Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

DIY Pottery Tip: Make Little Glaze Sample Tags (and Save Yourself Some Regret Later!)

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If you’ve been working with pottery for a while, you’ll know the heartbreak of opening a kiln only to discover your dream glaze turned out… well, not so dreamy. Sometimes the bottle swatch just doesn’t tell the full story. That’s why I started a little tradition in my studio: every time I get a new glaze, I make a tiny clay tag and glaze it up.

It’s like a personal “glaze library” I can flip through at a glance. Trust me, it has saved me from more than a few disappointing projects. And between you and me—no, I don’t think I have too many glazes… just not enough shelves!

Here’s how you can make your own glaze samples:

What You’ll Need

  • Scrap clay (stoneware or whatever you usually work with) 
  • Small cookie cutters (hearts, circles, squares—whatever makes you happy) 
  • Needle tool or skewer for making holes 
  • Twine or wire for hanging 
  • Your chosen glazes 
  • A kiln for firing 

Step-by-Step: Glaze Sample Tags

Step 1: Roll Out Your Clay
 Use leftover bits from other projects. Roll them to about ¼ inch thickness—sturdy enough to survive handling, but not too chunky.

Step 2: Cut Shapes
 Cut out small, repeatable shapes. I love little hearts (see mine above!), but you can also use squares or rectangles for a more “library card” feel.

Step 3: Add Texture (Optional)
 Press lace, stamps, or natural textures into a few of your tags. Some glazes break beautifully over texture, so this gives you an extra peek at how the glaze behaves.

Step 4: Punch a Hole
 Use a needle tool or skewer to poke a hole near the top. This lets you hang them later on twine or wire for easy storage and viewing.

Step 5: Bisque Fire
 Dry thoroughly and bisque fire as usual.

Step 6: Glaze Time!
 Every time you open a fresh bottle of glaze, brush or dip one of your tags. I usually cover the front fully and leave a little bare clay at the back so I can see how the glaze interacts.

Step 7: Final Fire
 Fire according to your glaze’s instructions.

Display & Storage Ideas

  • On a ring: String them onto a keyring or binder ring so you can flip through like paint swatches. 
  • On twine: Hang them on a hook or pegboard in your studio—beautiful and useful. 
  • By color family: Organize your glazes into rainbow order for quick inspiration. 

Why This Works Wonders

  • You see exactly how the glaze fires on your clay body, in your kiln atmosphere. 
  • Texture vs. smooth results are visible side by side. 
  • No more guessing or relying on glossy catalogue photos. 

And honestly, making these little tags is kind of addictive. Each new glaze feels like adding a new charm to my pottery bracelet of colors.

 

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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.