How to Make a Creepy Secret Mushroom Jar in 5 Easy Steps!

Watch the build video here!

Creating your very own creepy-cute mushroom jar is a dead-easy craft project that combines polymer clay sculpting and imaginative design. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of transforming a small glass vial from the dollar store into a mushroom. I put a face on my jar, transforming it into a creepy little dude. However, you could use the same technique to make a little mushroom fairy house. Whether you're a seasoned polymer clay artist or a beginner looking for a fun DIY project, this tutorial is for you.

​Materials You'll Need:
Small oven-safe glass jar with a twist-off lid
Aluminum foil
Polymer clay (I used Sculpey III)
Liquid polymer clay adhesive (optional, but really helpful!)
Acrylic paints (I used Folk Art brand matte acrylics)
Sculpting tools
Paintbrushes
Oven for baking

If you'd like to see a more detailed break-down of this process, I presented it in a detailed video on my YouTube channel.

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Step 1: bulk out the jar and cover it in a sheet of polymer clay

​Step 1: Flare the Base of the Jar and Cover in Polymer Clay

Start by covering the base of your small glass jar with aluminum foil. This will give a more organic shape to your mushroom stem. Next, roll out a thin layer of polymer clay. Gently wrap this clay sheet around the aluminum foil-covered base. Some polymer clay adhesive (formerly bake n’ bond) will help the clay stick to the jar. Smooth the clay using the back of a spoon. I’ve shown how I do this in the full tutorial video on my YouTube channel.
This forms the stem of your mushroom house.

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Step 2: build the cap of the mushroom

​Step 2: Build the Cap of the Mushroom

For the mushroom's cap, use aluminium foil to bulk out a cap shape. I’m making an inky cap mushroom, which has a cap shaped like a blunted cone. Many mushrooms, such as the classic amanita, have more of a dome-shaped cap. Finding some reference images can help to achieve your desired shape. Roll or press out some polymer clay blobs and patchwork them over the aluminium foil. Smooth the clay and make sure it completely covers the cap top and bottom without obstructing the threads of the lid. Smooth the clay to eliminate any imperfections.
Carefully remove the lid from the jar, leaving the polymer clay cap intact. Bake the stem and cap in the oven following the manufacturer's instructions on your clay's packaging.

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Step 3: Add texture and detail to the cap

Step 3: Add Texture to the Cap

Once the clay has cooled, use polymer clay adhesive to add some texture to your caps. For my inky cap mushroom I added some ink blobs and frilly fibrous skirt layers. Some additional interest can be created by rolling small bumps of clay and squishing them into dots. Again, reference images of real mushrooms to help create realistic ridges and bumps to mimic the surface of a mushroom. This step adds detail and character to your creation.

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Step 4: Sculpt a face onto the stem of the jar

Step 4: Sculpt a Face on the Stem

To give your mushroom jar personality, use additional polymer clay to sculpt a face onto the stem of the jar. You can create an adorable, spooky, or whimsical face—let your imagination run wild. Attach the clay securely to the stem using adhesive or by blending in the edges to ensure it won't fall off during baking. I used some glass-head sewing pins to make the eyeballs. This is explained in more detail in the tutorial video on my YouTube channel.

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Step 5: Paint

​Step 5: Paint Your Mushroom Jar

With your sculpting complete, it's time to add colour. I base-coated everything in white. A detailed step-by-step of my painting process is broken down in the build video on my YouTube channel. Use craft acrylic paints to bring your mushroom to life. I like to build up the colour in layers to give depth and details. 
Allow the paint to dry completely.

And that’s how you can transform a small glass jar into a charming little mushroom dude that’s both creepy and cute.  I'd highly recommend checking out the tutorial video on my YouTube channel. It will outline each step in a more detail. This polymer clay tutorial allows you to exercise your creativity and create a unique piece of mushroom art that would make a great gift for someone who appreciates whimsical décor. Enjoy your DIY adventure into the world of mushroom art!

Watch the build video here!