Gleaming iridescent paint covers the pot and cord, uniting them and giving the impression that the cord is also fashioned from clay.

This contemporary version of an old-style garlanded terracotta pot looks very special. Place it on a patio or balcony where it can be seen to best advantage.

You'll need
24cm terracotta pot
All-purpose sealer (water-based)
1 inch bristle basecoat brush
Liquitex Artists Gouache paint in Iridescent Copper
Cotton cord
PVA glue
Rubber gloves
Plastic cloth or placemat
Good-quality varnish brush
Satin varnish (water-based)

Here's how

1 Seal the pot inside and out with all-purpose sealer and allow it to dry.

2 Using the basecoat brush, apply one or two coats of Iridescent Copper to both the inside and outside of the pot.

3 Wrap the cord around the pot where it will go to determine the length (we used several strands), and cut it off.

4 Measure and cut off enough cord to make half a bow with a tail (see the photograph above). Repeat. Cut off enough cord to make the centre of the bow.

5 Wearing the rubber gloves and working on the plastic cloth, use the PVA to completely cover the cord. Do not allow it to completely dry out. (The drying time will depend on how warm the weather is. )

6 As the cord begins to dry, wrap the cord around the pot. Start to shape the bow with your fingers. You may need to keep shaping it until it dries. Use as much PVA as you think is needed. When the bow can hold its own shape, apply it to the pot. The PVA will dry clear.

7 Coat the cord with Iridescent paint.

8 Allow the pot to dry for 24 hours. Apply two or three coats of satin varnish with the varnish brush.

Source: Making Beautiful Trims, Edges and Finishing Touches (Murdoch Books)