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Youth Activity Archive

Clay Art – Leaf Decorative Dish

Clay Art – Leaf Decorative Dish

Activity Description: Youths make clay dishes for non-edible objects by stamping leaves into clay, shaping, drying, and decorating them.

Items Needed:

  • Air Dry Clay
  • Leaves (hydrangea recommended, maple for bowls)
  • Rolling pin or clay roller
  • Pencil or clay writing tool
  • Clay knife
  • Sponge and water
  • Cookie drying rack
  • Paint (tempera, acrylic, or other colors)
  • Paintbrush
  • Mod podge gloss or heavy duty sealer
  • (Optional) Small bowl for shaping leaf bowls

Before the Meeting Starts:

  1. Gather leaves. (5–10 min)
    • Collect leaves with strong shapes. Hydrangea leaves can make good dishes, maple leaves can be used for bowls.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 35–50 min plus drying time):

  1. Roll out clay and stamp leaf. (5–7 min)
    • Cut a piece of clay and roll it flat.
    • Press the leaf firmly to make a clear imprint.
    • Trace the outline of the leaf before it is removed.
  2. Cut around the leaf outline. (3–4 min)
    • Remove the leaf.
    • Cut around the outline with a knife.
    • Take away extra clay around the imprint.
  3. Shape the dish. (6–8 min)
    • Roll up sections of clay gently, leaving space between rolls.
    • Keep the tip of the leaf intact.
    • Use a damp sponge to smooth rough areas.
    • (Optional) Place clay inside a small bowl to make a leaf bowl.
  4. Dry the clay. (2–3 days)
    • Set tiles aside and allow them to dry for 2–3 days until hardened. 
    • (Optional) After 24 hours, check if the top is hardened. Flip to dry the bottom, repeating if needed.
  5. Paint the dish. (10–15 min plus drying time)
    • Apply 2–3 coats of paint depending on color, allowing time to dry fully before each coat. Dark colors may need 2 coats, lighter colors may need 3.
  6. Seal the dish. (5–7 min)
    • Use mod podge gloss or a heavy duty sealer.
    • (Optional) Use waterproof sealer if making soap dishes.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

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Click Here -> See what GSUSA Requirements could be met

Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed for Art with Nature: Project uses nature directly in the process: through materials (like rocks, leaves, or soil), outdoor spaces, or natural forces (like sunlight or wind). The art may be built outside, designed for nature, or shaped by it.

Info Needed for Nature Inspired Art Projects: Project creates something that reflects nature’s colors, patterns, themes, or messages. The materials can be anything (fabric, clay, recycled items) but the idea comes from nature. It’s about expressing how nature makes them feel or what it reminds them of.

Info Needed for Art and Design Brownie Step 2 and Junior Step 3: Texture in a drawing helps us imagine how things would feel if we could touch them. For example, a drawing of a fluffy cat looks soft and furry, while a drawing of a rough rock looks bumpy. When you touch a 3D sculpture, you can feel if it’s smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. This helps you understand what the artwork is supposed to be, like a rough tree bark or a smooth, shiny car.

Brownie Art and Design Step 3 requires focus on Shape and Form, Space, Patterns, or Symmetry.

  • Fulfills Steps 2 and 3 of GSUSA Brownie Art and Design badge requirements.
  • Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Art and Design badge requirements.

This activity does not meet any Scouting America Requirements

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Youth Activity Archive

A practical, searchable collection of youth-friendly activities for every setting. Ideas are organized by theme, supplies, time, and location to help volunteers plan with confidence and flexibility for games, crafts, STEM, character, or outdoor activities. Brought to you by The Badge Archive.

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