Materials

• No matter which type of terracotta mold you select to make a craft project, a release agent is needed in order to remove the clay or concrete from the terracotta. If you use concrete or plan to leave the clay on the terracotta mold until it dries, prep the pot. The materials needed for this part of the project include water, corn oil and mineral oil. If you use the outside of a terracotta mold to help shape clay art, a layer of plastic wrap between the clay and the terracotta will work as a release agent.
  
  Quickrete Sand and Topping mix is a good choice for making stepping stones. The mix does not contain gravel, and so the stones will be smooth. You can also use this mix on the outside of a prepped terracotta planter to create a decorative concrete platter. Wooden strips attached to the perimeter of the planter will hold the thin layer of concrete in place. Polymer clay is a good choice for making decorative art from the outside of terracotta planters. A clay roller and a clay knife come in handy for this project, and a cookie sheet is needed to fit the clay creation as well as tin foil.
  
  The choice of terracotta planter molds is subjective, but rectangular or square planters with flat sides are the best choices for platters and other art pieces. The decorations on the planters also must be in high relief to make a good mold. Shallow terracotta planters are the best choices for stepping stones.
  
  

Preparation

• To prepare the terracotta mold, soak it in water overnight. This will saturate the terracotta thoroughly. Prepare a 50-50 blend of mineral oil and corn oil as a release agent, and coat the saturated pot before you add the concrete or the clay.
  
  

Instructions

• After the terracotta mold is prepped, mix and pour a 2-inch layer of mortar mix inside the shallow planter to make a stepping stone. Let the mortar set up for about 15 minutes, and decorate it with colorful tiles and stones. After the mortar dries, you can remove it from the planter.
  
  To make a decorative platter or wall art using the outside of a decorative terracotta planter, either prep the planter with the oil mixture or cover the side with a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll a 1/2- to 1-inch thick sheet of clay to fit over the terracotta mold, and then cover the side of the planter with the clay. Roll the clay firmly over the mold relief pattern so that the decorations imprint into the clay. Flip the terracotta mold over to release the clay onto a foil-covered cookie sheet. You can either bake polymer clay in an oven or place it in the sun for a few days to dry and harden. Add any embellishments to the clay before it dries. You can paint it with acrylics or cover it with glaze for color and shine after the clay is dry.