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.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.