Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Meet CDowdle Designs

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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.

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?

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

There’s something about sunflowers that just makes a house feel happier. Maybe it’s the colour, maybe it’s the fact they’re never trying to be perfect, or maybe it’s just that they remind me of slower afternoons when the kids were little and craft projects actually stayed on the table instead of migrating all over the house. Either way, this air-dry clay sunflower trinket dish has become one of my favourite “gentle crafts” – the kind you make with a cup of tea nearby and no pressure to rush.

This is not a precision project. In fact, the slightly uneven petals and hand-shaped edges are what make it lovely. If you’ve ever avoided clay because you thought it had to look professional or kiln-fired to be worth making, this project might just change your mind. It’s simple, forgiving, and genuinely useful once it’s finished.

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

This sunflower bowl works beautifully as a ring dish, bedside catch-all, or even a small decorative bowl on a hall table. It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – especially for someone who appreciates things that look handmade rather than factory-perfect.

What You’ll Need

  • White air-dry clay

  • Rolling pin or glass jar

  • Craft knife or butter knife

  • Simple sunflower petal template (paper)

  • Small bowl (for shaping)

  • Toothpick or skewer

  • Acrylic paints (yellow, brown, a little white)

  • Small paintbrush

  • Clear matte or satin sealer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading your air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it out on a smooth surface to around 5–6 mm thick. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not chunky.

Cut a rough circle for the base of your bowl. Don’t worry about perfect edges – you won’t see them once the petals are added.

Step 2: Cut the Sunflower Petals

Using your simple sunflower petal template, cut out enough petals to go around the edge of your base circle. Slight variations actually help the finished bowl look more natural, so don’t stress if they’re not identical.

Lightly smooth the edges with your fingers and gently pinch the tip of each petal to give it that sunflower shape.

Step 3: Attach the Petals

Lightly score the edge of your clay base and the bottom of each petal with a toothpick. Press the petals around the edge, overlapping them slightly. Use your fingers to blend the joins so everything feels connected.

This part is quite therapeutic – I usually lose track of time here.

Step 4: Add Texture

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press fine lines into each petal to create natural-looking veins. Keep the pressure light and irregular.

For the centre of the sunflower, press small dots all over the middle area to mimic sunflower seeds. This texture really comes to life once painted.

Step 5: Shape the Bowl

Place the entire sunflower over an upside-down bowl to give it a gentle curve. Adjust the petals so they sit naturally and don’t fold in awkwardly.

Leave it to air-dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Turn it carefully halfway through drying so the base dries evenly.

Step 6: Paint the Sunflower

Once fully dry, paint the petals with yellow acrylic paint. I like to add a touch of white to the edges for highlights and a slightly darker yellow near the base of each petal.

Paint the centre brown, then dry-brush a little lighter brown or white over the top to bring out the texture.

Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Seal (Optional)

If you want a bit of extra durability, seal your trinket dish with a matte or satin sealer. This is especially useful if it’s going to live near a sink or get daily use.

How to Use Your Sunflower Trinket Dish

  • Ring or jewellery dish by the sink

  • Bedside bowl for earrings and hairpins

  • Entryway catch-all for keys

  • Decorative piece on a shelf or coffee table

Air-dry clay isn’t food-safe, so keep it for trinkets rather than snacks.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but doesn’t require special tools, expensive materials, or artistic confidence. It’s approachable, calming, and genuinely satisfying to finish in an afternoon. The end result feels personal and warm – exactly the kind of craft I keep coming back to.

If you’re looking for an easy air-dry clay project that feels cheerful and handmade in the best way, this sunflower trinket dish is a lovely place to start.