Polymer Clay

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Book Review: Ancient Modern Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry

by

by Ronna Sarvas Weltman

by Ronna Sarvas Weltman

I was recently lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the new book  Ancient Modern; Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry by Ronna Sarvas Weltman, being published by Interweave press. The book can be pre-ordered here.

Featuring artistic, bold, and organic jewelry, the book is a joy for sheer eye-candy value.  Ronna gives an excellent overview of the basic techniques for working with both polymer clay and wire,  and she also gently reminds the reader  that practice is the only true way to build the skills required for working with both materials.  I found the section on designing jewelry while keeping in mind the physics of how it would hang on the body especially useful.

After the technique sections, there follows fifteen projects and a gallery of lovely work.  A couple of instructions are repeated throughout the book, for example several projects require a zebra cane and the instructions are reprinted each time.  This may be useful if you are following the projects exactly,  as you will not need to go back and find the instructions in another section, but not really necessary if like me, you tend to look for techniques to add to your arsenal,  and not projects.   Ronna paid attention to the little details like filing wire ends and tucking them in so that even the very dramatic and bold jewelry would remain comfortable and wearable.

Overall, I found the book to be a delight, there were several texturing and antiquing ideas that I am excited to try in my own projects,  as well as some new (to me) bead shapes with which I am planning to experiment.  It has also reminded me what a great compliment to clay wire makes, and inspired me to pull out my wire once again!

P.S.:  Stay tuned to the blog for the next week for two giveaways!

[tags]interweave press, Ancient Modern, Polymer Clay and Wire Jewelry, Ronna Sarvas Weltman, polymer clay book, book review[/tags]

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Comments

  1. ME! ME! Jules! Moe wants this! 😀 Really, I do! You’re a sweetie for doing this give away. I will try to be magnanimous of I don’t win. 🙂 Really. Thanks for doing a lovely thing for all of us! xoxo, moe

  2. Didn’t this blog post have a bunch of responses (including one from me) a week ago? Where’d they all go?

  3. I was able to see this book online and take a peek inside some of the pages. The artist work is beautiful and looks as though it will be a very inpiring book for anyone with a creative block or just in need of something beautiful to look at while they create. Thank you for entering all of us into your contest and for the work you do on the site, I enjoy it. By the way I design jewelry out of polymer clay and semi-precious stones.

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.