Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

DIY Pottery Rosemary Platter

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There’s something so timeless about combining clay with nature. Pressing herbs into pottery creates a simple yet striking effect—rustic, organic, and perfectly imperfect. Today we’re making a rosemary platter using real sprigs of rosemary pressed into clay. You can make this project with pottery clay that you fire in a kiln, or keep it simple with air-dry clay (variation at the end).

This platter makes a beautiful gift for gardeners, cooks, or anyone who loves that handmade touch.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Clay slab (pottery clay or air-dry clay) 
  • Fresh rosemary sprig (washed and dried) 
  • Rolling pin or clay roller 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Wooden board or canvas cloth (to roll clay on) 
  • Bowl of water & sponge (for smoothing edges) 
  • Alphabet stamps (optional, for lettering) 
  • Underglaze or black acrylic paint (for highlighting imprint, optional) 
  • Clear glaze (for kiln clay) or sealant (for air-dry clay) 

Instructions

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

  • Start by rolling your clay into a slab, about 1 cm thick. 
  • Place it on a flat surface covered with canvas or burlap to stop it sticking. 
  • Shape it into an oval, rectangle, or whatever platter shape you prefer. 

Step 2: Press the Rosemary

  • Place your rosemary sprig flat on the clay. 
  • Use the rolling pin to gently but firmly press it into the surface. 
  • Carefully peel the rosemary away—you’ll see a beautiful botanical imprint left behind. 

Step 3: Shape the Platter

  • Smooth the edges with your fingers dipped in water. 
  • If you want a raised rim, gently pinch or lift the edges of the slab. 
  • Use a knife or clay cutter to tidy the outline into a neat platter shape. 

Step 4: Add Lettering (Optional)

  • For an extra personal touch, stamp the word Rosemary (or any herb you like) into the clay. 
  • You can use alphabet stamps or carve freehand with a stylus. 

Step 5: Drying & Firing

If using pottery clay:

  • Allow the piece to dry slowly until bone dry. 
  • Fire in a kiln according to your clay’s temperature. 
  • Once bisque-fired, you can brush a little underglaze or dark wash into the imprint, wipe the excess, and glaze clear before firing again. 

If using air-dry clay:

  • Let the platter air dry for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway through to avoid warping. 
  • Once dry, paint the imprint with acrylic paint if desired. 
  • Seal with a waterproof varnish if you plan to wipe it clean. 

Air-Dry Clay Variation

If you don’t have access to a kiln, air-dry clay is a wonderful alternative. The process is exactly the same—just be sure to seal the finished platter if you’ll be handling it often. Keep in mind air-dry platters are decorative only and not food-safe. They look gorgeous as catch-all trays, jewelry dishes, or rustic decor pieces.

This project is as much about the process as the final piece. There’s something grounding about rolling herbs into clay—like bottling up a little piece of your garden forever.

 

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