Don’t skip this! Pretend you're making pizza dough. Knead that clay until it's super soft so you get all the air bubbles out. Uneven air = cracks later. We don’t want that!

Aim for 1/2 inch thickness. PRO TIP: To stop it from sticking to your mat, remember to flip, turn, and rotate your clay 90 degrees every few rolls. Trust me, it works like a charm! ✨

Draw your heart-shaped base (or use a template—don't be lazy like me!) and cut it out. Smooth out the edges with a wet finger.

This part is tricky. Use a paper template so you don't waste time erasing and redrawing 6 times. Cut the leaves, smooth them, and set aside.

Use the "score and slip" method to attach everything. Score the areas where clay pieces meet, tap on a little water (or slip), and press gently. No loose joints here!

Cut thin, even straps and attach them around the tray base. Don’t forget to angle the edges where they meet for a seamless look.

This is the secret to avoiding cracks! Roll a super thin "snake" of clay and press it around the inside joint where the rim meets the base. It helps spread the tension so your tray doesn't crack while drying.

Make ~20 tiny teardrop shapes and stick them randomly on your tray. Don't overthink it!

Let it air dry for 48-72 hours. Seriously, don't rush this! If you paint it while it's wet, it will crack. Wait for it to turn pure white.

Use acrylic paints for the color, then apply 1-2 thin coats of gloss varnish to seal it and give it that professional shine. Let it cure for 24 hours, and you're done!