A clay Passover seder plate is a sweet little craft that you can make with air drying clay, polymer clay or classic clay that requires kiln firing. Given that Passover is just six days away, I'd go for the polymer clay idea which is the quickest and won't require any firing. Plus then kids can also make the various items that are placed on the plate as well......hmmm that sounds so cute maybe I'll try to squeeze that into my kid's schedules this week!
Then again, air drying clay could also work if you're not pressed for time, and the results can look very close to the example I've shown here. Air drying clay comes in both white and terra cotta color as far as I know, so if you prefer bright colors, do choose the white air drying clay, and follow the simple steps I've outlined for you, because I know, a week before Pesach keeping things as simple as possible is certainly a good idea!
You'll Need:
- air drying clay (for larger seder plates) or polymer clay for mini versions
- a rolling pin
- paint if using air drying clay, and possibly acrylic lacquer to give the piece some shine
How To: (Instructions are for using air drying clay)
- Roll out a piece of clay that is a bit larger than the size plate you'd like to make, The clay should be around 1/4" thick to keep it from being too fragile.
- Using a round plate as your template place plate on top of clay and cut around perimeter with something long and pointy like a thin knitting needle or a skewer. If an adult is doing this part for a child, use something as sharp as possible, like a long needle.
- The names of the items to be placed in each cup can be carved into the clay, or if desired applied with a permanent marker after painting.
- To make cups, start with six equally sized balls and flatten in the middle with fingers to make cups. Work at shaping cups to make them as round as possible.
- Set aside to dry and glue pieces together after drying. (With classic ceramics we would score the bottom of the cup and the spot on the corresponding spot on the plate and then use "slip" as an adherant.)
- Paint in fun colors, and enjoy on your seder table!