Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Clay – Filigree Ornaments

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Starless.etsy.com filigree ornament

I’ve never really tried polymer clay filigree – caning has been “my thing” so far – but I’ve seen some absolutely beautiful works done with it and here are some lovely examples of Christmas ornaments done with it. The first, above, is Starless Clay’s ornament in her Etsy shop. She has many more.

Some other examples include a lovely cream and gold one from KaydensKorner and a sweet faux ivory one from MandarinMoon.

Instructions on how to make a filigree egg can be found in this tutorial. Simply stick your filigree to a regular glass ornament and away you go!

Comments

  1. Thanks for featuring one of my ornaments!

    That was the very tutorial that I first learned filigree from. 🙂

    Here are a few additional tips of my own:

    The base sheet on your ornament or egg may show through a little in some places, so match it to the colors you’re using. Scrape out your clay gun between extrusions, and recycle the scrapings as part of the base layer.

    Build a clay gun pusher- this will really speed up the process and save your hands from strain. I followed the instructions about 1/4 of the way down this page to build a “bellows” type pusher: http://www.dianeb.info/polymer/MainPages/claygun.htm I’ve been using it for over a year, and it works great!

    400 grit sandpaper is too coarse for filigree- I start with 800 and use a light touch even with that. It also looks nice unsanded, with a coat or two of sealant.

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.