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 – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.