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

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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?

DIY Clay Flower Frog Tutorial – A Handmade Tool for Arranging Blooms

If you’ve ever struggled to get your flowers to stand just right in a vase, let me introduce you to one of the most charming old-fashioned tools around: the flower frog. Traditionally made from metal or glass, a flower frog is simply a base with holes that keeps stems in place so you can create balanced, natural arrangements without fussing. Today, we’re giving this vintage idea a modern twist by making a clay flower frog with our own hands.

This project is wonderfully simple, yet it creates something you’ll use again and again – especially if you love bringing fresh blooms inside from the garden. It’s also a fantastic beginner-friendly clay project that gives you a chance to practice shaping and smoothing without needing advanced pottery skills.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Pottery clay (stoneware or earthenware works well; you can also use air-dry clay for a decorative-only version)

  • A rolling pin or clay roller

  • A needle tool or skewer

  • A small round cookie cutter or cup for shaping

  • Sponge and water for smoothing

  • Optional: glaze in your favorite color (if kiln-firing) or acrylic paint/sealer for air-dry clay

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

Wedge your clay (fancy potter’s word for kneading out the air bubbles) until smooth. Roll it out to about 1 inch thick – thick enough that your holes won’t weaken the structure.

Step 2: Cut the Base Shape

Using a cookie cutter, cup, or template, cut out a circle or oval about 3–4 inches across. This will form the base of your flower frog. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge.

Step 3: Add the Holes

Use a skewer, chopstick, or needle tool to pierce holes across the surface. Space them evenly but not too close to the edges. Aim for around 6–10 holes, depending on the size of your frog. Make sure the holes go all the way through so stems can slide in easily.

Step 4: Refine and Smooth

Dip your tool in water and smooth around each hole to prevent cracking later. Take your time here—neat holes are what make your frog functional and pretty.

Step 5: Let It Dry

  • For kiln clay: Allow to dry until bone dry, then bisque fire. Apply glaze of choice and fire again.

  • For air-dry clay: Let it cure completely according to the package instructions, usually 24–48 hours.

Step 6: Finish and Seal

  • If you’re kiln-firing, this is where you’ll add that glossy glaze – think celadon green, soft blue, or speckled neutrals.

  • If you’re using air-dry clay, paint with acrylics and add a clear sealer to protect it from water.

Using Your Clay Flower Frog

Place your finished frog at the bottom of a shallow bowl or vase, add water, and start threading flower stems through the holes. The frog will hold them upright and let you create that lush, organic look without fuss. For a more rustic style, leave the clay unglazed (just make sure it’s still sealed if you’ll be adding water).

Variations to Try

  • Mini Frogs: Make smaller versions for teacups or bud vases.

  • Square or Oval Shapes: Who says flower frogs have to be round?

  • Decorative Impressions: Press lace, leaves, or stamps into the clay before making the holes for a bit of texture.

  • Stacked Frogs: Make two thinner discs and stack them together for a taller look.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Not only do you get a handmade, functional tool, but you’re also keeping alive a vintage floral tradition. These little clay flower frogs make beautiful gifts, especially paired with a thrifted vase and a bunch of fresh-picked blooms.