Clay Keepsakes: Crafting Your Own Trinket Box

💭 Think About...

1. How are you planning to decorate your trinket box? What kind of textures or patterns are you using?
2. What would your trinket box look like if it was meant to hold something really special or personal?
3. Why is it important for your trinket box to not only look nice but also function well (e.g., the lid fitting correctly, the box holding something)?
4. What part of the process do you think is the most important when making a trinket box?

🔨 Your Project

  1. Warm Up Your Clay

- Begin by kneading and warming up your clay. This helps to soften it and makes it easier to roll out. Slam the clay on the table a few times to remove air bubbles.

- If the clay feels dry, add a little water. If it's too sticky, let it sit for a few minutes or add a small amount of dry clay.

  1. Roll Out Your Slab

- Using a rolling pin, roll your clay into an even slab that is about 1/4 inch thick.

  1. Cut the Pieces for Your Box

- Once your slab is rolled out, measure and cut the following pieces:

- 4 rectangles for the sides of your box.

- 1 square or rectangle for the base of the box.

- 1 larger piece for the lid of your box (slightly bigger than the top of the box to allow it to fit snugly).

  1. Score and Slip Your Edges

- Press the pieces together firmly and blend the seams with your fingers or a tool to smooth them out.

  1. Assemble the Box (10-15 minutes):

- Start with the sides: Attach each of the four side pieces by scoring and slipping the edges. Carefully press the pieces together, ensuring the seams are well-blended.

- Add the base: Once the sides are attached, score and slip the edges of the base piece and join it to the bottom of the box.

- Test the lid: After the box is assembled, place the lid on top to make sure it fits snugly but can still be easily removed. Adjust the lid size if needed.

  1. Add Texture and Decorations
  2. Allow the Box to Dry