Make your summer sensational with this stunning DIY portable grill and skewer set! It’s a larger version of our Mini Campfire Smores Kit. This one is an inexpensive whimsical addition to your backyard barbecue. Not only is this simple and cost-effective, but it is sure to be a great conversation starter at your next get together. Great for every day grilling and late night S’mores on a warm summer evening. You won’t believe how easy it is to make.
Portable Grill Supplies
NOTE: Make sure you buy a typical heavy clay pot with no glaze on the inside. They are put through a kiln so will withstand high temperatures as long as the change is not sudden. Never put water on the briquettes when finished as the sudden temperature change will crack the pot. Also, NEVER touch the pot when cooking as it gets very hot.
- 12″ Plain Clay Pot (The one shown was $6.00 at Walmart)
- Charcoal Briquettes
- Rust-Oleum High Heat Spray Paint (For inside the pot. Comes in various colors.)
- Copper Spray Paint
- Acrylic Paints of choice (we used two shades of teal and a coral)
- Foil
- Welded Wire Mesh with 1/2″ grid that will be cut to 11.5″x 11.5″ (can be purchased at most hardware stores by the foot.)
- Wire cutters
- Set of 4 wire skewers ($2 at Walmart)
- Sticky Back Craft Foam Sheets
- Craft String or yarn
- Pattern download (below)
Download
Instructions
Though not shown on this pot this step is IMPORTANT if want the outside of your pot to not darken and discolor. Spray the inside of it with a high heat spray paint. It comes in a variety of colors. 
Spray the exterior of the pot with a metallic spray paint and let dry overnight.
Download, print and cut out the stencils provided above.
Align the top (flat side) of the leaf-shaped stencil just below the lip of the pot.
Using a light but visible marker, trace the leaf stencil onto the pot.
Repeat the process above, leaving a 1 1/2″ gap between stencils. When complete, there will be 4 outlines of this stencil surrounding the pot.
Using a ruler, draw a line down the center of each leaf outline, creating a geometric ‘leaf’ look.
Using the acrylic paint, fill in half of each ‘leaf’ with a separate color. This may take 2-3 coats.
Once the paint is dry, dilute a small amount of a lighter colored acrylic paint with water. Using a 1″ brush, lightly apply angled stripes to a few of the leaves. Pictured below, the lighter teal is applied to the dark teal sections only.
Gather the supplies for the skewers .
Cut out the arrow stencils provided above. Trace two of each pattern piece onto each color of sticky-back craft foam.
Remove backing paper and apply the sticky side of the foam ‘feathers’ just below the handle of the skewer.
Repeat with the second piece, cut from the same color and shape. Press sticky sides together to seal into place around the skewer.
Using the same method, place the ‘arrow’ tips roughly 5″ down from the ‘feathers’. Use an alternate color for the arrow tips. Be sure that the tip of the arrow is at least 8″ away from the tip of the skewer. Placing them too close to the end will cause them to melt during use.
Cut three small triangles out of each side of the ‘feather’.
Using the craft string, tie a knot near the tip of the arrow and begin to twist the string around the center section of the skewer. Tie a knot at the finished end to hold into place.
Roll out the welded wire and bend it into shape. The goal is to get it to lie as flat as possible across the top of the pot.
Using wire cutters, cut the welded wire into a 11 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ square.
For ease in handling, clip down protruding wires around the finished square.
Place the cut sheet of welded wire, centered, on top of the pot. Firmly bend down the four corners of the wire to hold it in place.
Lift the wire off and place a sheet of tin foil in the bottom of the pot to prevent debris from falling through the hole.
Tear off 3 or 4 sheets of tin foil, roughly 4 feet long. Lightly crush them into a tube or ‘snake’ shape.
Roll the tubes of foil into coils and place in the bottom of the pot.
Place briquettes on top of foil. Only one layer of briquettes is needed.
The portable grill in use!
The finished portable grill is wonderful for all kinds of things from hot dogs, and hamburgers to roasted veggies.
For dessert use the arrow skewers with your portable grill and roast marshmallows!
Can this be used on a wood table, or does it get too hot?
Hi Kathleen!
I would be a little nervous with that. You could put a lot of sand in the bottom but I would still assume the clay pot would conduct the heat down to the bottom. You could always test if first on the dirt and see how hot the bottom gets with having a good deal of sand in it below the coals. I’m guessing it might still be too hot though. Never hurts to test it!
I love this idea! So cute!
My concern is the metal mesh, sometimes called hardware cloth. Isn’t it galvanized? If so, it will release toxic fumes when heated. Not so good for food.
There was a discussion on this over on HomeTalk where I posted it… shoot… I can’t remember the details but I believe this type wasn’t galvanized. There are other options though if that’s a concern. It’s hard to find anything that’s not harmful now a days. Frustrating.
Wow! What a great idea. I have just moved and do not have a grill. I miss it greatly. I love the ease and usefulness of this grill. I will be making this sometime this month. How wonderful. I can have a grill sooner than purchasing one. Thank You again!
Thanks Sandy. So glad you found this useful!
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Pinned, featured. Thanks for showing how to make this awesome little grill. Best wishes for a wonderful summer. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Featured and pinned this week. Happy summer, Linda @Crafts a la mode
Thank you so much Linda. I really appreciate it!
I love pinning your awesome creations!
You’re so kind Diana. Ü
This is so great! I’m pinning it to the DIY Crush board. And next time my power goes out in the country, I’ll be able to eat a hot meal anyway. Thanks!
lol! Thank you so much Marsha. Ü
So this is pretty much the cutest grill ever! What a brilliant idea!
Thank you so much Jessy. Ü
What a great idea! I cannot wait to do this myself.
Thanks Michelle! Good luck!
What a brilliant idea! I would love to have you join us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party. Check us out http://thinking-outside-the-pot.com/?p=2727
Thanks Charlene!
What a clever project! Great for a boho backyard birthday!
Thanks Melanie! Indeed it would!
This is a very fun idea! Good for older kids, esp. giving everyone their own individual s’more-maker. Visiting from Bewitchin’ Projects.
Thank you so much Victoria. Appreciate you stopping by!
Fabulous, and those skewers are just the cutest! Thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
You’re very welcome Sara. Ü
Hi, Nancy! I just love all the details you put into this project! What a beautiful paint job! Thanks for the wonderful post.
Thank you so much Michelle. Ü
Wow, that looks really great! Definitely something I’m going to make and use this summer! Thanks for sharing!
Good luck Liz! Thanks for stopping by. Ü
I love this idea! I love how you painted the pot and made everything so special for the kids!
Thanks Linda. Ü
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