DIY: Decorative Plate in a Leaf Shape

These decorative plates are not only a nice detail on a table, they are also useful - the keys or other little things would always be at your fingertips. And what's most important, the main element for this project is free: leaves in different shapes.

Materials needed:

• Leaves
• Air drying clay
• Rolling pin 
• Knife or scalpel
• Clay glaze
• Brush

Step 1
Take a piece of clay and roll it up to be flat and thin. The thinner the clay is, the more natural the leaf print will be. But be careful not to roll it up  too thin, so it won’t broke.

Step 2
Place the leaf over the clay. Make sure the edges of the leaf do not cross over the edges of the clay.

Step 3
Gently roll the rolling pin over the leaf to make it uniformly imprinted in the clay. Carefully remove the leaf and you will see the print that is left.

Step 4
By using knife cut around the edges of the printed leaf that is left on the clay. Try to cut as carefully as possible, and do not accidentally lean your hand over the clay and destroy the print.

Step 5
Carefully lift the printed leaf and place it in a bowl. This will give a more natural and curved shape to the edges. Let it dry overnight.

Step 6
When the clay is dried, apply 2-3 layers of clay glaze to protect the plate from damage and dirt. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one.
Before applying the glaze you can also paint the plate and by that give it an animation.