Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Clay – Faux Amethyst

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I have to admit I have a bit of a bias for amethyst. It’s the birthstone for February and I am a February birthday. Valentine’s Day in fact is my birthday. So I’ve received my share of amethyst themed gifts over the years. Fimo Polymer clay is a great materials for faux stones though the clearer, more crystal like stones are obviously more difficult to make with just poly clay. Despite that I went and rounded up some examples of faux amethyst. If anyone knows of any other examples – or tutorials – I’d love to hear!

Myself, I’ve made a foggy faux amethyst with a bit of plaque-y fimo art translucent, the tiniest crumb of purple and some good sanding. It turned out a little like the little faux amethyst art doll face here. She includes some notes on how she made her faux pieces. Another interpretation is this faux agate-like amethyst from Blessed Bead Jewelery. The above pictured piece is a whimsical faceted one from UnaOdd.

Comments

  1. I think if you used the translucent polymer clay with just a touch of purple, you would get a bead that looked more like amethyst. Here is the recipe I used in the past. Haven’t done much polymer clay lately, but I am starting back into it.

    Amethyst (Fimo):

    Light:
    ½ block OO Art Translucent
    1/32 block #6 Violet

    Dark:
    ½ block OO Art Translucent
    1/16 block #6 Violet

  4. My Birthday is Valentines day also. I am glad to find fellow Valentine babies. Sometimes I love that my birthday is Valentines Day and sometimes I wonder if people would remember my birthday if it was another day.

Have you read?

DIY Doily Pinch Bowl Set with Matching Platter

There’s something so satisfying about creating a whole handmade set that feels like it belongs together. After experimenting with my grandmother’s doilies on flat slabs of clay, I wanted to see how they would look when pressed onto a curved form. That’s how this set of three doily pinch bowls was born—each one textured on the outside with lace, glazed in soft tones, and displayed together on a matching pink speckled doily platter.

It’s a beautiful way to combine sentimental textiles with modern pottery design. The finished set makes a charming serving arrangement for nibbles, dips, or trinkets, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in use.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain) 
  • Rolling pin 
  • Crochet doily (preferably a smaller one for consistent texture) 
  • Sponge and water 
  • Small bowls or your hands (to form the pinch bowls) 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Plastic wrap 
  • Kiln access (or community pottery studio) 
  • White glaze 
  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Cut your clay into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball about the size of a small orange.

Step 2: Form the Pinch Bowls

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of each clay ball and pinch outward, rotating as you go, until you form small bowl shapes. Keep the walls fairly even, but don’t worry about perfection—pinch bowls are meant to have a rustic, organic charm.

Step 3: Press the Doily Texture

Drape a crochet doily around the outside of each bowl. Gently press it into the surface with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully peel it back to reveal the lace impression. Each bowl will carry the delicate detail of the doily, almost like a frozen textile pattern.

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Smooth the rims with a damp sponge, rounding off any sharp edges. Leave the outside textured, but clean up the insides of the bowls so they’re smooth for glazing.

Step 5: Dry and Fire

Let the bowls dry slowly until bone dry. Bisque fire them with the platter if you’re making the full set together.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

For a cohesive look, glaze the pinch bowls in soft white or cream, allowing the doily texture to stand out. Place them on the matching pink speckled doily platter (created using the earlier technique) for a complete serving set.

Styling Ideas

  • Serving Set: Use the three bowls for nuts, olives, and dips when entertaining. 
  • Jewelry Dishes: Perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings on your dresser. 
  • Decorative Accent: Place them on the platter as a centerpiece with seasonal décor inside (dried flowers, crystals, or potpourri). 
  • Gift Idea: Wrap the full set as a handmade, one-of-a-kind present for weddings or housewarmings. 

Why I Love This Project

These bowls carry a story. The lace impressions remind me of my grandmother’s hand-crocheted doilies, yet the final design feels fresh and modern. Displayed together on the platter, they become more than functional—they’re a handmade heirloom set that blends memory with everyday beauty.