Pretty Basil Pots

A good project for all ages.

Container Herbs
 Many herbs grow well in containers, both indoors and out, making it possible for people without gardening space to grow herbs and to extend the growing season for tender herbs in cold climates. Herbs that grow well in containers:

*Basil
*Bay
*Borage
*Catmint
*Catnip
*Chervil
*Chives
*Greek Oregano
*Hyssop
*Lavender
*Lemon Balm
*Marjoram
*Mint
*Mint Marigold
*Parsley
*Rosemary
*Sage
*Savory
*Scented Geraniums
*Sorrel
*Tarragon
*Thyme

 Garden herbs of any sort are right at home in these glimmering pots decorated with painted clay leaves.

What You Need:
Wax Paper
Red bakeable Clay
Rolling Bin
Tiny Leaf Cookie Cutter about 1" long
4" Terra-cotta Pot  with Saucer
Knife
Cookie Sheet
Acrylic Paints in Metallic Copper, Green, Purple, and Blue
Paintbrush
Foam Plate
Natural Painting Sponge
Waterproof Adhesive, such as Liquid Nails

Time To Make Project 2 hours

Cost To Make Project about $2.00 Pot with Plant

What To Do:
If you are doing this with younger children you may want to prepare the leaf shapes beforehand. 
Also may want to consider doing just a step or two at a time.
 
1. Place a piece of wax paper on work area. On wax paper, roll out clay to about 3/16" thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out leaf shapes. It works to use a knife to cut out leaf shapes also if you don't have a cookie cutter.
2. Carefully pick up leaf shapes and press onto the pot, gently shaping to the curve on the pot. While leaf is on the pot, press in lines for detailing using a knife. Carefully remove the leaf shapes from the pot and gently lay onto cookie sheet, maintaining the leaf shape so it will fit the pot later. Let the clay dry at least one day, until it does not feel cool.
3. Bake the clay leaves in the oven according to instructions on clay label. Let the leaf shapes cool before handling.
4. Paint the leaves green and the saucer a solid color, such as metallic green or copper. Let the paint dry.
5. To paint the pots, place the desired colors of paint on a foam plate. Soak sponge in water and squeeze out excess. Dip sponge in paint and dab onto the pot surface. Alternate with different colors, rinsing paint from sponge each time you change colors. Dab the clean sponge onto the wet paint until the colors are blended. Let the paint dry.
6. Place a small dab of adhesive onto the back side of the leaves and glue onto the painted pot as desired. Let it dry.
 7. Fill with potting soil and place in the desired herb.