How to Make a DIY Wavy Edge Dish with Air Dry Clay

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Can you ever have too many little catch-all dishes? I don’t think so. The moment I walk through the door, my jewelry, things in my pocket, cell phone, everything – just has to come off. I don’t know why, but wearing rings or bracelets at home just feels wrong to me!

That’s why I always keep a dish nearby to drop everything into. And let’s be real—having multiple trinket dishes scattered around the house just makes life easier. Can’t find an earring? Check a dish. Misplaced a ring? Probably in a dish.

This DIY wavy edge dish is practical and so much fun to make! We’re using air dry clay, which is one of my favorite crafting materials because it’s so soft and therapeutic to work with. For this dish, I went with a soft blush pink and added a touch of gold—but you can customize yours however you like! Whether you use it for jewelry, little keepsakes, or just to add a decorative touch to your space, this project is simple, stylish, and so satisfying to create.

Supplies

air-dry clay
Rolling pin
Round clay cutter
Cup
Sandpaper
Acrylic paint (gold and soft pink)
Paintbrushes
Sealant

Instructions – DIY Wavy Edge Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading the air dry clay to soften it, then shape it into a ball. Roll it out evenly until it’s about ¼ inch thick.

Use a round cutter to cut out a 4-inch circle—this size works well for a small trinket dish. Since air dry clay shrinks slightly as it dries, cutting a little larger than your intended size is a good idea.

Step 2: Shape the Wavy Edges

Flip a cup upside down and drape the clay circle over the bottom. This helps give the dish a gentle curve.

To create the wavy edges, place a finger between the clay and the flower pot, then gently press down on either side of your finger to form a wave. Repeat this process evenly around the dish. The closer the clay sits to the flower pot, the deeper your dish will be.

Step 3: Dry and Smooth

Once the dish is shaped, let it dry for 24 hours while still on the flower pot. Carefully remove it and place it right side up to continue drying for another 48 hours.

Once completely dry, use fine sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Step 4: Paint the Base Layer

Apply one coat of white acrylic paint as a base. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 5: Paint in Your Preferred Color

Paint the wavy dish edges in the color of preference. We painted it in a soft pink inside the dish. Then allowed it to dry completely before painting the backside.