or place baking clay in the oven for 15 minutes at 130°C.

Step 6

Collection of terracotta wall vases and paint brushes on beige background
J

When all vases are dry, sand them lightly to remove any lumps , wipe clean and then apply two coats of Resene Apple Blossom (J).

Step 7

Collection of terracotta wall vases and paint brushes on beige background
K

Mix two parts Resene FX Paint Effects Medium with one part Resene Sakura (K).

NOTE: The more medium you add, the more transparent the colour will become.

Step 8

Terracotta wall vase being painted
L

Use a clean, dry Resene testpot brush to apply long strokes of the lighter shade onto your vase (L). Don’t overload your brush with paint, just lightly dip the end in the colour and apply.

Step 9

Rub the paint with a dry sponge (M), using long even strokes to create a streaking effect. Rub some areas more than others for a more realistic terracotta look. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Terracotta wall vase being painted
M

Step 10

Once completely dry, thread a piece of cord through the hole, fill with your chosen foliage and hang your masterpieces proudly.

Resene colour tip

By subtly adjusting your Resene basecoat colour, the ratios of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and Resene topcoat colour, or your application technique, you can create a whole range of different effects.

NOTE: Both air-drying and baked clay can be used for this project, but remember they are not water tight, so use to display faux or dried foliage.

Visit Resene.co.nz to shop the look.

Subscribe & WIN!

Subscribe to WOMAN+ for only $19.99 for the year and you’ll have a chance to WIN 2 Nights for 2 at JetPark Rotorua +
an Evening in the Polynesian Spa.

*You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.