Independent craft blog since 2007
Jen over at Tatertots and Jello has a knack for finding hidden talent. She features guest posters on her blog, many of which I end up following. This week she featured Rachel from First Home Makeover and her painted curtain tutorial. I’m sure I’ll be perusing Rachel’s site for even more coolness to share. 🙂
If you’d like to see this fabulous painted curtain tutorial click here.
The Christmas holidays are the perfect excuse to bring festive charm into your studio, and this video shows how to do just that by handbuilding a ceramic Christmas tree platter. With its iconic silhouette and the ability to decorate it however you like, this project makes a wonderful seasonal centerpiece, serving dish, or heartfelt handmade gift.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvLj16RIqKI
The tutorial walks you through creating a slab-built tree shape from clay, smoothing edges, and preparing it for firing. What makes this project stand out is its versatility—you can keep it simple with a classic glaze or go bold with textures, stamps, or layered finishes to really emphasize the holiday spirit.
It’s a calm, step-by-step process that beginners will appreciate, but also offers enough room for experienced potters to explore their own decorative flair.
Seasonal Focus: Perfect for Christmas holiday entertaining, handmade gifts, or even as a keepsake decoration.
Simple Techniques: Just a slab of clay, a template, and some smoothing tools—no wheel required.
Creative Freedom: Endless options for surface design—imprints, underglaze painting, or festive glaze combos.
Relaxing Style: The video is quiet and meditative, letting the sounds of working with clay shine through.
If you’re looking for an approachable holiday project that combines ease, creativity, and festivity, this video delivers. It’s a project that celebrates both the joy of making and the warmth of giving during Christmas. Whether you make one for your own table or as a handmade holiday present, the Christmas tree platter is sure to become part of treasured seasonal traditions.
Watch the full video here: DIY Pottery Christmas Tree Platter