Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review How to Make Heart-Shaped Bowls and Cups

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Seasonal pottery has a way of blending tradition, creativity, and heartfelt expression, and this Valentine’s Day tutorial captures all three beautifully. In this video, potter Calder Van Andel walks viewers through the complete process of making delicate heart-shaped bowls and cups. It’s a project that is not only charming but also versatile—perfect for gifting, decorating, or simply adding a handmade touch to your Valentine’s celebration.

The Video

The tutorial begins with Calder throwing a classic round bowl on the wheel. What makes this project stand out is how he carefully transforms the soft clay into a heart shape—showing that even small adjustments in pressure and angle can completely change a piece’s personality. After shaping, he covers trimming techniques and even demonstrates how to decorate using the bubble glaze technique, adding an element of playfulness to the final design.

The pacing of the video is calm and thorough, making it approachable for both beginners who are still learning the wheel and more advanced potters looking for seasonal inspiration.

What We Loved

  • Perfect for the Season – A thoughtful handmade bowl or cup makes an ideal Valentine’s Day gift. 
  • Step-by-Step Teaching – Calder explains every stage clearly, from throwing to trimming to glazing. 
  • Versatile Design – While themed for Valentine’s Day, the technique can be applied to spring weddings, anniversaries, or everyday gifts. 
  • Creative Glazing – The bubble glaze demonstration adds a modern twist to traditional pottery. 

Why You Should Watch

This tutorial is more than just a Valentine’s craft—it’s a reminder of how pottery can be both functional and meaningful. The simple act of shaping clay into a heart connects the maker to the season of love, while also producing a piece that can be used and cherished daily. Whether you’re planning to gift your creations or keep them as a reminder of your own practice, this video offers inspiration and clear instruction to bring your ideas to life.

 Watch the full tutorial here: How to Make Heart-Shaped Bowls and Cups – Valentine’s Day Special

 

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – DIY Face Planter Pottery Template

Quirky, fun, and full of personality—this DIY Face Planter Pottery Template is the kind of project that makes everyone smile. Planters are already a favorite for potters because they’re so versatile, but when you add a playful face into the mix? You’ve got a conversation starter, a gift idea, and a cheerful addition to your home all in one.

What It Is

This template guides you step-by-step in slab-building a face-shaped planter. You’ll get the form sorted out easily, leaving all the creativity in the decorating stage—think glasses, freckles, funny noses, bright lips, or even exaggerated cartoon features. It’s essentially a blank canvas with character built right in.

Why It’s Fun and Functional

  • Customizable: Each planter can be as unique as the person making it—no two faces will ever be the same. 
  • Beginner-Friendly: Templates take away the guesswork, letting you focus on the fun. 
  • Gift-Worthy: Perfect as a handmade present for plant lovers or anyone who loves whimsical décor. 
  • Practical: A planter you’ll actually use, not just display. 

Creative Ideas for Your Planter

  • Add bright glazes to create bold personalities. 
  • Use matte neutrals for a more modern, sculptural look. 
  • Give each face a “hairstyle” with trailing plants like string of pearls, ferns, or succulents. 
  • Try a family set—different faces for different family members or moods. 

Why You’ll Love This Project

This planter template is more than just pottery—it’s playful art. The finished piece brings life and laughter into any space, and because you can customize it endlessly, it’s the kind of project you’ll want to make again and again.

You can find it here: DIY Face Planter Pottery Template on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates, tools, and creative projects that make pottery fun, approachable, and full of charm. This one is especially delightful because it gives you permission to play and be silly with your clay.

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