Khatam Jewelry Bowl {Tutorial}
These mini khatam air dry clay bowls were made to help keep us organized. Khatam is Arabic for eight point star.
We have left over clay from our previous ladybugs and coasters and wanted to used it up before it hardened.
Since we had shaped the ladybugs into circles and the coasters were cut from a template, I thought I would show my daughter today how to work with a mold.
A mold can be bought or it can be made from any household items you have at hand, as long as you protect your surface from the clay.
We decided to use two little bowls we had picked up at the dollar store as our molds. By placing the two square bowls in each other, we discovered they created a 8 point star, or a khatam.
If you read this blog at all, you know we love to make khatams because they are so easy for kids to replicate. Simply take two squares and offset them. Khatams can be found all over the Arab world and even in Western society. This is a khatam I found in a park in Washington, while on a walk last week.
To make our khatam, we used the Brush Metal silver paint from Plaid, which I received as a Plaid Ambassador. We kept the center white so we can see our silver jewelry pieces.
Supplies
Cling wrap
Paintbrush
Xacto
Roller
Paint
Washi tape
Mold
Air dry clay
Mod Podge
Foam Brush
Cut off a section of the clay and make sure you wrap up the rest super tight. Once it dries, it is impossible to use.
To condition the clay and get it ready, you need to soften it up for a few minutes by pushing it around your fingers.
You’ll want to now flatten your clay to about a quarter inch thickness.
Use the mold to cut the clay to size.
Place the cling wrap over the mold to make the extraction easier later.
You’ll next place the clay in the mold.
Use your fingers to shape the clay into the crevasses and corners of the mold.
The clay will need to stay in the mold for 24 hours to harden.
Place a little tape on the corners and paint them silver.
We added a layer of Mod Podge to protect against starches.
Now your khatam is ready for jewelry. Just as one or separated to create two bowls.
I especially love that the top bowl has a little lip so that earrings can be placed on the edge.
To see more of my handmade jewelry, please visit my shop. To make more tutorials that teach about the Arab world, be sure to check out A Crafty Arab on Pinterest.
