5. Mid-Century Modern Bud Vases
Bud vases are small, intimate, and perfect for showcasing a single stem of dried lavender or a sprig of eucalyptus. Using polymer clay, you can design these with mid-century modern sensibilities: rounded bellies, tapered necks, and muted palettes.
The Aesthetic: Use hues like mustard, navy, charcoal, and ochre. Keep the shapes soft and bulbous.
The Process: The key to this project is ensuring the vase is sealed properly if you plan to use real water (though these are best used with dried florals to preserve the clay). You can create these by stacking clay balls or using a basic pinch-pot technique. The “modern” edge comes from keeping the surface perfectly smooth or adding light, etched geometric patterns around the mid-section.