Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review How to Throw a Christmas Tree on the Wheel

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If you’ve been looking for a festive pottery project, this video is the perfect holiday inspiration. Calder from Calder’s Ceramics demonstrates how to throw a ceramic Christmas tree on the wheel, along with four creative decorating techniques to make each one unique. The tutorial finishes with glazing and firing, giving viewers the full process from start to shiny holiday finish.

The video begins with Calder centering and throwing a conical tree form on the wheel — simple in shape, yet full of potential. What makes this video especially fun is the variety of decorating options shown: from carving and hole-cutting for light displays to playful surface treatments that bring each tree to life.

He also shares practical firing details:

  • Bisque firing at 1020°C (cone 06) 
  • Glaze firing at 1220°C (cone 6) 

The final glazed trees are shown at the end, making it clear how glaze choices dramatically affect the outcome.

What We Loved

  • Festive Creativity: Four distinct decorating methods mean no two trees will ever look alike. 
  • Clear Instructions: Calder breaks down the process in approachable steps that beginners can follow. 
  • Practical Tips: From tool suggestions to glaze combinations, everything is well explained. 
  • Holiday Ready: These trees make beautiful seasonal decorations or handmade gifts. 

Key Takeaways

  • Christmas tree forms are simple but versatile — a great starting project for both beginners and experienced potters. 
  • Decoration choices (like hole cutting) can transform the piece into a functional holiday lantern. 
  • Glazing is where the magic happens — the same form can look entirely different with creative glaze combos. 

This video is ideal for potters who want a holiday-themed project that’s fun, approachable, and gift-worthy. It’s also a great introduction to throwing conical forms and experimenting with surface decoration. Whether you’re making one tree or a whole forest, Calder’s tutorial will leave you inspired to bring a little handmade cheer to the season.

 Watch the full video here: Throwing and Decorating a Christmas Tree on the Wheel

 

Have you read?

DIY Doily Pinch Bowl Set with Matching Platter

There’s something so satisfying about creating a whole handmade set that feels like it belongs together. After experimenting with my grandmother’s doilies on flat slabs of clay, I wanted to see how they would look when pressed onto a curved form. That’s how this set of three doily pinch bowls was born—each one textured on the outside with lace, glazed in soft tones, and displayed together on a matching pink speckled doily platter.

It’s a beautiful way to combine sentimental textiles with modern pottery design. The finished set makes a charming serving arrangement for nibbles, dips, or trinkets, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in use.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain) 
  • Rolling pin 
  • Crochet doily (preferably a smaller one for consistent texture) 
  • Sponge and water 
  • Small bowls or your hands (to form the pinch bowls) 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Plastic wrap 
  • Kiln access (or community pottery studio) 
  • White glaze 
  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Cut your clay into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball about the size of a small orange.

Step 2: Form the Pinch Bowls

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of each clay ball and pinch outward, rotating as you go, until you form small bowl shapes. Keep the walls fairly even, but don’t worry about perfection—pinch bowls are meant to have a rustic, organic charm.

Step 3: Press the Doily Texture

Drape a crochet doily around the outside of each bowl. Gently press it into the surface with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully peel it back to reveal the lace impression. Each bowl will carry the delicate detail of the doily, almost like a frozen textile pattern.

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Smooth the rims with a damp sponge, rounding off any sharp edges. Leave the outside textured, but clean up the insides of the bowls so they’re smooth for glazing.

Step 5: Dry and Fire

Let the bowls dry slowly until bone dry. Bisque fire them with the platter if you’re making the full set together.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

For a cohesive look, glaze the pinch bowls in soft white or cream, allowing the doily texture to stand out. Place them on the matching pink speckled doily platter (created using the earlier technique) for a complete serving set.

Styling Ideas

  • Serving Set: Use the three bowls for nuts, olives, and dips when entertaining. 
  • Jewelry Dishes: Perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings on your dresser. 
  • Decorative Accent: Place them on the platter as a centerpiece with seasonal décor inside (dried flowers, crystals, or potpourri). 
  • Gift Idea: Wrap the full set as a handmade, one-of-a-kind present for weddings or housewarmings. 

Why I Love This Project

These bowls carry a story. The lace impressions remind me of my grandmother’s hand-crocheted doilies, yet the final design feels fresh and modern. Displayed together on the platter, they become more than functional—they’re a handmade heirloom set that blends memory with everyday beauty.