Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review: Making a Large Textured Platter

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In this inspiring video, the maker shares how they created a large, textured platter for the very first time. Using a dual drape form, a rim template, and an anemone-patterned textured rolling pin from Sharon Hoppe Designs, they demonstrate how to take a simple slab of clay and transform it into a stunning, functional centerpiece.

What the Video Covers

The process walks through rolling and shaping the slab, transferring texture evenly across the surface, and using a rim template for a neat, scalloped edge. The platter is then bisque fired to cone 04 and glaze fired to cone 6 in an electric kiln, resulting in a professional, food-safe finish.

Why We Love It

  • First-Time Friendly: The maker shares their experience as a beginner, making it relatable and encouraging. 
  • Beautiful Texture: The floral anemone design adds elegance without being overly complicated. 
  • Functional & Decorative: The platter is perfect for serving or simply displaying as a statement piece. 
  • Tools Highlighted: Demonstrates how forms, templates, and textured rollers can expand creative options. 

Materials Used

  • Dual drape form & rim template 
  • Electric kiln (bisque to cone 04, glaze to cone 6) 

Craft Gossip’s Take

This is a fantastic watch for potters who want to try their hand at larger slab-built projects. It shows how using simple forms and tools can produce a piece that looks like it came straight out of a gallery. The fact that it’s the maker’s first attempt makes it even more inspiring for beginners who may be nervous to try something big.

If you’ve been looking for a clay project that’s both ambitious and achievable, this platter tutorial is the perfect place to start.

Have you read?

Book Review Wednesday: Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook

This week’s Book Review Wednesday pick is Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook by Jacalyn K. Myron, and this is another one of those crossover craft books that could easily live in more than one corner of CraftGossip.

It is not strictly a jewelry making book, but the cover does mention jewelry projects, and air-dry clay is a lovely material for making lightweight pendants, charms, ring dishes, earrings, beads, and little decorative pieces. So I’m letting it sneak into the Jewelry Making series because, honestly, half the fun of handmade jewelry is experimenting with materials that were not necessarily “jewelry supplies” to begin with.

Air-dry clay is especially appealing for beginners because you do not need an oven, kiln, torch, or specialist setup. You can shape it, texture it, let it dry, sand it, paint it, seal it, and turn it into something sweet and useful. It is very approachable, which makes it a nice option for crafters who want to try clay jewelry without jumping straight into polymer clay baking or resin mixing.

This book looks like a practical beginner guide covering air-dry clay techniques, tools, tips, and projects, including jewelry, home décor, animals, figurines, and small sculptures. I like that mix because it gives makers room to play. You might start with a simple ring dish or pendant and then wander off into little bowls, ornaments, charms, or handmade gifts.

For jewelry makers, I’d see this as a gentle introduction to clay-based accessories. Think handmade pendants, textured earrings, little clay charms, or small dishes for storing rings and earrings. It would also pair nicely with our Jewelry Making projects and the more clay-focused ideas here.

My Shellie-style take? Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook looks like a calm, beginner-friendly craft book for anyone who wants to try clay without too much fuss. It may lean more general craft than pure jewelry, but there is enough jewelry potential here to make it useful for makers who enjoy handmade accessories, gift projects, and pretty little things made by hand.

You can find the book here: Air-Dry Clay Making Handbook.