Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Faux Crystal Jade in Polymer Clay

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The basic recipe for a faux jade / aventurine in polymer clay is translucent clay mixed with a small amount of green (or several greens). Add a little bit of dried herbs, mica powders, paints, or what not if you want inclusions or matrix patterns. Form your pieces without mixing up the colours too much. Cure, sand, sand some more, and buff like a mad woman. Joe Patouille’s YouTube tutorial is a nice step through of it.

 

 

 

Comments

  3. Soooooo…. does it automatically go from a white color with little green flecks to looking like actual jade? Or was there a step missing? Also… what were the green flecks? Honestly, I’m no closer to creating that than I was four minutes ago…

  4. Translucent clay – and this is mostly translucent clay with a small amount of scraped in colour – always looks kind of milky to me.

    I’d make a tiny test piece to see if there was enough green colouring before doing a larger batch because I’m always tweaking recipes.

  6. The video uses pastel but I would use – have used – alcohol inks and also small amounts of green clay. You get a mix of cloudiness then. If you want the least cloudiness, go for the alcohol inks.

Have you read?

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.

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