DIY Clay Terrazzo-Inspired Ring Dish

By  Carrie Waller
Learn how to make your own DIY air-dry clay terrazzo-inspired ring dishes. Carrie Waller

There's no use denying that we want terrazzo on practically all of our surfaces (think: pillows, flooring, framed art — the list goes on), but for now we'll settle for making our own DIY air-dry clay terrazzo-inspired ring dishes. This project comes together in a snap, and serves you well as eye-catching organization for your most precious treasures.

This air-dry clay project comes together in under an hour or hands-on time.Carrie Waller

Things Needed

Here's what you'll need to make your own DIY air-dry clay terrazzo-inspired ring dishes.Carrie Waller

Step 1

Use a rolling pin to roll air-dry clay out flat on a cutting board until it's roughly 1/4-inch thick.

Roll clay out flat until it's about 1/4-inch thick.Carrie Waller

Step 2

Cut out the individual shapes for your dishes using a toothpick or needle tool. We created a variety of shapes in different sizes, mostly organic and irregular. If you prefer straighter or more even edges, that's fine, too!

Cut out shapes with a toothpick or needle tool.Carrie Waller

Step 3

Pinch the edges of each clay dish you cut out between your fingers, and gently curve the clay upwards to create a wall that goes all the way around, like a plate or bowl.

Shape the edges of the dishes you cut out so that they have walls like a plate or bowl.Carrie Waller

Step 4

Smooth the edges of your dishes out by dipping your fingers in water and moving them over the wet clay. Resist the urge to use too much water as the extra liquid could turn your project into a sloppy mess. Use only as much as you need to smooth the edges. Cover loosely with plastic wrap for 24 hours.

Smooth the clay out and cover loosely with plastic wrap.Carrie Waller

Step 5

Remove the plastic wrap after 24 hours, and then allow the clay to dry uncovered for another 48 to 72 hours. When the clay is completely dry, paint your first foundation (or background) color all over the dishes. We used a shade of coral.

Allow the clay to fully dry out and then paint your foundation color on.Carrie Waller

Step 6

The terrazzo effect is achieved by using small paint brushes to paint pops of confetti-like color on top of your chosen foundation/background color. It helps to pull up a photo of real terrazzo to use as your inspiration. Just be as random as can be to mimic the real deal. Paint small flecks of color in random spots across the dishes, and also paint them in different sizes and shapes. Don't overthink it — just paint!

Paint the terrazzo effect on all of your DIY clay dishes.Carrie Waller

Step 7

After the paint has fully dried, set your handmade ring dishes by your bed or on your vanity, and fill them up with your trinkets and jewelry.

Style your finished DIY Clay Terrazzo-Inspired Ring Dishes.Carrie Waller

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