Bodhi Leaf Bowl craft activity guide

Skill Level

Beginner

Time to Make

1 hour

Adult Supervision

Yes

Top Tip

The veins on the leaf can either be cut into the clay with a modelling tool, or made by pressing thinly rolled clay strands on the top.

Tear off a 30cm piece from a roll of cling film then tape it to your work surface. Cut off a 5cm section from the block of clay. Roll the clay into a ball, flatten it with your fingers then place it on the cling film. Keep the remaining clay wrapped in the packaging so it doesn’t dry out. Roll the clay to about 8mm in depth. To help roll the clay evenly, place 3 wooden craft sticks glued together down both sides of the clay, or stick them together with double-sided tape.
Cut out a leaf shape 12cm x 10cm, or make it bigger or smaller if you prefer. You could cut a card template in a leaf shape as guide. Smooth the edges of the clay leaf with a modelling tool or your fingers, adding water if necessary. Make a veined pattern with a modelling tool, or press thinly rolled clay strands onto the leaf. Carefully lift the clay leaf with the edges of the cling film then place it into a shallow bowl with the cling film underneath. Gently press the leaf into a curved shape.
Allow the clay to dry thoroughly for 48 hours before painting.
Brush green paint over the leaf. For a blended effect, mix 2 or 3 different shades of green. Leave to dry then lightly brush gold paint over the leaf to highlight the texture. Leave to dry then paint the underside.

Bodhi Leaf Bowl