Polymer Clay

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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

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Clay Too Sticky? Too Crumbly? Try These Fool-Proof Polymer Clay Fixes

If you’ve ever cracked open a fresh block of Fimo or Sculpey, only to have it glue itself to your hands—or worse, crumble apart when you try to roll it—you know how frustrating polymer clay can be. The good news? These problems are normal and super easy to fix once you know the tricks.

I’ve been making polymer clay jewelry and little trinkets for years, and trust me—sticky clay and crumbly clay are just part of the learning curve. Let’s dive into why it happens and how to get your clay back to that perfect, workable consistency.

Why Is My Polymer Clay Too Sticky?

Polymer clay gets sticky when:

  • It’s too warm – Your hands or the room temperature can soften clay fast.

  • It’s over-conditioned – Kneading for too long breaks the clay down.

  • It’s a soft brand or fresh batch – Some formulas, like Fimo Soft or Sculpey III, naturally feel tackier than others.

Fool-Proof Fixes for Sticky Polymer Clay

  1. Chill it: Pop your clay in the fridge for 10–15 minutes. A quick cool-down makes it firmer and easier to handle.

  2. Work on glass, ceramic, or tile: These stay cooler than wood or plastic surfaces, helping clay keep its shape.

  3. Use parchment or wax paper: Sandwich clay between sheets when rolling to prevent sticking.

  4. Powder trick: Dust your hands or tools with a tiny bit of cornstarch. Wipe excess off before baking.

  5. Take breaks: If your hands heat the clay too much, set it aside for a few minutes.

Why Is My Polymer Clay Too Crumbly?

Crumbly clay is usually dried out or under-conditioned. It can happen with older clay, clay that’s been stored badly, or some firmer brands like Fimo Professional.

Fool-Proof Fixes for Crumbly Polymer Clay

  1. Condition properly: Run clay through a pasta machine or roll/knead until it starts to warm and smooth out.

  2. Add softener: Use a drop of clay softener (like Sculpey Clay Softener or Fimo Mix Quick) and knead it in.

  3. Mix with softer clay: Blend a crumbly block with a softer polymer clay to balance the texture.

  4. Warm it up: Place clay in a zip bag and tuck it in your pocket for a few minutes before conditioning.

  5. Avoid water: Unlike air dry clay, polymer clay should never be “rehydrated” with water—it weakens the formula.

Preventing Polymer Clay Problems

Keeping your clay at the right consistency means less fixing and more creating. Here’s how to prevent issues in the first place:

  • Store clay in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and heat.

  • Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap before storing in the original package.

  • Keep a pasta machine handy for quick, even conditioning.

  • Try clay storage by brand – separate Fimo Soft, Premo, and Sculpey to keep textures predictable.

  • Test your clay before a big project so you can soften or chill it as needed.

Polymer clay can be fussy, but it’s never a lost cause. If your clay is sticky, cool it down and keep your work surface non-stick. If it’s crumbly, condition it properly and add a little softener. These fixes take just a few minutes and can save you from tossing out perfectly good clay.

I always keep a little stash of “rescue tools”: cornstarch, clay softener, and some glass tiles to work on. With those on hand, I can take any block of polymer clay—whether it’s Fimo, Premo, or Sculpey—and make it project-ready in no time.

So the next time your polymer clay feels like a disaster, remember: sticky or crumbly, it’s fixable!