Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

DIY Pumpkin Patch with Air Dry Clays

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CelluClay_Project_1_large

It’s a pumpkin patch without having to grow the silly things. The tutorial for the above piece uses Celluclay which is a fairly grainy air drying paper clay that is great for larger projects. If you’ve ever done a similar project with papier mache this stuff is much more effective.

That said, use a rolling pin to flatten your wads of clay. It’ll keep things more even as they go on. Use water to smooth edges and burnish as you go. Want to make smaller pumpkins with air dry clay? Use water-bomb balloons the same way and use the finer grained Creative Paperclay. The stuff is magic for taking paint and sands well after drying.

I can’t think of quite as simple a way to do this with oven bake clay – for hollow pumpkins – but I’ve made scads of little foil centre pumpkins. This cuts down on the clay and the baking time. Bonus, you can use pumpkin coloured clay right off. If you need your polymer clay pumpkin to be larger, wad up paper and wrap it with floral tape. Do a final smooth layer for your form before you apply sheets of polymer clay.

Looking for air-drying clay? We highly recommend Das Air dry clay, we have been using this product for over 30 years. Check out their Das White Air drying clay and their Terracotta Air drying clay version for a natural pottery feel. For larger crafts we recommend buying your air drying clay in bulk

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Etsy Feature – DIY Face Planter Pottery Template

Quirky, fun, and full of personality—this DIY Face Planter Pottery Template is the kind of project that makes everyone smile. Planters are already a favorite for potters because they’re so versatile, but when you add a playful face into the mix? You’ve got a conversation starter, a gift idea, and a cheerful addition to your home all in one.

What It Is

This template guides you step-by-step in slab-building a face-shaped planter. You’ll get the form sorted out easily, leaving all the creativity in the decorating stage—think glasses, freckles, funny noses, bright lips, or even exaggerated cartoon features. It’s essentially a blank canvas with character built right in.

Why It’s Fun and Functional

  • Customizable: Each planter can be as unique as the person making it—no two faces will ever be the same. 
  • Beginner-Friendly: Templates take away the guesswork, letting you focus on the fun. 
  • Gift-Worthy: Perfect as a handmade present for plant lovers or anyone who loves whimsical décor. 
  • Practical: A planter you’ll actually use, not just display. 

Creative Ideas for Your Planter

  • Add bright glazes to create bold personalities. 
  • Use matte neutrals for a more modern, sculptural look. 
  • Give each face a “hairstyle” with trailing plants like string of pearls, ferns, or succulents. 
  • Try a family set—different faces for different family members or moods. 

Why You’ll Love This Project

This planter template is more than just pottery—it’s playful art. The finished piece brings life and laughter into any space, and because you can customize it endlessly, it’s the kind of project you’ll want to make again and again.

You can find it here: DIY Face Planter Pottery Template on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates, tools, and creative projects that make pottery fun, approachable, and full of charm. This one is especially delightful because it gives you permission to play and be silly with your clay.

13 DIY Hanging Planters You Can Make At Home [Home and Garden]

12 Plants To Put In Your Bedroom To Help You Sleep [Bath and Body]