Botanical Clay Coasters
Our Chief Creative Officer, Laura, shows us how to make nature-inspired clay coasters.With rugged coastline carved by powerful Atlantic waves, to fragrant gorse-covered moorland and fishing boats bobbing at sea, it’s not hard to see why Cornwall has attracted artists since the late 18th century.
Our artists and designers here at Seasalt are still constantly inspired by the landscape, light and sense of freedom that is so abundant around our coastal home. In keeping with the painters, potters and sculptors of the past, many of them have more than one string to their creative bows, too.
Today, Laura, our Chief Creative Officer, shares a step-by-step guide to some pretty clay coasters with a nod to nature that you can easily make at home.
What you'll need
- Air-dry clay kit
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Leaves or dried flowers – look to nature for inspiration!
- Acrylic paint and varnish sealant
Step 1
Roll out your clay with a rolling pin, using matching strips of flat wood as a way of keeping the thickness even. To keep your clay from sticking to the surface, place it on a square of old cotton or muslin.
Step 2
Using an existing coaster or cardboard as a template, cut out your coaster shapes using a knife before separating them out.
Step 3
Next, arrange your chosen items on the coasters and use the rolling pin to gently push them into the clay. Peel them off to leave delicate impressions behind.
Step 4
Leave to creations to dry naturally for 24 – 48 hours.
Step 5
Once your coasters are completely dry and pale in colour, decorate using acrylic paint and finish with a glossy varnish sealant.
We’d love to see what you create. Share your coasters using #SeasaltArtsClub.