Can you ever have too many small catch-all dishes? I don’t think so. The moment I come home my jewelry, keys, phone and anything in my pockets comes off—rings and bracelets just feel wrong to wear inside. That’s why I always keep a small dish nearby to drop everything into. Multiple trinket dishes around the house genuinely make life easier: missing earring? Check a dish. Misplaced ring? Probably in a dish.
This DIY wavy-edge dish is practical and fun to make. It uses air-dry clay, a favorite crafting material because it’s soft and therapeutic to work with. For this project I chose a soft blush pink with a touch of gold, but you can personalize the colors however you like. Use it for jewelry, small keepsakes, or simply as a decorative accent—this simple project yields a stylish, satisfying result.
Supplies
- Air-dry clay
- Rolling pin
- Round clay cutter (about 4 inches)
- Cup or small flower pot to shape the dish
- Fine sandpaper
- Acrylic paint (white for a base, plus your chosen colors such as soft pink and gold)
- Paintbrushes
- Clear sealant or varnish
Instructions – DIY Wavy Edge Dish
Step 1: Prepare the Clay
Knead the air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable, then shape it into a ball. Roll it out evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut a 4-inch circle—this size works well for a small trinket dish. Because air-dry clay can shrink slightly as it dries, it’s fine to cut just a touch larger than the final size you want.
Step 2: Shape the Wavy Edges
Flip a cup or small flower pot upside down and drape the clay circle over its bottom to create a gentle curve. To form the wavy rim, place a finger beneath the clay at the edge and press down on each side of your finger to make a wave. Repeat this around the circle, spacing the waves evenly. The closer the clay hugs the pot, the deeper the finished dish will be.
Step 3: Dry and Smooth
Leave the shaped dish on the pot to dry for 24 hours. After that initial period, remove it carefully and place it right side up to dry for another 48 hours. Once the clay is completely dry, use fine sandpaper to smooth any rough spots or uneven edges.
Step 4: Paint the Base Layer
Apply one coat of white acrylic paint as a base and let it dry completely. A white base helps your chosen colors appear more vibrant and consistent.
Step 5: Paint in Your Preferred Color
Paint the inside of the dish in your chosen color—soft pink looks lovely for a delicate finish. Allow that layer to dry before painting the backside and the outer edges. For a refined contrast, paint the back and rim in metallic gold or another accent color.
Step 6: Seal It
When all paint layers are fully dry, protect the finish with a clear varnish or sealant. Apply an even coat, let it dry for a couple of hours, and add a second coat if you want extra durability and shine.
Allow the sealed dish to dry fully. Once dry, your wavy-edge dish is ready to use and display.
Enjoy your pretty, handmade wavy-edge dish—perfect for keeping everyday small items organized or for gifting to a friend.
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