WATCH: Watch Tara’s guide below to making your own concrete votives at home
These terracotta painted pots are super easy for kids of all ages.
“This is a great, easy activity for kids to do either on their own or together with a grown up,” says project creator and arts educator, Samantha Relihan. “The best part is kids get to pot a little plant in their artwork at the end that they can care for and watch it grow!”
Here, Samantha shares her step-by-step guide to bring this creative flower pot activity to life. Ready, set, paint!
Gather your supplies:
- Acrylic paint and brushes
- Water container for cleaning brushes
- Posca paint markers
- Pencil, paper and eraser
- Terracotta pot
- Spray waterproof sealant
Here’s how:
Step 1.
Plan out your design on your terracotta pot using paper to draw a sketch. When you’re happy with your design, you can use your pencil to map out the colours and patterns before you begin. You may like come up with your own unique design or go with a theme like these fruit flower pots.
Brighten up the kids’ day with colourful paints. Atelier acrylic paints have a signature versatile and viscous body thanks to its unique formula that gives artists a huge amount of creative freedom. All Atelier Acrylic Paints, Riot Art; S4 80ML, Cadmium Yellow LT, $18.49; S2 80ML Perm Green LT, $11.95; S3 80ML, Brilliant Magenta, $15.19; S6 80ML S6 80ML, Cobalt Blue, $5.99.
Step 2.
If you go with a themed flower pot, choose a design that’s simple and easy to recognise with not too many colours. Here the watermelon and pineapple designs use three colours – one for the outside, one for the edge at the top and black detail to finish it off. Use photos to help you if you are not sure.
Step 3.
When painting, take your time and try and do three solid layers of colour. You can also paint one layer of white before you paint in colour to ensure the original colour of the pot isn’t as visible.
Step 4.
Once you have painted the main blocks of colour, you can add any fine detail using a Posca paint marker. These are great if you want to write words or add small detail like the seeds on the fruit flower pots.
Step 5.
When you have finished painting, leave your flower pot in the sun till completely dry. Finish with a thorough spray of clear waterproof sealant.
ABOUT: Samantha Relihan is an arts educator and workshop facilitator based in Sydney. Trained as a primary school teacher, Samantha has over 10 years’ experience working with children. She now works in developing education and family programs for museums and galleries.
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Visit the BHG craft page for more ideas
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