Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Artist Spotlight: Emma Ralph

by

claricebeadcloseup.jpgUK artist Emma Ralph has branched off into many mediums in her beadmaking explorations over the years, but she is still best known for her work in polymer clay.  Collected by jewelry designers around the world, Emma’s work has appeared in numerous publications and in her own polymer clay books, Get Creative with Polymer Clay and Step by Step Polymer Clay in a Day. 

In today’s artist spotlight Emma shares a little bit about her creative journey and inspiration.

What was your first polymer clay project?

I first used Fimo when I was a kid, around 8 or 9 years old. I used it to make a brooch, wrapping some black clay around a “bouquet” of beads on headpins. It looked quite funky as it happens! I must re-create that project one day. But I didn’t really start to use Fimo in earnest until my teens when I started to use it to make beads.

Besides a pasta machine, what polymer clay tool can’t you live without? Wooden toothpicks are my most used tool I think. I use them for piercing beads, supporting beads if I am varnishing them and so on. I also would have a hard time living without my tissue blades and my Kato marxit tool!

What inspires your polymer clay creations?

I have always been inspired by art, craft and the history of design. So really, living in the UK its hard to find something that doesn’t inspire you creatively. With polymer clay though, it is colour that does it for me. I find clay such a perfect medium to explore colour that really I can’t see beyond that these days. My beads are all about playing one colour against another – I never seem to get bored and find myself dreaming up the perfect “Holy Grail” colour combinations!

hh50_med.jpg
Would you share a color recipe with us?

I love to mix custom colours to use as the base of my beads or as canework accents. Particularly I like to mix my colours with a fleshtone base – it creates the most wonderful muted colours. Another favorite trick is to mix a touch of a colour’s complementary colour in with it. It somehow breathes a bit of life and soul into the colour. Try mixing just a touch of orange into apple green – delicious! Just like the leaves of a beech tree in Spring.

You can view more of Emma’s beautiful work on her website.

ee17_med.jpg

[tags]polymer clay, beads, art beads, Emma Ralph, jewelry[/tags]

Have you read?

How to Make Beautiful Stamped Clay Pots with Air Dry Clay

If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into clay crafts without the fuss of a kiln, air dry clay is your new best friend. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and dries beautifully into something that looks much fancier than it really is. These DIY stamped clay pots are the perfect weekend project. They’re practical, pretty, and make wonderful handmade gifts. Think pen holders, plant pots, or even a little bathroom organizer for makeup brushes.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • No kiln or oven required – just let the clay dry naturally.

  • Endless design possibilities with stamps, lace, or texture mats.

  • A chic way to organize your desk, vanity, or craft room.

  • Great gift idea (fill with treats, pens, or a little succulent).

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Air-dry clay (white or terracotta works best)

  • Rolling pin (or a smooth glass bottle)

  • Stamps, lace, or textured rolling pins for designs

  • Craft knife or clay cutter

  • Water and a small paintbrush (for smoothing seams)

  • Cylinder form (a glass, tin can, or jar to shape the pot)

  • Sandpaper (fine grit, for finishing)

  • Optional: acrylic paints or clear sealant

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your surface so the clay doesn’t stick. Roll your clay into a flat slab about ¼ inch thick. Keep it even so your pot doesn’t dry lopsided.

Step 2: Add the Texture

Now for the fun part! Press your stamp, lace, or textured roller firmly into the clay. Don’t worry about perfection—slight variations give it that handmade charm.

Step 3: Cut Your Rectangle

Measure your cylinder (jar, can, or glass) and cut a rectangle of clay that will wrap all the way around it. Cut out a circle of clay for the base.

Step 4: Build the Pot

Wrap the clay rectangle around your form and gently press the seam together. Use a little water and a paintbrush to smooth it out. Attach the circular base with the same water “glue” method, blending the edges for strength.

Step 5: Smooth & Shape

Run damp fingers along the rim and seams to soften rough edges. This is where your pot starts looking polished.

Step 6: Drying Time

Let your pot air dry for 24–48 hours (depending on the clay brand and thickness). Don’t rush this step—if the clay dries too quickly, it can crack.

Step 7: Sand & Finish

Once dry, lightly sand any rough spots. You can leave it raw white for a chic, minimal look, or paint/seal it with acrylic paints and clear varnish for extra durability.

Creative Ideas for Stamped Clay Pots

  • Boho Vibes: Use lace doilies for a soft, romantic texture.

  • Rustic Look: Try a wooden stamp or burlap fabric pressed into the clay.

  • Modern Minimalist: Leave the pot smooth and paint it matte black or terracotta.

  • Giftable Touch: Wrap with twine and tuck in a small succulent.

Tips

  • Keep unused clay wrapped tightly in plastic so it doesn’t dry out.

  • If cracks appear, fill with a little clay slip (clay mixed with water).

  • Don’t make your pots too tall or thin—the clay is stronger in compact shapes.

These DIY air dry clay pots prove that you don’t need a pottery wheel to create beautiful handmade pieces. Whether you use them for storage, décor, or gifting, each one turns out unique—just like handmade should be.