DLTK's Countries and Cultures - India
Lotus Flowers from Air Dry Clay

Welcome to our lotus flower craft page, where we invite you to explore the beauty and symbolism of this remarkable flower! The lotus holds great cultural and spiritual significance in various countries and traditions, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. This exquisite aquatic plant rises above murky waters to bloom gracefully, offering an inspiring metaphor for overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth.

Join us in celebrating the lotus flower through a fun and engaging air dry clay craft for kids, perfect for fostering creativity and learning about its cultural importance. Let's dive into the world of lotus flowers and create beautiful handmade blossoms to enjoy and share with others!

Materials:

• Air-dry clay
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Paintbrushes (optional)
• A small bowl or container for shaping
• A rolling pin or a round bottle
• Wax paper or a non-stick surface
• Water for smoothing the clay

Instructions:

Choose and prepare one of the clay recipes (or use store bought clay such as Crayola Air Dry Clay).  All of the recipes work fine and depend on the ingredients you have on hand.  I prefer the last version if making my own, but I really like working with the air dry clay too.

• Air Dry Clay
• Air Dry Clay #2
   
• Air Dry or Bake Clay
• Air Dry or Bake Clay #2  -- dries whiter than the previous version, but requires cooking
• Prepare your workspace: Lay wax paper or a non-stick surface on your work area to prevent the clay from sticking.
• Roll out the clay: Take a piece of air-dry clay and use the rolling pin or a round bottle to roll it out until it's about 1/4-inch thick.
• Cut out petals: Using a plastic knife or a clay-cutting tool, cut out simple, pointed petal shapes from the rolled-out clay. You'll need around 12-16 petals, depending on the size of your bowl.
• Cut out one circle about the size of the bottom of the bowl
• Shape the base: Take a small bowl or container and turn it upside down. Place the circle on the bottom. Place one petal overlapping the circle, letting it curve around the bowl's shape.
• Add more petals: Continue to add petals, slightly overlapping them as you work your way around the bowl. This will create the first layer of petals.
• Create more layers, if you like: It isn't necessary, but you can add another layer of petals above the first layer, offsetting the petals from the first layer.
• Smooth the edges: Use a small amount of water on your fingers to smooth the edges of the petals and blend any seams where the petals meet.
• Optional: Use your hands to roll a snake of clay and coil it around the bottom of the bowl to make a flat, stable base.
• Let it dry: Once you've finished shaping the lotus flower bowl, carefully remove it from the small bowl or container and let it air-dry according to the clay's instructions, typically 24-48 hours.
• Paint (optional): Once the bowl is completely dry, you can paint it with acrylic paint if desired. Let the paint dry before handling the bowl.
• Enjoy your lotus flower bowl: Use your beautiful lotus flower bowl as a decorative piece, a jewelry holder, a candle holder, or for any other purpose you see fit. Remember to handle it with care, as air-dry clay can be delicate.

Symbolism of Lotus Flowers Around the World:

Lotus flowers hold cultural, religious, and symbolic significance in several countries across Asia. Some of these countries where lotus flowers are especially important include:

1. India: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus flower represents purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment. The national flower of India, the lotus, is also an essential element in Indian art and architecture.
2. China: The lotus flower is highly revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of purity, perfection, and spiritual growth. It plays a vital role in Chinese art, poetry, and Buddhism.
3. Egypt: In ancient Egypt, the blue lotus was highly significant, symbolizing creation, rebirth, and the sun. It was often used in religious rituals and depicted in ancient Egyptian art.
4. Japan: Lotus flowers have deep symbolic meaning in Japanese culture and Buddhism, representing spiritual enlightenment and purity of mind and body. Lotus flowers are also commonly found in Japanese art, including traditional ink paintings and woodblock prints.
5. Vietnam: The lotus flower is the national flower of Vietnam and holds cultural and spiritual importance. It symbolizes purity, commitment, and optimism for the future. In Vietnam, different parts of the lotus plant are used for culinary, medicinal, and religious purposes.

Print friendly version of these instructions