DIY Flower Travel Tumbler Tutorial: A Beginner-Friendly Pottery Project for Spring

It’s officially iced coffee season, which means it’s time to upgrade your cup. ☕✨
In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you’ll learn how to make your own flower travel tumbler using simple hand-building techniques, no experience needed. It's the perfect project for a relaxing night in with one of our DIY kits or your next creative outing at a Pottery with a Purpose workshop.

What You’ll Need:

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay into a flat slab about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin. Try to keep it even in thickness, this will make your tumbler easier to build and sturdier in the end.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to flip your clay over after every roll so it doesn't stick to your work surface!

2. Cut Your Pieces

Cut a rectangle for the tumbler wall using a knife tool, then use a cup or glass to trace and cut a circle for the base. The rectangle should be long enough to wrap all the way around the perimeter of your circle so the pieces will fit together.

💡 Pro Tip: Slightly overshoot your rectangle length, you can always trim it down, it’s way harder to fix if it’s too short.

3. Score (Scratch) And Attach

Lightly score the edge of the base, one long side of your rectangle, and both short ends. Add a little water, score again, and then wrap the rectangle around the base and press the edges together to seal.

💡 Pro Tip: Scoring = scratching (think cat scratches) up the clay where pieces will connect. This is essential!! Don’t skip this, it’s what helps everything actually stick together and not crack later

 

4. Smooth The Seams

Use your fingers or a tool to smooth out all the seams. Take your time here, this is what gives your piece that clean, finished look...and ensures it won't leak! The end of a paintbrush is great for reaching the inside bottom.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra strength, roll a thin coil of clay and press it along the inside seam, then smooth it in. It helps reinforce the connection and prevent cracks.

5. Sculpt The Lid

Cut another circle the same size as your base, then slice it in half with a wavy line to create a flower-petal shape. Score half of the top rim of your tumbler and only the part of the lid that will sit on top of the rim (not the entire lid). Add a little water, score again, then attach.

💡 Pro Tip: Only score the parts that will be hidden where the lid meets the rim. Skipping visible areas helps keep your lid looking clean and polished.

6. Add The Straw Hole + Dry

Use a tool or straw to poke a hole in the lid. Smooth any rough edges underneath, then let your piece dry completely. Air drying your clay works great for decor. If you want to drink from your tumbler, make sure to get it fired and glazed at a local pottery studio so it is food-safe and waterproof.

💡 Pro Tip: Make your straw hole slightly bigger than you think, it will shrink a bit as the clay dries.

Before You Go...A Few Quick Tips

• Thicker = stronger. If your clay is too thin, it’s more likely to crack. Around 1/4 to 1/2 inch is a good thickness!
• Slow drying = fewer cracks. Avoid placing your piece near heat or direct sun.
• Embrace imperfect. Slightly wonky = handmade charm (and honestly, the best pieces always are).

Whether you’re making this at home or joining us in person, we’d love to create with you. 👉 Browse upcoming workshops or grab a DIY kit to get started.