ring-cone

I love, love, love how simple this tutorial is, yet super practical! I am inspired by all the fancy ceramic ring cones that are around at the moment, but instead of buying them you can now make them at home with a few supplies from the craft store!

As always, use your favourite colours and patterns to customise the cones. And if you are being super cute, you could use little alphabet stamps or a toothpick to stamp/carve your initials or wedding date on the base.

ring-cone

Don’t worry if your cone isn’t perfectly smooth or even, it’s all part of the handmade appeal.

Two important things I learned while making these: allow the paint to dry completely before adding another layer or adding varnish. This prevents it from cracking due to too much wet paint. Also, a couple of thin layers of varnish are better than one thick layer, as this can cause it to craze a little. Allow to dry overnight on baking paper.

ring-cone

What you need:

  • White modelling clay. I used FIMO soft from the craft store. Use 1 x 57g pack per cone.
  • Baking tray, baking paper and oven
  • Acrylic paint (water-based)
  • Paint brush
  • Polyurethane gloss varnish (water-based)

ring-cone

Step 1. Preheat oven to 110°c (conventional). Start with clean hands and work surface. Soften the clay with your hands. Roll into a short log.

ring-cone

Step 2. Apply extra pressure at one end while rolling to make a cone shape. Check the tip with a ring to make sure it will fit. Keep rolling until the cone is slim enough to hold a few rings.

ring-cone

Step 3. Now is the time to add those initials to the base if you want to. Place the cones on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

ring-cone

Step 4. Paint as desired. I painted my cones all over with white paint and dried on baking paper (it stops them from sticking to the paper). Then I partially dipped them into coloured paint. I found it was more successful to dip the base into the colour and allow to drain well before setting aside to dry as it didn’t drip like it did when I dipped the top of the cone.

ring-cone

Step 5. Paint dry cones with varnish to give that fancy ceramic look. So pretty!

ring-cone

Images and tutorial by emerald + ella.

Swirl divider

Ms Chinoiserie Says: Love these – such a pretty and easy way to display your rings; would look so lovely on the bedside table!

About emerald + ella: I’m Jane Howard, the girl behind emerald + ella – an online shop and blog which encompass a world of beautiful, eclectic things. I’m also a recipe writer, food stylist, vintage collector, New Zealander, married to an Aussie boy, aspirational crafter, wine drinker, pulled pork sandwich lover and basically just a girl who likes pretty bits and pieces.