DIY Ashtray Ideas: Creative Homemade Cannabis Ashtrays

Making your own ashtray is a fun, practical project that lets you create something unique for your smoking setup. From simple repurposed items to crafted pieces, here are creative DIY ashtray ideas for every skill level.

Quick Answer

Easy DIY ashtrays include: repurposed ceramic dishes, terra cotta plant saucers, decorated metal tins, and small bowls. For crafters: air-dry clay ashtrays, resin art pieces, or decorated glass. Always use heat-resistant, non-flammable materials. Avoid plastic, thin glass, or coated papers.

---

Safety First: Material Requirements

Safe Materials for DIY Ashtrays

Excellent:

• Ceramic (glazed or unglazed)
• Metal (tin, aluminum, steel)
• Thick glass
• Concrete/cement
• Terra cotta
• Stone

Use with care:

• Air-dry clay (seal with heat-resistant finish)
• Wood (treat with fire-resistant sealant, or use as tray base only)

Materials to AVOID

Never use:

• Plastic (melts, releases fumes)
• Thin glass (cracks, shatters)
• Paper or cardboard (fire hazard)
• Unsealed wood (burns, chars)
• Coated metals (coatings can burn off)

---

Quick & Easy: Repurposed Items

Ceramic Saucer

Perfect for: Absolute beginners, 5-minute project

What you need:

• Ceramic plant saucer or small plate
• Optional: spray paint for decoration

How:

1. Clean the saucer thoroughly

2. Optional: spray paint in desired color (let cure fully)

3. Done!

Why it works: Ceramic is heat-resistant, has raised edges, cleans easily.

Terra Cotta Pot Saucer

Perfect for: Rustic aesthetic, plant lovers

What you need:

• Terra cotta plant saucer (any size)
• Optional: acrylic paint and sealant

How:

1. Clean and dry the saucer

2. Paint designs if desired (acrylic works well)

3. Seal with waterproof sealant

4. Let cure 24-48 hours

Why it works: Terra cotta is porous (absorbs moisture), heat-safe, naturally rustic look.

Metal Tin (Altoids, Breath Mints)

Perfect for: Portable, discreet

What you need:

• Clean metal tin
• Sandpaper (optional)
• High-heat spray paint (optional)

How:

1. Clean thoroughly, remove labels

2. Sand inside if desired (removes coating)

3. Decorate exterior if desired

4. Use as-is or line with aluminum foil

Why it works: Metal is completely heat-safe, portable, has lid for smell control.

Small Ceramic Bowl or Dish

Perfect for: Elegant look, minimal effort

What you need:

• Small ceramic dish (dip bowls work great)
• Nothing else required!

How: Just use it. Clean regularly.

Why it works: Already designed for table use, often stylish, dishwasher safe.

---

Craft Projects: Air-Dry Clay

Basic Clay Ashtray

Skill level: Beginner crafts

What you need:

• Air-dry clay (1 lb minimum)
• Rolling pin or cylinder
• Knife or clay tools
• Bowl or mold for shaping
• Sandpaper
• Waterproof sealant

How:

1. Roll clay to ~1/4" thickness

2. Press into mold (bowl) or shape by hand

3. Create raised edges

4. Add notches for resting joints/cigarettes

5. Let dry 24-48 hours (flip halfway)

6. Sand smooth

7. Seal with waterproof sealant (multiple coats)

Tips:

• Make it thicker than you think (prevents cracking)
• Dry slowly to prevent cracks
• Multiple sealant coats = more durable

Stamped Clay Ashtray

Same as above, but:

• Press textures into wet clay (leaves, lace, stamps)
• Creates unique surface pattern
• Paint after drying if desired

Pinch Pot Ashtray

Easiest clay method:

1. Form ball of clay

2. Push thumb into center

3. Pinch and rotate to form bowl shape

4. Pinch out notches for resting

5. Smooth and dry

6. Seal

---

Advanced Projects

Resin Art Ashtray

Skill level: Intermediate

What you need:

• Epoxy resin (deep pour type)
• Silicone ashtray mold
• Pigments, glitter, or dried flowers
• Mixing cups and sticks
• Respirator mask
• Heat gun or torch for bubbles

How:

1. Mix resin according to instructions

2. Add colorants

3. Pour into mold (layer if adding objects)

4. Remove bubbles with heat gun

5. Cure per instructions (usually 24-72 hours)

6. Demold and enjoy

Note: Resin is heat-resistant once cured, but avoid direct flame contact.

Concrete Ashtray

Skill level: Intermediate

What you need:

• Quick-set concrete mix
• Mold (silicone or plastic)
• Water
• Mixing container
• Optional: concrete sealant

How:

1. Mix concrete to thick consistency

2. Pour into mold

3. Tap to remove air bubbles

4. Insert smaller container to create bowl indent

5. Cure 24+ hours

6. Remove from mold

7. Sand edges if needed

8. Optional: seal for waterproofing

Why it works: Concrete is completely heat-proof, heavy (won't tip), modern industrial look.

---

Decoration Ideas

Painting Ceramic/Clay

Materials:

• Acrylic paints
• Small brushes
• Clear sealant

Ideas:

• Cannabis leaf designs
• Galaxy/nebula swirls
• Geometric patterns
• Solid colors with metallic accents
• Name/initials

Decoupage

Apply decorative paper/napkins:

1. Cut design

2. Apply with Mod Podge

3. Seal with multiple clear coats

4. Keep paper away from center where ash lands

Alcohol Ink (on ceramic, metal, resin)

Creates beautiful marbled effects:

1. Drop alcohol ink

2. Tilt and swirl

3. Seal when dry

---

For Dispensaries & Brands

Want professional custom ashtrays instead of DIY? MunchMakers offers custom ceramic ashtrays with full-color printing. Perfect for:

• Dispensary branding
• Event giveaways
• Promotional items
• Gift shop merchandise

Pair with custom rolling trays and custom grinders for complete branded smoking kits.

---

Functional Features to Include

Joint/Cigarette Notches

Essential feature: Cut or shape notches in rim to rest items.

How many: 2-4 notches around edge.

Size: ~3mm wide, ~5mm deep.

Depth

Ideal depth: 1-2 inches.

• Too shallow = ash blows away
• Too deep = hard to tap into

Stable Base

Prevent tipping:

• Wide, flat bottom
• Heavy material (ceramic, concrete)
• Non-slip feet (felt pads or rubber bumpers)

Easy Cleaning

Design for maintenance:

• Smooth interior (no texture to trap ash)
• Rounded corners (easier to wipe)
• Non-porous material or good sealant

---

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning DIY Ashtrays

Regular cleaning:

1. Empty ash when ~1/2 full

2. Wipe with damp cloth

3. Dry completely

Deep cleaning:

• Soak in warm soapy water
• Scrub with non-abrasive sponge
• For stubborn residue: baking soda paste

Protecting Finishes

Preserve your work:

• Don't soak painted pieces long
• Re-seal annually if heavy use
• Store indoors to protect finish

---

Common DIY Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Unsafe Materials

Problem: Plastic melts, paper burns, coatings release fumes.

Solution: Stick to ceramic, metal, glass, concrete, terra cotta.

Mistake 2: Skipping Sealant

Problem: Air-dry clay absorbs moisture and stains.

Solution: Apply 2-3 coats of waterproof sealant.

Mistake 3: Making Too Thin

Problem: Thin clay cracks when drying.

Solution: Minimum 1/4" thickness, dry slowly.

Mistake 4: No Notches

Problem: Nowhere to rest joints safely.

Solution: Always include at least 2 notches in rim.

---

Project Inspiration Gallery

Simple Elegance

• White ceramic saucer + gold rim paint
• Black terra cotta + minimalist line design

Bohemian Vibe

• Clay with pressed leaf textures
• Turquoise glaze look

Industrial Modern

• Concrete with copper inclusions
• Metal tin with hammered finish

Colorful Fun

• Rainbow resin swirls
• Tie-dye painted ceramic

---

This guide is for educational purposes. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction.