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Artist Spotlight: Christi Friesen

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bluebelle.jpgAward-winning artist Christi Friesen has sparked our imagination with her fantastic creatures, other-worldly designs and her openness to share her work and techniques. Christi has won numerous awards, published 4 books and graced many magazine pages with her wonderful and wildly popular projects.

Christi took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to share some her thoughts on her creative journey.

What was your first polymer clay project?

My first polymer clay project was when I was teaching myself how to play with this fun product. I had always sculpted in kiln-fired clays previously, so having unlimited colors to work with while creating (instead of adding on afterwards as glazes) was new and very interesting! Of course, as you know, it takes a while to settle down to a color palette – the first stuff is often made from every color you own. Mine first stuff was – blobs! literally – little blobs of clay with faces and every color possible. They were quite hideous.
Besides a pasta machine, what polymer clay tool can’t you live without?

My favorite tool is a wooden sculpting tool (#JA17, made by Kemper)- if I only had that, I could still make everything I do with it (of course, you wouldn’t want too – more tools are part of the fun!)
What inspires your polymer clay creations?

Everything inspires me! nature, of course, since my designs are all organic. I love the art work of ancient cultures – Aztec, Egyptian, Celtic. And anything at all from the Art Nouveau period – love it, love it, love it!
Oh, and chocolate – that inspires me (especially the creamy dark stuff.)

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Would you share a color recipe with us?

One of my favorite mixes is Premo gold and green pearl – a wonderful rich, olivey color that varies by how the ratio of the two colors are combined. I love that color!

To view more of Christi’s work visit her main website or her art jewelry website.

She also has an awesome download page with sample projects.

[tags]polymer clay, arts and crafts, Christi Friesen[/tags]

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Comments

  3. I have made several birds from Christi/s mixed media book and they all seem too big and thick to wear as pins. What is the size of the bird find before its tailed etc and how thick is it? Love her work and thanks for this website.

  4. Hey Dorothy!

    A lot of Christi’s pieces are quite substantial. If you find the instructions lead to a piece that is too large for your tastes, I’d reduce the amount of clay you’re using. If pieces start to look too thin or fragile, reinforce with liquid clay or make sure to use wire for the skeletons.

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.