Kitty Cat Planters

Supplies Needed:

• SIO-2® PA - White Earthenware Clay, SIO-2® PM - Black Earthenware Clay, SIO-2® PRAI - Red Earthenware Clay
• Activ-Tools: Clay Tools Set
• Comb fondant tool
• Low fire glazes
• Brush
• Water bowl

Step 1

Body

Roll a large sphere out of clay.

Push a thumb into the center of the clay sphere.

Pinch the clay with a thumb and forefinger starting at the bottom and turning as you go.

Stop pinching when the opening of the pot is wide enough.

Smooth out any bumps with wet fingertips.

Step 2

Legs

Roll a thick cylinder of clay.

Cut the cylinder to the length of the bottom of the pinch pot using the smooth cut blade tool.

Score the cylinder using the rough cut blade tool.

Rub a little bit of water over the scored lines and join the cylinder onto the bottom of the pinch pot.

Divide the cylinder into four equal parts using the side of one of the tools.

Smooth the two clay forms together with a wet fingertip.

Pinch each leg section to form four rounded feet.

Step 3

Tail

Roll a thin cylinder out of clay.

Measure the length needed.

Score and slip the tail onto the back of the animal’s body.

Step 4

Ears

Create two triangles as thick as the wall of the pinch pot.

Score and slip the triangles onto the rim of the pot.

Smooth the clay pieces together at their seem.

Step 5

Nose

Make a tiny clay triangle using the black clay. Score and slip it onto the cat’s face.

Step 6

Mouth

Use the comb fondant tool to indent the cat’s mouth.

Step 7

Eyes

Indent or add on the cat’s eyes using the red or black clay.

*Optional
Cheeks
Add two small circle shapes out of the red clay next to the cat’s nose to create the cat’s cheeks.

Step 8

Whiskers

Indent a few lines next to the cat’s nose using the flat edge tool.

Step 9

Nails

Indent two lines on each foot to create the cat’s nails.

Step 10

Dry

Allow the clay sculpture to completely dry. Drying time will depend on humidity levels.

Step 11

Bisque Fire

Fire clay in the kiln to cone 04.
Biscuit: Cone 04 (1945ºF)

Step 12

Glaze

Apply glaze to the bisque sculpture according to manufacturer’s directions.

Step 13

Glaze Fire

Fire the glazed piece in the kiln. Follow manufacturer’s firing guidelines.
Firing range: 1778-1931ºF / Cone 06-04

Step 14

Plant

Add a small growing plant or cactus inside the belly of the pot.
*NOTE: This sculpture is now considered ceramic and is suitable to hold water.
An artificial plant may be added as well.