Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Kato color mixing recipes

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It’s true, I’m a Kato gal. I flirted with the other polymer clays out there when I started claying, but none of them satisfied my thirst for clay like Kato did. It’s firmness makes it the best clay for my purposes. The rest of those other guys were just too soft. Okay, okay, enough of the potty talk. But it’s true, I do love Kato’s PolyClay.

When I first discovered polymer clay, I had been put out of work because of a neck surgery and was sooo tired of reruns, so I tried a new channel. Yep, that’s right it was showing “The Carol Duvall Show” and it was Donna Kato making fascinating canes. Well, I think you know the rest of the story because I’m here! Ooooh, okay, I’ll tell you anyway. I wanted to make canes.

I suppose I was just like the other newbies, I tried the clay with all the pretty colors to cane with. You all know which one I’m referring to. It’s so gooey that chewed gum would have been a better choice to cane with. It’s an honest newbie mistake, the colors are pretty and it doesn’t say gooey on the package. So, I go and research on the web , and I research on the web, you get the picture. I tried the Premo, not much better. For some reason I skipped right over poor Fimo and feel into the arms of Kato, and have never left it’s side. Now I know some of you swear by Fimo, but after Kato, nothing else will do for me.

Except! When it comes to color mixing. I’ve never took any kind of formal art classes that may have taught color theory and the like, so when it comes to this color and that color makes this color, all I know is what I learned in kindergarten. The basics. Red and blue make green, blue and yellow make purple. I’m KIDDING folks! I also know that they all make clay mud if you don’t know how to mix colors beyond the primary stage. So, I’m always on the lookout for Kato color mixing recipes everywhere I go on the web. I’ve found them all over the place and want to share them all in one place for everyone – HERE !!! If you happen to see a duplicate, please let me know by leaving a comment. My eyes started crossing as I was looking for them.

Enjoy!

[tags]polymer clay, Kato PolyClay, color mixing recipes[/tags]

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Comments

  2. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOUUUUUUUUUU! I’m color mixing disabled – all I learned about color mixing I learned in kindergarten, just like you LOL. This is SO awesome.

    BIG HUG!

  4. You have totally made my day! This is just what I was looking for. I’ll share this with my Guild members. Thanks!!!!

    Karen

  5. I have a printed copy of this chart and wanted to share it with a friend. I can’t find it any more on the website and your link does not work either.

    Any ideas where it has gone?

Have you read?

Pottery Clay – DIY Divided Tapas Serving Platter with Illustrated Sections

Every good hostess knows a serving platter is the secret weapon at a party. It corrals snacks, makes everything look intentional, and saves you from running back and forth with little bowls. This DIY divided platter takes that idea one step further: each section is labeled with hand-drawn illustrations, making it both useful and irresistibly charming.

The original inspiration came from these  tapas-style platters, but we’re creating an English version featuring everyday snacks and nibbles. It’s fun, it’s functional, and it makes even store-bought crackers look Pinterest-worthy.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White ceramic clay (or air-dry clay if you don’t have access to a kiln) 
  • Rolling pin or slab roller 
  • Oval platter base template (downloadable below) 
  • Divider templates (downloadable below) 
  • Scoring tool + slip for joining clay 
  • Sponge and rib tool for smoothing 
  • Cobalt blue underglaze pencil OR blue underglaze with a fine brush 
  • Kiln + clear glaze (for ceramic clay) OR a food-safe sealant (for air-dry clay) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Shape the Base

Roll a slab of clay about ½ inch thick. Place the oval platter template on top and cut out your base. Smooth edges with a damp sponge.

Step 2: Add Dividers

Use the divider templates to cut strips of clay. Attach them to the base by scoring and slipping. Smooth joins and curve the edges slightly for a handmade look.

Step 3: Refine

Let the platter dry until it’s leather-hard. At this stage, you can tidy the walls, soften corners, and make sure the surface is smooth.

Step 4: Draw Your Illustrations

Here’s where the personality shines. Using an underglaze pencil or fine brush, sketch quick doodles into each section. Keep them loose and playful, not perfect. Our platter has:

  • Cheese – wedges with holey details 
  • Ham – loose stack of wavy slices 
  • Anchovies – three slim fish outlines 
  • Sardines – larger, striped fish drawings 
  • Salami – one log plus a few round slices with dotted speckles 
  • Olives – oval shapes with pits, some sliced open 
  • Tomatoes – little cluster of round tomatoes tied together 

Note: Drawings are slightly altered from the original for a fresh, unique design.

Step 5: Fire and Finish

  • For ceramic clay: bisque fire, add clear glaze, and glaze fire. 
  • For air-dry clay: allow to dry fully, then paint with a clear food-safe sealant if you’ll use it for food. Otherwise, it makes a perfect decorative tray.