Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Book Review – Making Polymer Clay Beads

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claybeads.jpgIf I could use one word to describe this book it would be thorough! Making Polymer Clay Beads by Carol Blackburn is jam-packed with easy to follow projects.  There are tips at every turn, showing you not only how to make a wide range of beads, but the ins and outs of how to make them more uniform and professional looking.  I’ve been making beads for 15 years and found a few useful tips that I hadn’t heard of yet!

You’ll find a complete collection of the basic polymer clay techniques.  While nothing is explored in great detail, it’s the perfect jumping point before you start exploring on your own.

This book covers it all: from tools and supplies, to creating basic shapes, a magican’s bag of techniques, color mixing basics, bead finishing and jewelry ideas.Â

This is a perfect book for beginners, it reminds me of a great cookbook filled with classic recipes along with tried and true tricks to make creating accessible for everyone.

[tags]polymer clay, book review, beadmaking, beads, arts & crafts[/tags]

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Comments

  1. That was pretty much my exact take on the book! Lots of good, useful information, quality photos and simple, basic bead building techniques. A good primer.

  2. great to know that even pros can learn from another. I agree with everyone of your comments.
    I just love this book and I don’t make jewelry!

  3. I was looking for a clay book and I found this one. It does cover the basics and for one who isn’t too experienced with clay, it helped me alot. Lots of good color pix. Just a nice book all the way around.

Have you read?

Pottery Clay – DIY Divided Tapas Serving Platter with Illustrated Sections

Every good hostess knows a serving platter is the secret weapon at a party. It corrals snacks, makes everything look intentional, and saves you from running back and forth with little bowls. This DIY divided platter takes that idea one step further: each section is labeled with hand-drawn illustrations, making it both useful and irresistibly charming.

The original inspiration came from these  tapas-style platters, but we’re creating an English version featuring everyday snacks and nibbles. It’s fun, it’s functional, and it makes even store-bought crackers look Pinterest-worthy.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White ceramic clay (or air-dry clay if you don’t have access to a kiln) 
  • Rolling pin or slab roller 
  • Oval platter base template (downloadable below) 
  • Divider templates (downloadable below) 
  • Scoring tool + slip for joining clay 
  • Sponge and rib tool for smoothing 
  • Cobalt blue underglaze pencil OR blue underglaze with a fine brush 
  • Kiln + clear glaze (for ceramic clay) OR a food-safe sealant (for air-dry clay) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Shape the Base

Roll a slab of clay about ½ inch thick. Place the oval platter template on top and cut out your base. Smooth edges with a damp sponge.

Step 2: Add Dividers

Use the divider templates to cut strips of clay. Attach them to the base by scoring and slipping. Smooth joins and curve the edges slightly for a handmade look.

Step 3: Refine

Let the platter dry until it’s leather-hard. At this stage, you can tidy the walls, soften corners, and make sure the surface is smooth.

Step 4: Draw Your Illustrations

Here’s where the personality shines. Using an underglaze pencil or fine brush, sketch quick doodles into each section. Keep them loose and playful, not perfect. Our platter has:

  • Cheese – wedges with holey details 
  • Ham – loose stack of wavy slices 
  • Anchovies – three slim fish outlines 
  • Sardines – larger, striped fish drawings 
  • Salami – one log plus a few round slices with dotted speckles 
  • Olives – oval shapes with pits, some sliced open 
  • Tomatoes – little cluster of round tomatoes tied together 

Note: Drawings are slightly altered from the original for a fresh, unique design.

Step 5: Fire and Finish

  • For ceramic clay: bisque fire, add clear glaze, and glaze fire. 
  • For air-dry clay: allow to dry fully, then paint with a clear food-safe sealant if you’ll use it for food. Otherwise, it makes a perfect decorative tray.