1681 days ago

DIY – Terracotta Bud Vases

Robert Anderson from Curtain Clean (The Curtain Store)

Take on the terracotta trend and sculpt a unique floral feature.


You will need:

- Modelling clay (air-drying or baking)
- Rolling pin

- Knife
- Straw
- Fine sandpaper
- Test pot brush
- Paint test pots (we like Resene Sakura & Resene Apple Blossom)
- Resene FX Paint Effects Medium
- Small sponge
- Cord to hang


Step one: Start by rolling out your clay about 7mm thick (A). It’s important to work on a clean, non-stick surface.
Step two: Use a knife to cut a rectangle as long as you want the main shape to be, then cut a square roughly twice the width of the rectangle and two-thirds the height (B). No matter what shape you’re making, the top piece must be wider to form a dome or pocket. The backing piece always needs to be taller and have enough height to support your flora and allow for a hole.


Step three: If using air-drying clay, dip your fingers in water and wet the edges of the clay slightly – baking clay does not require any water to seal together. Take the smaller, wider square piece and make an arc over the backing piece, bringing the sides together (C). Press the sides down so the clay bonds together, then do the same along the bottom (D), making sure you still have a curved opening at the top.


Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...

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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

John Terris former Mayor HCC died 2 Feb 2026 Hutt

Sandra from Normandale

NOW THAT WE HAVE NO LOCAL newspapers.
Message just forwarded - the former Mayor of Lower Hutt John Terris died on Monday 2/2/26.
John was Mayor, MP and councillor [city and regional] over the years giving his all to Lower Hutt and beyond.
RIP John.

22 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.4% I want to be able to choose.
    43.4% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2511 votes
J
8 hours ago

Kiwisaver Changes

Jo from Hutt Central

Has your accountant told you about recent changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates and how they may affect wages and payroll calculations?

These updates can have flow-on effects for both employers and employees, and understanding them early helps avoid surprises.

Contact Stephen Larsen or www.stephenlarsenandco.co.nz... for more info