Take about 1.1 lbs (500g) of air dry clay, sprinkle with a little water, and knead well using a pull-and-push technique until soft to prevent future cracking.

Roll the clay to an even 1/4-inch thickness on a non-stick mat, turning it frequently to avoid sticking, then smooth out bumps with a wet finger.

Print a 2D jack-o'-lantern design on A4 paper and cut out the outline to create a paper stencil.

Place the stencil on the clay, trace around it with a toothpick, map out facial features, and carefully cut the outline using an up-and-down motion with a craft knife.

Gently carve shallow indentations for the eyes, nose, and mouth to add texture, taking care not to cut through the base, then smooth with a little water.

Roll a long coil of clay with uniform thickness. Score the base edges and coil, apply clay slip or water, and attach the coil on top along the perimeter.

Shape a small clay piece into a curved stem with a flat base. Score, moisten, and press it onto the top rim, then smooth the joint and carve texture lines.

Leave the tray to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for 72 hours away from direct heat or sunlight until all grey patches turn completely white.

Apply 2–3 thin coats of acrylic paint (orange for base, dark orange for rim, black for face details, green for stem), letting each coat dry for 2 hours.

Apply 2–3 coats of gloss varnish, drying 24 hours between coats, to protect the tray with a water-resistant glossy finish.