Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Introducing Myself

by

Mix and Match necklace

I was in such a rush to get the week going that I forgot to formally introduce myself!

Hi, I’m Elaine! I live in southwest Saskatchewan, Canada. Currently, it’s very snowy where I am and that is certainly lending to my frame of mind when picking clay tidbits to share out. I have an 11yo daughter and live with my partner, another creative type who is also into computers. He’d frown and say he’s not creative but he is a serious DIYer.

I’ve been doing polymer clay for 13 years and participating out on the net for a while. I joined up at PCC when I needed help with my polymer clay back in 2002 and never looked back! I teach, sell and write about polymer clay pretty much every day and days when I’m not making something are sad. My favourite techniques are caning or millefiori and making beads and jewellery that showcase it. You can see my work in my ArtFire or Etsy Shops, on my blog or on Facebook. I twitter as Tooaquarius. And you can take a look through the last few years of polymer clay and craft show pictures in my Flickr.

If you’d like me to post about you, your work, your news, your organization, your plans or if you have questions PLEASE email me! I’m looking to crank up the posts on this blog and I’d be happy to do a little promo for you while I’m at it. If you decide to send me tidbits I ask that you make them interesting and tell me what makes them cool, include a link to your blog, shop or source, and attach or point me at a picture that I may use.

Show me your best work! Pass along your favourite tutorials! Introduce me to your guild or forum. Please avoid sending me pages of sales info or repetitive commercial information, I’m allergic to spam. A little shout out for your new shop, big promotion or seasonal event = awesome. Dozens of links about what you offer every week? Not cool.

Comments

  1. Elaine,
    I’m so excited for you and for the claying community. I can’t wait to see what interesting things you’ll be posting.
    Wishing you tons of fun with this new adventure.
    Alice

  2. Thanks for your lovely post. I am excited to see what you will be finding and posting for us. I am just starting out in PC and where I live there are no classes, no guild to join and zero hope of finding anyone who knows about it or cares. Thank goodness for the internet! I hope you enjoy yourself!

    Heidi

  5. Yay, I kinda thought it might be Elaine. They couldn’t have made a better choice. Excellent to have you posting here.

  7. he he! You’ll probably even find yourself profiled at some point as someone who uses clay beads in her work sometimes. The more the merrier!

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Bread Pan Pottery Template

There’s something heartwarming about baking bread. It’s slow, it’s soulful, and it makes the whole house smell like comfort. Now imagine pairing that feeling with pottery—baking a loaf in a pan that you built with your own two hands. That’s exactly what this Bread Pan Pottery Template offers: the chance to merge two timeless crafts into one.

What This Template Is All About

This listing gives you a printable slab-building template that guides you through creating your very own bread pan. Instead of trying to eyeball measurements or guess at proportions, the template lays everything out neatly so you can focus on the fun part—building, decorating, and glazing.

And the best part? It’s reusable. Print it once and you’ll have a tool you can return to again and again, whether you’re making a whole set of pans for your own kitchen or whipping up handmade gifts for family and friends.

Why This Template Is Brilliant

  • Form Meets Function: You’re not just making something pretty—you’re making something you’ll actually use. A bread pan that can hold up in the oven is a game-changer. 
  • Creative Freedom: Once the structure is done, the design is all yours. Carve, stamp, texture, glaze—this is where your style shines. 
  • Practical Studio Tool: Perfect for beginners who want structure and for seasoned potters looking for a quick and reliable form. 
  • Gift Potential: Can you imagine gifting a handmade bread pan with a fresh loaf inside? Or maybe adding a recipe card tied with twine? Utterly charming. 

Inspiration for Your Bread Pan

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Use speckled clay, add carved lines or stamps, and glaze in warm neutrals. Think cozy cottage kitchen. 
  • Modern Minimalist: Stick to smooth surfaces and glaze in soft greys, blacks, or whites for a sleek look. 
  • Textured & Patterned: Roll lace, leaves, or textured mats into the clay before forming for a one-of-a-kind surface design. 
  • Showstopper Glazes: A layered glaze (like the gorgeous teal-and-brown example in the photo) adds depth and personality. 

How You Might Use It Beyond Bread

While bread is the obvious star here, this template is versatile. These pans can double as serving dishes, casserole trays, or even decorative centerpieces. They’re sturdy, practical, and beautiful enough to live on your table rather than hiding in a cupboard.

And if you’re into markets or selling your pottery, functional bakeware is always a crowd-pleaser. Customers love pieces they can use daily, especially when they carry that handmade touch.

Why Potters Will Fall in Love with This Template

At the end of the day, pottery is about connection—between you, the clay, and the person who’ll eventually hold or use the piece. This bread pan template makes that process easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It gives you the framework while still leaving room for creativity.

It’s approachable for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced potters to customize. And honestly? There’s just something so grounding about pulling a loaf of bread from a pan you shaped yourself. It ties together two crafts that have nourished people for centuries.

You can grab the template here: Bread Pan Pottery Template on Etsy.

This article is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay tools and templates that make pottery more fun, approachable, and inspiring. And truly—this bread pan template is one of those rare gems that gives you both beauty and function.