Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Artist Spotlight: Michele Gabriel Studios

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gab1.jpgI have been of fan of Michele Gabriel’s beads and pendants since I first found etsy.  Michele’s work has a unique feel of mystery and story-telling conveyed in each little creation.  I love her mix of painterly and sculptural effects, making her pendants works of art.  She’s been featured many times on the Art Bead Scene blog and here too!Â

Visit Michele’s Etsy shop to view her gallery of creations: Michele Gabriel Studios
1. What was your first polymer clay project?
My first pc project was jewelry, of course! I was having difficulty finding beads
and pendants that I really liked, so I decided to make my own. It was a necklace
of square tiles that I embedded glass beads into, textured and wired together with copper wire. I was/am intrigued by the jewelry of ancient civilizations; I was trying to create my own antiquities. Hmmm….maybe I need to revisit that idea, 20 years later!

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2. Besides a pasta machine, what polymer clay tool can’t you live without?
I can’t live without my collection of sticks. I use chopsticks, knitting needles and skewers for everything from shaping and carving to holding the projects in the oven while they cure. I also wrap wire around them to make my own jewelry findings.

3. What inspires your polymer clay creations?
I have to say initially my inspiration comes from nature. I’d rather be outside most of the time, usually lying about in the grass. Our weather changes with the seasons, so there is endless inspiration just beyond my front door. My family is also full of opinions as to what my next project should be. If I feel the least bit uninspired, I just talk to my son and he puts me on course again. Clients’ requests offer inspiration, too. When striving to bring someone’s idea to fruition, I’m encouraged in new directions.

Would you share a color recipe with us?
I would gladly share a recipe if I had one. I tend to just start mixing colors for each project, I’ve never written anything down. I’m my own worst enemy that way, sometimes I want a color again and have to stumble around until I get it right.

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Read about Michele’s creative process and inspirations on her blog.

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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.