If you'd like to try to create something simple yet very effective try this craft.

PAINTED FLOWERPOTS

Notes by Doreen Scerri

Materials needed

Terracotta pots

Acrylic paints

Paintbrushes

Water in small container

Cotton cloth

Medium Brilliant acrylic gloss

Pottery in its natural unglazed state offers a great surface for painting with acrylic paint.  You can use your imagination to create colourful and unique designs.

(Optional Preparation)

If you intend using the pot for planting or outdoor use, you need to prepare it by painting it inside and out with Acrylic Fluid Matt Medium or Acrylic Gesso Primer if you want a white base.

Paint stripes, zigzags or flowers and leaves, etc.  In fact, you can paint any design on your pot.  One thing to bear in mind is that if you are not sure about your design you can fill in your outline with pencil and paint over it.  Another important basic is that whenever you make an error you can disguise it by painting over it. 

Acrylic paint should be touch dry after 20 minutes.  You can still paint over part of the design if you are not happy with your result. 

Clean your brushes and change your rinsing water often. Dry on cotton cloth.

Wait about 48 hours before varnishing inside and out with a polyurethane varnish or acrylic gloss. Clean brushes with water. Always re-shape your brushes and never stand them on their bristles. Your brushes will last a long time if you care for them.

Finally, remember, your artwork is unique, it needs your signature!! 

A Great Gift Idea

Fill these pots with gardening tools, packets of seeds, etc. and give to a relative or friend who loves gardening.  Or you can add a plant and give it as a gift to your teacher, parents or grandparents.  Filled with chocolates they make a great gift especially during Christmas or Easter.

 

Here is a poem you can add to your gift for a gardener:

 

To show my love

This gift I've sent

To help you grow

Your very own plant

A delight to care for

A surprise you'll see

As you look inside

This painted pot from me!

        Doreen Scerri © 2005

 

You can use this poem if you want to but please make sure you credit me as the author and for that I thank you kindly.