DIY leaf bowl, Autumn craft idea

DIY leaf trinket dish 

I took some inspiration from nature and decided to use the falling leaves in my garden for a DIY project. Using some air drying clay, I made my very own leaf trinket dishes.

I got my inspiration from a trinket dish I got in Heatons last year. I loved it but I couldn’t find anymore in the shop so I decided to make my own leaf trinket dish instead. This is a really fun Autumn afternoon DIY. The only time-consuming part of this DIY is allowing time for the clay to dry.

You can get really creative and use different size leaves and different coloured paints to make a trinket dish to suit your own personal style. I also have a Youtube video showing you how I made these and I will link it here for you to enjoy.

What you will need to make your clay leaf bowl

For this DIY you will need some clay. I used air drying clay but you can use oven-bake clay or whichever clay you can get in your local craft store or online. I had some clay left over from my Pumpkin painting DIY from last year.

You then just need some leaves from the garden, a rolling pin to roll your clay, a knife, a bowl and some spray paint. I used Rust-oleum spray paint in the shade of bright copper.

How to make your leaf trinket dishes

Open up your clay and cut a handful-sized chunk. Using a rolling pin roll out your clay until it is smooth and flat. I actually didn’t have a rolling pin so I had to improvise and use an old round tube.

Pick a leaf and roll this onto your clay. Give it a good roll as you want to get all of the details from the leaf into the clay. Gently remove the leaf from the clay and using a knife you can cut out your leaf.

I wrapped a small bowl in some cling film and I placed my lead inside the bowl to dry. This gave it a nice curved bowl shape. I then allowed the clay leaf a full 25 hours to fully air dry.

DIY leaf trinket dish
DIY leaf trinket dish
DIY leaf trinket dish

Painting your DIY leaf trinket dishes

Once my leaf trinket dishes were fully dry, I then applied one coat of bright copper spray paint. I went for a pop of colour for my leaves as I wanted them to match in with my decor but you can get creative and pick a colour to suit your style.

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage of the spray paint on the clay. Also, I only needed one coat as normally I would apply two coats of paint to a project. I allowed the spray paint to fully dry and then I had fun styling them in my home.

DIY leaf trinket dish
DIY leaf trinket dish
DIY leaf trinket dish

I had fun experimenting with clay in this DIY. Let me know if you have used clay in your projects or if you plan on giving this DIY a try. You can tag me over on Instagram and share with me your DIYs as I love seeing what you guys are getting up to.

Don’t forget to check out my Youtube video below and subscribe to my channel if you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading, Chat soon, Catherine.

Please Pin the below image to your Pinterest boards

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7 Comments

  1. Bethany P
    July 20, 2019 / 10:11 pm

    Thank you for sharing this project. Looking for fun things to make my niece and nephew from my son! We will really enjoy making these.

  2. daintydressdiaries
    Author
    July 24, 2019 / 7:12 pm

    Thanks so much for reading Bethany!

  3. Vicky
    January 23, 2020 / 11:39 am

    These are absolutely beautiful!!
    These caught my eye in the Autumn when you made them and I’ve spent many walks being picky over leaves ha!!

    Will definitely make one this autumn

  4. Dina Maria Gonsalves
    December 28, 2020 / 7:31 pm

    Hi Catherine,

    Season’s Greetings!

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful projects. Recently started watching and subscribed to your chanel. Amazing video and soo easy to follow. Made these Trinket Dish, turned beautiful. Love and God bless you.

  5. Cher
    September 13, 2021 / 6:06 pm

    This is a great video, I’m inspired to make my own. You are adorable and charming. I love that you’re from Ireland!

  6. daintydressdiaries
    Author
    September 22, 2021 / 7:45 am

    Aw, thank you Cher! X

  7. Hannah
    September 11, 2022 / 6:50 pm

    Absolutely love these! I’m thinking of making one for my mum for her birthday and was just wondering how yours have worn? Do you think they would need any sort of topcoat to seal the paint in? Thank you.

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