Add a tiny bit of water and knead for 3–5 minutes. This releases air bubbles and spreads moisture evenly to prevent cracks as it dries! Don't over-water.

Press flat with your palm, then roll to 1/4 inch thickness with an acrylic rolling pin. Turn and rotate 90° often so it won't stick! Smooth out minor cracks with a damp finger.

Place your jar lid twice to trace two overlapping cherry circles with a toothpick. Cut along the lines with an X-acto knife (lift the knife, don't drag!).

Roll a clay snake to uniform thickness. Score the rim base and tray edge with a toothpick, add a drop of water (or slip), and wrap it around the tray edge.

Roll a super thin clay coil and smooth it inside the corner joint between the base and rim. This distributes drying stress and stops the rim from snapping off!

Shape a tiny clay stem and leaf. Score & attach them to the top of your cherries using a splash of water.

Let it dry in a cool, ventilated room away from sunlight or heat. Flip it occasionally to keep the base flat and warp-free.

Paint the cherry center vibrant red, the rim dark red, and stem/leaf pale green using 2–3 thin coats of acrylics. Once dry, seal with 2–3 thin coats of gloss varnish for a shiny ceramic look!