Some springy colour and some springy critters – a cheerful nod to what will hopefully show up soon!
1. pink pods, 2. A Flock of Seagulls!, 3. Happy Sheep Brooch , 4. Pink Toadstool Ornament
Fimo and clay tips and tutorials
Some springy colour and some springy critters – a cheerful nod to what will hopefully show up soon!
1. pink pods, 2. A Flock of Seagulls!, 3. Happy Sheep Brooch , 4. Pink Toadstool Ornament
If you’ve ever walked through a Greek market, you’ll know the charm of sardines lined up fresh on ice. This project brings that same coastal energy into your home, but with clay instead of fishy fingers! These glossy ceramic sardines are simple to make, fun to decorate, and can be strung up as ornaments, kitchen wall décor, or even Mediterranean-style gifts.
Whether you use earthy pottery clay or an easy air-dry alternative, these sardines look stunning with their hand-painted red and blue designs. Think seaside tavernas, olives, and a glass of wine while you create—a craft that feels like a holiday.
Roll out your clay into an even slab about 6–8mm thick. Use guides to keep the thickness consistent.
Place your sardine template on the clay and trace around it with a needle tool. Cut out as many as you’d like—bundles of 5–6 look fantastic.
Gently smooth the edges with a damp sponge. Use a tool to press a tiny hole in the tail end—this will allow you to thread string later. Add light details like fins or eyes if you’d like, but keep it simple.
Let your sardines dry slowly under a cloth for a day or two, then fully dry before bisque firing in the kiln. (If using air-dry clay, skip the kiln and let them cure naturally.)
Once fired, bring them to life with underglazes or ceramic paints. Use bold, simple folk-art patterns such as:
Keep each one different so they look like a joyful, mismatched family of fish.
Coat the sardines with a layer of clear glaze to give them a beautiful glossy finish. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.
Thread rustic twine through the tail hole and tie into loops. Hang them in bundles on the wall, string them along a shelf, or gift them to a friend who loves coastal charm.
Don’t stress about making them “perfect.” The beauty is in their handmade irregularities—slightly uneven shapes, brushstrokes that wander, and rustic twine ties. That’s what makes them feel authentic and special.
Thank you for featuring my pink pods earrings in your wonderful spring mosaic!! This is a beautiful surprise for me! 🙂
Thanks for making them Alenka! They’re super!
do you sell these pieces? they are so special~
Cynthia, I’m sure some of the clayers who made those items – their Flickr links are in the block of text at the end – do sell their work. You can message them on Flickr and ask!