I’ve been experimenting with clay lately (both polymer and air dry) as I prepare to lead a workshop in LA for FIMO clay in a few weeks. But while coming up with projects for the workshop, I also came up with a few tutorials that I can share here with you all! Summer is quickly approaching (I can’t believe it is already May!), and that means it is time for all things tropical. Time with friends drinking fruity cocktails while the kids play in the backyard are the things dreams are made of. So to go with the fun summer months ahead, I created this gorgeous DIY palm leaf bar decanter. You can use it to store your spirits, or use it simply as a carafe for lemonade. How ever you use it, it is sure to bring all the summer vibes to your gathering!

Materials:

-FIMO polymer clay in Tropical Green, Apple Green, and Black
-Glass decanter (this one is from Target)
-Craft knife (like an X-acto)
-Acrylic clay rolling pin
-Super glue

Begin by mixing one of your green clays with a pinch of black clay. Mix and twist and roll until you have a slightly marbled clay. Then roll it out until it is approximately 1/8″ thick.

Use the craft knife to cut the clay into an abstact heart/leaf shape.

Then use the knife to cut out wedge shapes from each side of the leaf to make the tell tale monstera leaf swiss cheese look.

Some of the cut outs will go all the way to the edge, while others will be kept in the center of the leaf only. Next, use the back of the knife (or a scoring tool) to score the veins of the leaf into the clay.

Repeat this process until you have 4-5 large monstera leaves. Use the different green clays to create a mix of leaf shades and colors.

Once you have all your leaves made, place them onto the clean decanter in the position you want them. Next, bake the decanter with leaves attached into the oven at 275F for 15 minutes to cure the clay. Turn off the oven and let the glass cool to room temperature inside the oven. Once cool, remove the decanter and carefully remove any loose leaves. Use the super glue to permanently attach the leaves to the glass, then let dry to cure.

Now that the glue is cured, you can fill the decanter with any liquid you want to enjoy be it spirits, lemonade, or sangria. And just so that I cover all my bases, the decanter is handwash only, but boy oh boy is it worth it!

Now who else is ready for a summer party and cocktail in their new DIY palm leaf bar decanter?!