Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

A Little Bit of Inspiration

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Ignore me I'm a Spoiler

Back when I started doing polymer clay online – in 2002 or so – I found a community going strong at PCC(polymerclaycentral.com) and lots of people who were big or upcoming names in the polymer clay world. I joined swaps where other players were the people who wrote the books I’d seen in the store. It was a great spot for a newbie to get started and I joined lots of swaps and played and talked.

One of the people who always had a bit of advice and a style that appealed was Sarajane Helm. A mixed media artist, Sarajane does miniatures, beads, jewellery, music, costuming, fabric and, lately, lots and lots of digital art. I joined in her mask swaps once or twice and just took a peek at the 2014 ones. She’s also got the 2011 ones on her site. If you haven’t had a chance to see the masks from previous goes… you should, just for the sheer variety. And if you ever have the chance, do participate. It’s a huge, well organized swap with great quality work done. It was intimidating as heck to do but worthwhile.

The picture above are some of the masks, uncured, I put into the 2009 swap.

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Etsy Feature – City Street Pottery Roller with Handle

There’s something magical about pottery tools that tell a story, and this City Street Pottery Roller does just that. Instead of a simple repeating texture, this roller creates a charming row of houses, windows, and rooftops—instantly transforming a slab of clay into a whimsical little street scene.

What It Is

This Etsy listing features a large wooden roller with a sturdy handle, designed to press detailed cityscape patterns into clay. The impression is wide enough to create a continuous border, so you can roll across a slab and build an entire “town” in just a few passes.

It works beautifully on:

  • Pottery clay and ceramic slabs. 
  • Polymer clay for smaller-scale projects. 
  • Fondant and cookie dough for bakers who love edible art. 

Why It’s Special

  • Detailed & Unique: Each building has character, with intricate windows, doors, and trees in between. 
  • Storytelling Through Clay: Adds instant personality to mugs, trays, or tiles. 
  • Easy to Use: The handle gives you good pressure and control, so your impressions stay crisp. 
  • Versatile Applications: Perfect for both functional pottery and decorative art. 

Inspiration Ideas

  • Roll across a slab to make storybook-inspired trays or platters. 
  • Use as a border on mugs or vases for a cozy, handmade vibe. 
  • Cut sections into tiles to create a miniature clay city. 
  • Highlight the details with underglaze washes or oxide stains so the windows and rooftops pop. 

Why Makers Will Love It

Tools like this City Street Roller encourage playfulness in the studio. Instead of just adding texture, you’re adding narrative—each impression looks like a scene from a quaint European street. It’s perfect for potters who want their work to feel warm, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind.

You can find it here: City Street Pottery Roller with Handle on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight tools and treasures that spark creativity for clay and pottery lovers. And honestly? This roller might just be the most charming one yet—it makes every project feel like it belongs in a little handmade village.