Learn how to make checkered clay bowls in your oven with this easy tutorial.
I recently experimented with neutral checkered-pattern clay bowls to try out the check-print trend in home decor. I put together a clear, step-by-step guide so you can make your own oven-baked clay bowls at home.
I wanted a small, finish-in-an-afternoon project, so I worked with Sculpey Soufflé oven-bake clay to create these lightweight bowls that look like kiln-fired pottery. The process is quick, forgiving, and produces a modern, matte finish that’s great around the house or as handmade gifts.
Supplies and Equipment
- Sculpey Soufflé clay in two contrasting colors
- Metal square clay cutters
- Clay roller (acrylic roller)
- Basic clay tool set
- Bowls in different sizes to form shapes
- Small ruler
- Oven
Why use Sculpey Soufflé clay?
Sculpey Soufflé has a few features that make it ideal for this project:
- Lightweight, so finished pieces feel delicate without being heavy.
- Bakes to a soft matte (suede) finish that looks professional.
- Strong and holds detail well—good for repeating patterns and advanced techniques.
- Can be cut or sewn after baking, allowing creative finishing touches like holes for tags or sewing onto fabric.
- Stays soft until you bake it, so it won’t dry out while you work and can be stored to continue later.
- Non-toxic.
How to Make Check Print Clay Bowls
1. Choose two contrasting colors. I used latte and igloo for the step photos, and later tried latte with ivory for a slightly larger bowl. Contrasting tones create the clearest check pattern.
2. Cut the clay into blocks. Open each Soufflé clay package and use the largest square cutter to cut along the pre-indented lines on the clay. These sections are already evenly portioned, so you get uniform blocks without much measuring.
3. Assemble alternating strips. Lay the cut blocks side by side in alternating colors. I prefer building three-strip rows at a time—this makes the next cutting steps faster and more accurate.
4. Alternate the pattern for the next row. If the first row is ivory, latte, ivory, make the next row latte, ivory, latte to begin forming the checkered pattern.
5. Trim and cut evenly. Use the square cutter to trim any uneven edges so each strip has a straight side. Then measure about 1/4 inch (or eyeball if you prefer) and use the square cutter to slice the strips into small square tiles. Using the square cutter for all cuts is a helpful time-saving hack: it keeps lines straight and slices through layers quickly.
6. Match measurements for consistency. After you cut the first tile, use it as a template for the remaining pieces so all squares match in size. Consistent squares make the final sheet look clean and professional.
7. Assemble the full sheet. Arrange the cut tiles into a larger sheet, alternating colors to form the checkered pattern. Place tiles snugly so the seams are minimal.
8. Roll the sheet smooth. Lightly press the tiles together and roll the entire sheet with an acrylic roller so the pieces adhere and become one uniform slab. Rotate the sheet periodically to keep the thickness even across the surface.
9. Cut a circular bowl shape. Flip a bowl upside down and use it as a template: place it on the clay slab and cut all the way around to form a circle. Smooth the edges with your fingers to remove any roughness.
10. Shape the bowl before baking. Place the clay circle into a clean, oven-safe bowl (or over a bowl) to create the curved form and raised edges. Using the right-sized bowl shapes the clay as it bakes, so choose a stable, heat-safe form.
11. Bake according to package directions. Follow the clay manufacturer’s instructions. For Soufflé clay, bake at 275°F for about 30 minutes (follow the package for exact times and temps). Place the shaped clay on a parchment-lined metal tray for baking.
12. Cool and finish. Remove the bowl from the oven and let it cool completely. Trim any uneven edges with scissors or a craft knife, then gently sand if desired to refine the rim. Your clay bowl is ready to use.
Variations and Uses
Save scrap clay to make smaller mini bowls—these are quick to assemble and make charming gifts, party favors, or place settings. The checkered pattern scales nicely to different sizes and color combinations.
Practical uses for these clay bowls include:
- Jewelry and trinket storage
- Catchalls for keys or coins
- Small candy or snack bowls for holidays
- Handmade gifts for friends and family
I’m really happy with how these turned out and plan to make more for the holidays. If you try this tutorial, experiment with different color combinations and sizes—the same steps work for both small and larger bowls.
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This post was created in partnership with Sculpey. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative projects like this possible.