Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Meet CDowdle Designs

by

1. So, introduce yourself to us!

So here I am!

My name is Cindy Dowdle-Schoen. My company name is CDowdle Designs and my blog name is Purple Froggie Clay Stuff.
I have been doing polymer clay for a year now. I have an Artfire shop and a Flickr Page. I also have a Facebook page. (links listed below)

2. Why do you work with polymer clay? & 3. Do you have a favourite technique to use?

I really like sculpting with clay, the ability to mold and shape and manipulate the clay into the shape that I want. It’s very relaxing to me. I can spend hours working on something and never get tired of it.

There really isn’t much of a theme that appears over and over, other than I really think that secretly I like green, because I got to looking at all my work the other day, there is quite a bit of green. HA! And here I thought my favorite color was purple.

CDowdle Designs on ArtFire
On Facebook
On Flickr
Cindy’s blog

Sorry for the lack of posties this week! I’ve been enjoying a few days off at my mom’s place which is way out of town. I thought I had scheduled entries for the whole duration but it turns out… no, I hadn’t. I’m back and posting! Hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and is looking forward to a new and clayful year.

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Comments

  1. Hi, My name is Missy, and I am becoming a Suzie Homemaker-aholic! I have turned into something/someone else when it comes to crafts and homemade items. Several people and events have influenced me recently in different positive ways. I have joined Operation Write Home to make cards for our deployed troops to send home to loved ones. My most recent endeavors involve bath salts and sugar scrubs as gifts. I am also currently making scarves. Rosaries and jewelry are also in my repertoire. For the recent holidays, my family has enjoyed homemade bread, homemade pecan pie (hubby and I picked the pecans for it), and other homemade goodies. Sigh…in a few days I go back to work, so will have to wait for Mardi Gras holidays to evolve back into S.H. I really HAVE to give her (Suzie Homemaker) a Cajun name.

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.