Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Benefit Class

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I received this information from Lee Ann Armstrong this morning, and knew that I had to pass it on.   Here’s a chance to take a class from a fabulous artist, while helping out a member of the polymer clay community:

“Christi Friesen has offered to do a 3 day workshop, April 17,18, & 19th, 2009. That’s 3 fun filled days of generously discounted classes. We can’t begin to thank Christi for her help in this event!!!


This workshop is a benefit event for polymer clay artist Ponsawan Silapiruti’s daughter Ada. Ponsawan is polymer clay jewelry artist living in Indianapolis and her work has been featured several times on Polymer Clay Daily.


You may know the story: On March 2,2008, Ada was a vibrant, caring young woman full of life, excitement, and promise. On March 3rd 2008 she was in a coma with brain damage and broken bones. Hit by a drunk driver that sustained no damage. The world changed for Ponsawan, Ada and their family.


Ada is home now being lovingly cared for by her mother. Ponsawan has found it in her heart to forgive the drunk driver (she is a better person than I am). Ponsawan rejoices in Ada’s small accomplishments; a glance here, moving her hand. Progress is slow but the expense of caring for Ada, even at home, isn’t slow and continues to mount.


Full workshop details and online or snail mail register form is available at:

http://www.indianabeadsociety.org/class-friesen.htm


I hope that people will attend the classes or consider a donation to help Ada (and

Ponsawan).  http://dearada.blogspot.com/


co-sponsored by Indiana Polymer Clay guild and Indiana Bead Society”

——–

Thanks for your help in spreading the word,

Lee Ann Armstrong

[tags]ponsawon, indiana polymer clay guild, indiana bead society, christi freisen, benefit class[/tags]

Comments

  3. Christi’s new on line classes and workshops are all listed on her site now.

    cforiginals.com

    She’s very busy! Might come your way with one of her wonderful, delightful classes…even if you’re in Ireland and Australia! luvjean

Have you read?

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

There’s something about sunflowers that just makes a house feel happier. Maybe it’s the colour, maybe it’s the fact they’re never trying to be perfect, or maybe it’s just that they remind me of slower afternoons when the kids were little and craft projects actually stayed on the table instead of migrating all over the house. Either way, this air-dry clay sunflower trinket dish has become one of my favourite “gentle crafts” – the kind you make with a cup of tea nearby and no pressure to rush.

This is not a precision project. In fact, the slightly uneven petals and hand-shaped edges are what make it lovely. If you’ve ever avoided clay because you thought it had to look professional or kiln-fired to be worth making, this project might just change your mind. It’s simple, forgiving, and genuinely useful once it’s finished.

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

This sunflower bowl works beautifully as a ring dish, bedside catch-all, or even a small decorative bowl on a hall table. It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – especially for someone who appreciates things that look handmade rather than factory-perfect.

What You’ll Need

  • White air-dry clay

  • Rolling pin or glass jar

  • Craft knife or butter knife

  • Simple sunflower petal template (paper)

  • Small bowl (for shaping)

  • Toothpick or skewer

  • Acrylic paints (yellow, brown, a little white)

  • Small paintbrush

  • Clear matte or satin sealer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading your air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it out on a smooth surface to around 5–6 mm thick. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not chunky.

Cut a rough circle for the base of your bowl. Don’t worry about perfect edges – you won’t see them once the petals are added.

Step 2: Cut the Sunflower Petals

Using your simple sunflower petal template, cut out enough petals to go around the edge of your base circle. Slight variations actually help the finished bowl look more natural, so don’t stress if they’re not identical.

Lightly smooth the edges with your fingers and gently pinch the tip of each petal to give it that sunflower shape.

Step 3: Attach the Petals

Lightly score the edge of your clay base and the bottom of each petal with a toothpick. Press the petals around the edge, overlapping them slightly. Use your fingers to blend the joins so everything feels connected.

This part is quite therapeutic – I usually lose track of time here.

Step 4: Add Texture

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press fine lines into each petal to create natural-looking veins. Keep the pressure light and irregular.

For the centre of the sunflower, press small dots all over the middle area to mimic sunflower seeds. This texture really comes to life once painted.

Step 5: Shape the Bowl

Place the entire sunflower over an upside-down bowl to give it a gentle curve. Adjust the petals so they sit naturally and don’t fold in awkwardly.

Leave it to air-dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Turn it carefully halfway through drying so the base dries evenly.

Step 6: Paint the Sunflower

Once fully dry, paint the petals with yellow acrylic paint. I like to add a touch of white to the edges for highlights and a slightly darker yellow near the base of each petal.

Paint the centre brown, then dry-brush a little lighter brown or white over the top to bring out the texture.

Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Seal (Optional)

If you want a bit of extra durability, seal your trinket dish with a matte or satin sealer. This is especially useful if it’s going to live near a sink or get daily use.

How to Use Your Sunflower Trinket Dish

  • Ring or jewellery dish by the sink

  • Bedside bowl for earrings and hairpins

  • Entryway catch-all for keys

  • Decorative piece on a shelf or coffee table

Air-dry clay isn’t food-safe, so keep it for trinkets rather than snacks.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but doesn’t require special tools, expensive materials, or artistic confidence. It’s approachable, calming, and genuinely satisfying to finish in an afternoon. The end result feels personal and warm – exactly the kind of craft I keep coming back to.

If you’re looking for an easy air-dry clay project that feels cheerful and handmade in the best way, this sunflower trinket dish is a lovely place to start.