adminA clay cactus bud vase adds a playful touch to a shelf, table or windowsill while holding a single flower stem. This project uses oven-bake polymer clay and gold jewelry wire to create a cactus shape with decorative spines. Work slowly as you shape it, and plan where you will hold the vase so the wire details do not catch your fingers when you move it.
Supplies for a Clay Cactus Bud Vase
- 1.75 lb. of white polymer clay (oven-bake clay)
- 28-gauge gold jewelry wire
- Scissors
- Rolling pin
- Wax paper
- Copper pipe or a similar substitute, such as a pen or plastic straw
Depending on the height you choose, one 1.75 lb. box of clay can make two bud vases. The clay remains soft until baked according to the manufacturer’s directions, then hardens as it cools. Before starting, cover your work surface with wax paper and remove jewelry that could leave marks in the clay.
Shape the Cactus Body and Arms
- Break the clay into small pieces and knead them into ping-pong-sized balls. This helps soften and smooth the material. Combine several balls, then use a rolling pin or your hands to form a long, rounded cactus body.
- A body at least five inches tall helps create the cactus look. Taller designs need more width at the base for support, so keep the proportions balanced.
- Smooth fingerprints, creases and small dents with gentle, fluid strokes. Continue checking the surface as you work; light pressure is usually easier to control than trying to fix marks later.
- Roll a smaller piece of clay into a narrow shape and bend it into a cactus arm. Press its base gently against the body and smooth the join with a finger. Repeat on the opposite side if you want a second arm.
If an arm will not stay in place, a short piece of wire can be inserted into it and pressed into the body as internal support. Smooth the join afterward. For tight inner curves, use a smooth, pen-sized object to reach areas that are difficult to work with your fingers.
Make the Opening and Add Wire Spines
Press the copper pipe, pen or other chosen tool straight down into the top of the cactus to form the opening. The clay may compress slightly. Twist the tool gently to loosen the clay inside, widen the opening as needed, and withdraw it slowly to help the shape recover.
Because this is a bud vase, the opening will hold only a small amount of water. Make it deep enough to leave at least 2 inches of space for a flower stem and water. Check the opening before baking so it is not too narrow for the stem you intend to use.
Cut the gold wire into as many 1/2-inch pieces as you want. Space the pieces about 1/2 inch apart or farther around the cactus, pressing them into the clay. Leave the undersides of the arms free of wire so you have a safer place to grip the vase when moving it.
Bake and Use the Finished Vase
Set the piece in a preheated oven and bake it for the time and at the temperature specified by the clay manufacturer. A casserole dish can provide stability while baking; follow the product instructions for an appropriate baking surface. Let the vase cool fully before handling it, since the clay reaches its hardened state after cooling. Check that the wire is secure before adding water or moving the piece.
Place the finished vase somewhere it is unlikely to be bumped, especially if the wire ends are exposed. Add a small amount of water and a single bud or stem. The same basic method can also be adapted into other forms, such as a face-shaped vase or a faceted, abstract design.
A clay cactus bud vase is a cheerful handmade accent that combines a simple vessel with a distinctive sculptural shape. Take care when handling its wire details, and enjoy the finished piece as a small home for fresh flowers. –Rachel
