Umbrella Table Planter

Materials:

1 lb. brick black Premo polymer clay
2 oz. bottle Liquid Sculpey
paper paint mixing pot
paper towel roll
foil
Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex mica pigment powder
Shade-Tex "Leaves" texture sheet (cut in half, 4-1/4" x 11")
8" x 11" piece of glass
brush
tissue blade
craft knife
wooden skewer
clay-dedicated toaster or convection oven
clay-dedicated flat baking tray
oven mitts
oven thermometer
ceramic, granite or acrylic work surface
paper towels
metal palette for mixing liquid clay

Steps:

2. Make a 3" x 8" rectangular paper pattern. Condition a brick of clay by rolling it through the pasta machine multiple times. Roll out 5 sheets of clay at a #1 setting. Cut two 3" x 8" pieces out of two rolled pieces of clay using the paper pattern (figure B). Save the extra clay.

3. Make a 4" x 10" rectangular paper pattern (figure C). Generously dust Sunset Gold Pearl-Ex powder over the Shade–Tex texture sheet with a brush (figure D). Cut two 4" x 9" pieces out of two more rolled pieces of clay. Lay a 4" x 9" piece of clay over the texture sheet and roll them together through the pasta machine (figure E). Using the 4" x 10" paper pattern, trim textured clay sheet. Repeat with the second piece.

4. Lay one of the 3" x 8" pieces of clay centered over the paper towel roll on the glass (figure F). There should be 2-1/2 inches of clay laying flat on the glass on either side. Bake for 20 minutes at 275 degrees. Repeat with the second piece. Allow to cool on glass before removing.

5. Cover one half of the paper pot with a thin layer of liquid clay. Cover the pot with the 4" x 10" piece of clay folding over 3/4 inch of clay over the top edge (figure G). Trim excess. Be careful not to press too hard on the texture. Repeat with second half. Bake each half for 20 minutes at 275 degrees. Allow to cool.

9. Fill planter halves with cactus planting mix and plant succulents. Arrange planter on patio table on either side of umbrella pole.