Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review How to Make a Christmas Angel

by

Few crafts capture the heart of the Christmas holidays quite like handmade pottery. In this festive tutorial, Calder’s Ceramics guides viewers through the step-by-step process of creating clay angels — one small enough to hang as a tree ornament, and one large enough to stand proudly on a mantle or holiday table.

This project isn’t just about shaping clay. It’s about creating pieces filled with warmth, meaning, and tradition — decorations you’ll bring out year after year and perhaps even pass down as family heirlooms.

The Video

The tutorial is part of Calder’s holiday-themed series, making it perfect for potters who want to add seasonal projects to their repertoire. His teaching style is calm, patient, and clear — ideal for both beginners who are learning handbuilding basics and seasoned potters looking for inspiration.

The video covers:

  • How to form the angel’s cone-shaped body. 
  • Attaching the rounded head securely. 
  • Adding wings with proper scoring and slipping techniques. 
  • Optional detailing for personalization. 
  • Firing details: 
    • Bisque fire at 1020°C / 1868°F / Cone 06. 
    • Glaze fire at 1220°C / 2228°F / Cone 6. 

The balance between technical guidance and festive creativity makes this tutorial highly engaging.

What We Loved

 Holiday Spirit Brought to Life – Calder captures the essence of the Christmas season with a project that feels both joyful and meaningful.

 Two Projects in One – You can follow along to make small angels as tree ornaments or larger statement pieces for shelves and tables.

 Clear, Accessible Teaching – Even if you’ve never made pottery before, Calder’s calm explanations and slow pacing make it feel achievable.

 Useful Techniques – Beyond making angels, you’ll practice handbuilding skills like joining clay properly, shaping forms, and drying evenly.

 Personalization Potential – You can leave your angels simple and minimalist or add textures, glazes, or imprints to make them uniquely yours.

Why This Project Stands Out

The Christmas Angel project blends functionality with symbolism. The small hanging ornaments make thoughtful handmade gifts, while the larger version serves as a centerpiece you’ll treasure for years. Unlike store-bought décor, these angels carry the warmth of being made by hand, each with its own slight variations and charm.

For beginners, it’s a gentle introduction to pottery that doesn’t require a wheel or complicated tools. For experienced potters, it’s a chance to slow down and create something seasonal and heartfelt.

In a world of mass-produced holiday decorations, this project is a refreshing reminder that handmade clay pieces tell a story — of creativity, care, and the simple joy of working with your hands.

Watch the full video here: How to Make a Christmas Angel Out of Clay

Clay Angel

Polymer Clay Angel Figures

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.