DIY: Air Dry Clay Ceramics

Desk accessories have really been trending lately, and we can't get enough of them! They're practical, useful, and super cute! This week we bought some air dry clay, and tried our hand at some desk accessories of our own– a pencil holder and a mini dish. Here's what you'll need to make this craft:

MATERIALS:
+ Air Dry Clay
+ Clear Gloss Sealant Spray (optional, but if you want a sleek, glossy look, this stuff is for you!)
+ Clay tools or a knife
+ Circular Glass
+ Straw or Pencil
+ Clay Roller to flatten the clay (OR a spray can does the job!)
+ Gold Paint Pen (optional, but adds a little something to the final product!)



PENCIL CUP

Step 1: Cut a piece of air dry clay, enough for however many pieces you're making. We used about half of the block to make our pencil cup and mini dish. Make sure you seal up the rest of the package if you don't use all the clay– if not sealed properly, it will dry out fast! 

Step 2: Cut out a circular piece of clay for the bottom of your pencil cup. You'll want to make sure the walls of your cup holder fit nicely around this circle without too much gap. 

Step 3: Roll out the wall part of your pencil cup with your roller (or spray can!) Don't roll the clay so thin that it sticks to your working surface, but you also don't want them so thick that it's hard to attach to the base of the cup. About 1/4" - 1/2" thickness is good. 

Step 4: Trim the top, bottom and sides of your clay slab so you have a nice rectangle to then attach to the circular clay base. Then punch some holes in the slab for a small decorative touch, or leave it plain- it's up to you!

Step 5: Drape your rectangular slab of clay around your clay base, and merge these two pieces together securely at the bottom. With a clay tool or knife, make tiny slashes across the pieces, then gently smooth over these dashes to join seamlessly. 

Step 6: Once you have joined the base to the sides, you can smooth out the rest of the pencil cup around the sides and the top rim. Remember, handmade is beautiful, so don't sweat the imperfections!

Step 7: If you're feeling fancy, or think the white is too white, take a gold paint pen and line the rims of your cup and dish. If you want even more color, don't be afraid to grab some paint and add a pop of color to your workspace!

MINI DISH

Step 1: We made our mini dish from the excess clay we cut off our pencil cup, so it doesn't take much! Roll that out into a smooth, round ball of clay.

Step 2: Gently press your thumb into the center of the clay ball to start forming the inner part of the dish. Keep smoothing and pushing against the sides until you get something that looks like a little dish!

Step 3: Add a touch of color if you want, or keep it plain and simple! These dishes make wonderful little homes for air plants (we can't get enough of them!)

This isn't your typical fine-crafted ceramics project, but it is a fun way to get your hands dirty and make some nice additions to your desk set-up!

#makeitmonday

DONUT WORRY BE HAPPY

Why you ask? Because it's National Donut Day! The perfect holiday to end a crazy week by grabbing a cold iced coffee and your favorite donut on the way to work. Maybe even spread the holiday cheer by bringing some donuts for your coworkers as well. To get in the holiday spirit we're sharing our favorite donut DIYs, so grab a donut or two and enjoy!

DIY PAINTED DONUT COLLAR by Studio DIY

SIMPLE AND SWEET DONUT PILLOW DIY by A Beautiful Mess

DIY DONUT BEAD NECKLACE by Brite and Bubbly

DIY FELT AND CORK DONUT COASTERS by Squirrely Minds

All these DIYs have us hungry for donuts. We hope you enjoy this day as much as we do! 

#treatyoself 

BACK TO THE CITY PART II

Get it? While the rain has been sticking around for literally weeks, it didn't stop us from going out on another Philly adventure. And this time we went exploring along with two others– A's sister, Kelsey, and our dear friend, Leanne. 

FIRST STOP 

Of course we needed to fuel our bodies for the day, so we stopped by Little Spoon Cafe for our brunching needs. Mason jars, windowsill plants, cheery printed wallpaper, and fine food are just a few of our favorite things about this place! The menu alone has such a unique variety of foods that we didn't even know existed, like ramps which are apparently a 'mild green vegetable,' kinda like a green onion... go figure. They definitely know what they're doing here because it was a delicious choice. 

SECOND STOP

What's a day in Philly without stopping by La Colombe each and every time? But this time we were able to give our friend Leanne the experience of her first draft latte, and she loved it (of course.) There's really nothing quite like the smooth layer of foam, crunchy ice chunks and fresh espresso. Insanely refreshing.

THIRD STOP

West Elm. The visuals in this place are literally jaw dropping each and every time. From the room accents to the pillows to the furniture pieces we were already planning our future, non existent home as if we could buy everything in the store for it. One day my friends, one day...

FOURTH STOP

The Blick store. Ray had never been in here and boy was she missing out all these years. For all your art supply needs, and we mean any, this is the place to go. Walls of different kinds of pen is the place we want to be! Let's just say we spent a good chunk here gawking at the variety of supplies Blick carries, and definitely didn't come out empty-handed.

FIFTH STOP

The perfect stop for accomplishing any projects in a chill atmosphere that has two floors for space with drinks and eating options, Chapterhouse Cafe. Our main goal for the day was to assemble all of Ray's wedding invites so they're all ready to send out. This was the perfect way to catch up with each other, share some crazy stories, and get organized. We even had a little visit from the cafe's dog friend. We highly recommend this place to get some serious work done, or if you just want a chill spot to catch up with a friend.

Until next time, Phily. We're thankful for friends that stick together and always make time for each other even when life is crazy!

#galpals 

POP-UP SHOP + FLOWER BAR

This weekend The Craftery located in little Dublin, PA hosted the cutest pop-up shop and flower bar for Mother's Day. Not only did they have planted succulents and local handmade candles, but Kate from The Laughing Lady Farm was there for make your own bouquets! Using fresh cut blooms in a multitude of colors it was perfect for daughters, husbands and children to customize their own bouquet for their mom. 

ALSO our very own gal had a table set up featuring Mother's Day cards all designed by A! Obviously this is Ray using this opportunity to brag about her super talented friend. Everything design related on our blog and Instagram is always created by A. Check her out for all your design needs!

We're hoping for more pop-up shops like this at The Craftery this spring and summer! Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates on DIY workshops and fun events like this one! @thecrafterypa 

#popupshop

ROMPING 'ROUND PHILLY

After the random snow and chilly weather that consumed our second weekend in April we took full advantage of the 75 degree weather this past Saturday. Since Alisa moved to Philly recently, Rachel used good ol’ Septa to make her way to the city for the day! 

FIRST STOP

We started the day hungry of course, so we popped into Marathon Grill and had some bangin' omelettes, home fries and multi grain toast. The atmosphere is chill and screams fresh food. Let’s just say we will definitely be back again for more.

SECOND STOP

The place we can never get enough of. PAPER SOURCE. We probably spent the most time here out of any other place we explored. Between the stationary, desk accessories, gifts, and even a scratch-and-sniff book on whiskey, they definitely have everything you could ever want, and more.

THIRD STOP

Rittenhouse Square. Since the weather was so nice the park was packed with so many people and more dogs than ever (secretly wishing we had our cats on leash...) After taking a stroll around the farmer's market we planted our butts on a bench to bask in the sunlight and people watch. The perfect combo.

  

FOURTH STOP

The lovely Anthropologie where visual displays are always on point. Walking around there always leaves our mouths wide open at how much detail is put into the displays. With such a refreshing atmosphere we wandered around each floor in anticipation of what beautiful display would be next. 

 

FIFTH STOP

La Colombe. Where coffee lovers dwell. After Rachel’s first experience with the can of draft latte, she was so looking forward to getting the real deal. And boy, was it worth the wait. It is the perfect amount of smoothness, creaminess and foam that there could be.

We’re looking forward to the next time we will meet up to explore more of this city. Thank goodness for friends and fun-filled cities. Until next time, keep on exploring!

Be sure to follow our adventures on Instagram! @rayandablog

#cityofbrotherlylove