Creamware is a type of antique pottery prized for its luscious creamy glaze and simple relief decoration. The glazes used were the color of heavy, rich cream: not a stark, bluish white, but an edible looking, warm white. This pottery lends a sophisticated touch to any style of decor, since the color is neutral and the shapes are simple.

The centerpiece shown here, made from the humblest of materials, is inspired by this classic style. As with the source of the inspiration, you will find the centerpiece to be a lovely addition to your table, whether your decor is traditional, contemporary, or anything in between.

It is actually comprised of three separate units, which can be used stacked one on top of the other, as shown here, next to each other or separately. Fill the basins with antique or reproduction beaded fruits, real or artificial apples or lemons, or later in the season, pinecones and berries. The compotes also make a useful stand in a powder room to showcase decorative soaps and rolled up hand towels.

What You Need

3 terra cotta plant saucers, 1 of each size: 12"diameter, 8"diameter, 4"diameter
3 terra cotta pots, 1 of each size: 4"diameter, 3"diameter, 2"diameter (sizes are approximate -- use any sizes that result in the proportions shown here.)
2 part epoxy glue
white sculpey clay
plastic candy mold, rose shapes
leaf shaped cutter
creamy white Patio Paint
Tacky glue

What To Do

1. Mix the glue according to directions. Invert saucers on your work surface. Center inverted pots on saucers. Following directions on glue package, glue inverted pots in the center of inverted saucers. Let dry thoroughly.

2. While glue is setting up, make roses and leaves from Sculpey clay. Roll balls of clay about the size of a marble, press into rose mold, use toothpick inserted in clay to remove from mold. Make about twenty roses. Be sure not to make the roses too big or too thick or they will not stay glued to the clay surface. Roll clay to about 1/8"and use leaf cutter to cut about twenty leaves. Roll balls of clay about the size of a pea. Use the end of a pen or pencil to press the balls into a semi flat shape. Make a dozen or so. Bake all of the roses, leaves and dots in the oven according to directions on the Sculpey package. Let cool.

3. Use the tacky glue to attach the ornaments to the terra cotta pots and saucers. For the largest compote, be sure to decorate the base as well as the rim, as this part will be visible. On the other two, it is not necessary to decorate the bases. Just decorate the rims. Plan your designs before you begin to glue by laying out the various components around the compotes first. Make more embellishments, if your design requires.

4. To glue the clay parts on the pots, most of the time the glue will hold them on in a vertical position even before it is dry. If it won't, such as around the two smaller compotes. Place a rubber band around the piece, and slide that up and over each piece as you glue it to hold the pieces in place as they dry. Design tips: try gluing some of the roses on top of some of the leaves. Also, consider having some of the leaves extend below the rims of the compote basins.

When all of the glue is totally dry, use a junky brush and cover the compotes, inside and out, in 2 coats of Patio Paint. This thick, semi-gloss paint is designed for use on terra cotta and results in a very "creamy" finish, perfect for our purpose!