Materials Needed

• Test tubes (found at craft stores), mini glass bottles, travel containers and bottles, yeast containers (found at beer supply stores) small vases, or even old prescription bottles

• Tin foil if using plastic container

• Various colors of polymer clay

• Suction cups, metal hangers removed with pliers

• E-6000 clear glue

Fun Extras

• Gold leaf

• Rhinestones

• beads

• Craft knife

• Clay molds

• Mini cutters for clay

• Baking sheet covered in foil or parchment paper

Directions

• Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

• If you are using a plastic container, this cannot be baked or cured in the oven. Using tinfoil, create a “roll” out of the foil the same size as the container to use as a base for your mini vase. Apply clay to foil form.

• If using glass, clay can be applied directly to vase and baked in oven. Wipe the outside of container with window cleaner before applying clay.

• Next decide on a design. One of my favorites is to simply roll out a “snake” or a “rope” out of clay. Bend and twist to create designs. Make sure to always wrap the design around the bottom for support and make allowances for the suction cups on the back.

• Another great trick is to add a metallic effect. Roll out a thick piece of clay, dark colors show up best. Cover with gold or silver leaf and continue rolling until desired thickness is achieved. Cracks will appear in leafing, creating a beautiful design!

• Try using mini cookie cutters to create beautiful vases. You can also use a sharp craft knife to create unique shapes.

• Molds can be purchased at the craft store in the clay aisle. If you have a difficult time getting the clay out, lightly dust with corn starch. After baking your vase, starch can easily be washed off. When project is cooled, you can highlight with metallic craft paints.

• After you create your design, make two flattened circles of clay. Attach to back of vase. Press in suction cups to make indentation, and then remove before baking.

• Bake in oven for 15 minutes, remove and cool completely. Avoid the temptation to touch before completely cool to prevent breaking.

• When vase is cooled, it is time to attach the suction cups. Place a dollop of glue in the indentations you made in the circles on the back of vase. Press suction cups firmly into glue, dry for 24 hours.

• Fill with water and add flowers! Mini vases are great to attach to mirrors or any smooth surfaces. As an option, Command strips by 3M can be applied as well. This way you can attach them to your car, walls even a teacher desk or cubical at work! Silk flowers also can be added to brighten any space or décor.

• Mini vases are great gifts for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays or any day that flowers are a great gift. A way to freshen up your décor!