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]

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?

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

There’s something about sunflowers that just makes a house feel happier. Maybe it’s the colour, maybe it’s the fact they’re never trying to be perfect, or maybe it’s just that they remind me of slower afternoons when the kids were little and craft projects actually stayed on the table instead of migrating all over the house. Either way, this air-dry clay sunflower trinket dish has become one of my favourite “gentle crafts” – the kind you make with a cup of tea nearby and no pressure to rush.

This is not a precision project. In fact, the slightly uneven petals and hand-shaped edges are what make it lovely. If you’ve ever avoided clay because you thought it had to look professional or kiln-fired to be worth making, this project might just change your mind. It’s simple, forgiving, and genuinely useful once it’s finished.

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

This sunflower bowl works beautifully as a ring dish, bedside catch-all, or even a small decorative bowl on a hall table. It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – especially for someone who appreciates things that look handmade rather than factory-perfect.

What You’ll Need

  • White air-dry clay

  • Rolling pin or glass jar

  • Craft knife or butter knife

  • Simple sunflower petal template (paper)

  • Small bowl (for shaping)

  • Toothpick or skewer

  • Acrylic paints (yellow, brown, a little white)

  • Small paintbrush

  • Clear matte or satin sealer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading your air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it out on a smooth surface to around 5–6 mm thick. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not chunky.

Cut a rough circle for the base of your bowl. Don’t worry about perfect edges – you won’t see them once the petals are added.

Step 2: Cut the Sunflower Petals

Using your simple sunflower petal template, cut out enough petals to go around the edge of your base circle. Slight variations actually help the finished bowl look more natural, so don’t stress if they’re not identical.

Lightly smooth the edges with your fingers and gently pinch the tip of each petal to give it that sunflower shape.

Step 3: Attach the Petals

Lightly score the edge of your clay base and the bottom of each petal with a toothpick. Press the petals around the edge, overlapping them slightly. Use your fingers to blend the joins so everything feels connected.

This part is quite therapeutic – I usually lose track of time here.

Step 4: Add Texture

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press fine lines into each petal to create natural-looking veins. Keep the pressure light and irregular.

For the centre of the sunflower, press small dots all over the middle area to mimic sunflower seeds. This texture really comes to life once painted.

Step 5: Shape the Bowl

Place the entire sunflower over an upside-down bowl to give it a gentle curve. Adjust the petals so they sit naturally and don’t fold in awkwardly.

Leave it to air-dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Turn it carefully halfway through drying so the base dries evenly.

Step 6: Paint the Sunflower

Once fully dry, paint the petals with yellow acrylic paint. I like to add a touch of white to the edges for highlights and a slightly darker yellow near the base of each petal.

Paint the centre brown, then dry-brush a little lighter brown or white over the top to bring out the texture.

Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Seal (Optional)

If you want a bit of extra durability, seal your trinket dish with a matte or satin sealer. This is especially useful if it’s going to live near a sink or get daily use.

How to Use Your Sunflower Trinket Dish

  • Ring or jewellery dish by the sink

  • Bedside bowl for earrings and hairpins

  • Entryway catch-all for keys

  • Decorative piece on a shelf or coffee table

Air-dry clay isn’t food-safe, so keep it for trinkets rather than snacks.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but doesn’t require special tools, expensive materials, or artistic confidence. It’s approachable, calming, and genuinely satisfying to finish in an afternoon. The end result feels personal and warm – exactly the kind of craft I keep coming back to.

If you’re looking for an easy air-dry clay project that feels cheerful and handmade in the best way, this sunflower trinket dish is a lovely place to start.