DIY Berry Strainer Tutorial - The Perfect Summer Craft

Berries deserve better than a plastic strainer. 🍓✨

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you'll learn how to make your own handmade berry strainer using simple hand-building techniques - no experience required. The result is a functional piece of pottery that's perfect for rinsing, serving, and showing off in your kitchen all summer long.

What You’ll Need:

Step 1: Create Your Pinch Pot

Start by rolling your clay into a smooth ball. Press your thumb into the center and gently pinch outward while rotating the clay to create an even bowl shape. As you work, smooth over any cracks with your fingers. 

Step 2: Roll Out & Cut Your Lid

Roll out a slab of clay thats no thinner than ¼ inch thick. Using your scoring tool, cut out the shape for your lid, we used a half-moon shape, but you can customize it to your preferred design. Make sure the lid is large enough to comfortably cover the opening of your pinch pot.

Step 3: Add Drainage Holes

Using your scoring tool, poke holes throughout the lid. These holes allow water to drain while keeping your berries safely inside the bowl. 

💡 Pro Tip: Instead of using your fingers to smooth the raised clay created by poking holes, use your loop tool to gently scrape away the excess clay. This creates a cleaner surface and saves time.

Step 4: Score & Attach the Lid

Score the top rim of your pinch pot and the underside of your lid. Add a small amount of water to both scored surfaces, then firmly press the two pieces together. 

Step 5: Blend the Seams

Use your fingers to smooth the seam where the two pieces meet. Blend both the inside and outside of the bowl until the strainer looks seamless.

💡 Pro Tip: For hard-to-reach areas, use a paintbrush with a small amount of water to smooth over tiny cracks and rough spots.

Step 6: Sculpt & Score a Handle

If you'd like a handle (it's optional), sculpt one from a separate piece of clay. Score both attachment points (the handle and the pinch pot) and add a light amount of water to the score marks.

Step 7: Attach Your Handle

Once you've added the small bit of water, firmly press the handle onto your pinch pot. Smooth the handle into the body of the bowl so it looks like one continuous piece. Blend the seams carefully using your fingers or pottery tools.

Step 8: Fire your Piece!

Your berry strainer is complete! Once it has fully dried, it can be fired in a kiln and glazed to become food-safe and waterproof. After firing, it's ready to help rinse and serve all of your favorite farmers market finds this season.