Introduction
Have you ever had a surplus of Momigami paper lying around? Are you wondering what you can do with it? Well, I found the perfect way to use it—by creating a unique vase with air-dry clay and this beautiful textured paper.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through the process of transforming an everyday glass jar into a stunning vase using Momigami paper and air-dried clay. This project is not only fun but also a practical way to upcycle materials and create something beautiful for your home.
By the end of this post, you will understand how to combine these two materials to make your own custom vase.
What is Momigami Paper, & Why Use It?
Momigami is a Japanese term that means “kneaded paper.” It refers to paper often treated with starch, lotion, oils, etc., crumpled repeatedly to create a soft, leathery, and flexible texture. Momigami can be combined with decorative techniques like suminagashi (marbling) or painting before the kneading step. I have several videos on my channel that teach the Momigami techniques.
Developed initially to imitate leather for paper clothing, Momigami is popular among mixed-media artists, bookbinders, and paper crafters for its texture and strength. Its pliability makes it perfect for wrapping, collaging, and layering, especially over sculptural forms like air-dry clay.
Personal Experience
For this project, I wrapped a small glass jar with air-dry clay and Momigami paper. I love how the paper conformed beautifully to the vase’s curved shape, and the clay provided a sturdy base for the paper to adhere to. The result was a functional yet decorative piece that adds beauty to my home.
Materials Needed
- Air-dry clay (for covering the jar)
- Glass jar (a small jar works best)
- Momigami paper (water-resistant tissue paper)
- Mod Podge (Dishwasher Safe Gloss) (for adhering paper)
- Plastic roller, rolling pin, or glass bottle (for rolling out clay)
- Foam pillow (optional for wrapping clay)
- Paint (optional) (for finishing touches)
- Jewelry charm (optional) (for decoration)
- Brushes and water (for smoothing and adhering)
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Wrap the Jar with Clay
Roll out air-dry clay as thin as possible. Press the glass jar into soft foam and shape the clay around it. Don’t worry about perfect smoothness—overlapping layers and a handmade look are encouraged. Patch the top area with extra clay if needed.
Step 2: Let the Clay Dry Completely
Allow the wrapped jar to dry overnight. The clay should harden fully and be firm to the touch before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Prep and Cut Momigami Strips
Cut or rip your kneaded Momigami paper into strips. You can go vertical, horizontal, or random depending on your design preference.
Step 4: Attach Momigami to the Vase
Apply Mod Podge directly to the clay surface. Lay each strip of Momigami onto the vase, gently smoothing it with a brush. Apply another layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it. Repeat until the entire vase is covered.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once dry, add metallic paint to the top edge or create a jewelry-type charm with a handmade paper bead charm to add character. Personalize it however you’d like!
Personal Insights & Applications
This project started as an experiment but quickly became one of my favorite ways to use Momigami. I appreciated how forgiving the process was—bumps and wrinkles made the final piece more interesting. The paper conformed to the clay, especially at the base, and held up beautifully thanks to the Mod Podge. I also love how adding a handmade paper charm gave it a custom, decorative finish.
Conclusion
This DIY vase project is an easy way to give your Momigami paper and leftover jars new life. The whole process is creative, calming, and completely customizable, from sculpting the clay base to layering textured paper.
Why not try it with your own materials? If you want to see how I made the paper bead charm, let me know in the comments!
Creative Ideas
- Try different jar sizes for a whole set of coordinating vases.
- Use as a pencil holder, dried flower vase, or shelf art.
- Add personalized charms to turn them into heartfelt handmade gifts.
Want more paper + clay ideas?
Check out and subscribe to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRiseArt for upcoming video tutorials on creative techniques and fun projects.
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