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How to make a decorative bowl

white bowl sitting on a cabinet, with a white lamp and print in the back ground

Overview

Home décor doesn’t have to be expensive. Try your hand at making a D.I.Y. decorative bowl – something useful, elegant, and one-of-a-kind.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Select a large and small bowl

Choose two bowls – one large, one small – that will act as your moulds. These can be bowls that you already have, and they can be any colour or design.

Green Bunnings hammer
Take a look in your kitchen cupboards or browse op-shops to find eclectic vintage designs.
2 x plastic bowls

2Create the plaster mix

You’ll be working with plaster of Paris, so it’s best to do this project outside. Lay down a drop sheet, grab a bucket and pour in a few cups of plaster of Paris. (The amount will depend on the size of your bowls. Follow the instructions on the packaging to get the correct ratio.) Stir well until you reach a smooth, toothpaste-like consistency.
bunnings team member pouring plaster mix into a bucket

3Pour the mix into the bowl

Pour the plaster of Paris into your larger bowl until it’s approximately half full.
Green Bunnings hammer
You can change up the look of your finished project by altering the amount of plaster you pour in and the size of the second bowl. This will determine the height and thickness of your bowl.
pouring plaster mixture into a bowl

4Allow the plaster to set

Working quickly and making sure your smaller bowl is well-oiled, gently place it into the plaster mix. To ensure it stays in place, weigh it down with something like dry rice. Make sure you don’t choose something too heavy, as you don’t want this second bowl to sink too deeply into the plaster of Paris.

Leave it in a cool, dry place to set.

placing a smaller bowl into a larger bowl

5Remove the plaster from the mould

Once the plaster of Paris has set, remove the inner bowl. (Ensure the plaster is completely dry before you remove the inner bowl.)
bunnings team member removing plaster of paris out of the mould

6Shape the finished bowl

If you’re left with any sharp edges, use a sander or clay sculpting tool to smooth these down and give it a clean finish.

Once you’ve shaped the bowl, you can leave it as-is or paint it in the colour of your choice.

bunnings team member removing sharp edges using a clay sculpting tool

7Watch the full episode

For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 8: Living room, Kids bedroom and Hallway renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.