Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Low-Tech Tools

by

One of the things I love about polymer clay is that there is no fancy equipment needed to create beautiful work. Aside from a pasta machine, tissue blade and toaster oven here are some low-tech tools I can’t live without.

1. Mini Drill – I picked it up for a song from Harbor Freight and have to say I don’t know how I got along without it. I like things low-tech, this is easy to use and gets the job done for my smaller beads.

2. Knitting needles – I love these for poking larger holes and as a sculpting tool. (Look for the double pointed in the thinner sizes.)

3. Old playing cards – I used these as disposable palettes to mix up small batches of liquid Sculpey.

4. Rubber gloves – I roll all my beads one last time with rubber gloves to get rid of any finger prints, seriously cuts down on the sanding.

5. Handmade bead mandrels – I cut 6″ lengths of thick gauge copper wire as larger bead mandrels.

5. Wet-dry sandpaper and my blue jeans – I give my beads a quick once over with the sand paper and buff them on my jeans.

6. Cardstock -it’s my work surface of choice.

7. Acrylic rod – great for shaping canes and rolling out thicker slices of clay.

8. Two little mirrors – used for making lentils and flattening beads.

That’s it, my whole beadmaking studio in a nutshell. What tool can’t you live without?

Comments

  2. I have to add:

    – sharp blades, my old (no motor, no name brand) pasta machine and stacks of old white tiles from a past home reno project

    And enough little plastic containers that I support that whole industry I am sure.

  3. Rubber tipped Clay Shaper and stylus (cheap art supply item) for help in sculpting.

    Bamboo skewers for poking holes in beads, they make a slightly larger hole than a ceramics needle tool. Found in the grocery store, they are a couple bucks for a lifetime supply.

    Parchment paper (grocery store) for baking flat polymer pieces on. I use it on a cookie sheet and the paper keeps the bottom of the polymer from taking on the shine of the cookie sheet. Obviously cardstock is stiffer, but the parchment paper can cover an entire cookie sheet if you have larger pieces to bake.

    Boy it’s amazing how little you can get by with to make polymer art. I love the fact that no expensive items are needed. I did splurge on a Foredom bench lathe to polish my beads, and I absolutely love it.

    I’m going to blog about my favorite texture tools in a day or two on my beadbunny.blogspot.com blog.

    Thanks for asking, Heather, I always enjoy your blog entries.

  4. I don’t do enough PC to say, but the gloves idea might work with my metal clay. I’m bad about the finger prints! I guess that shows it’s hand-made 😉

Have you read?

How to Make Beautiful Stamped Clay Pots with Air Dry Clay

If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into clay crafts without the fuss of a kiln, air dry clay is your new best friend. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and dries beautifully into something that looks much fancier than it really is. These DIY stamped clay pots are the perfect weekend project. They’re practical, pretty, and make wonderful handmade gifts. Think pen holders, plant pots, or even a little bathroom organizer for makeup brushes.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • No kiln or oven required – just let the clay dry naturally.

  • Endless design possibilities with stamps, lace, or texture mats.

  • A chic way to organize your desk, vanity, or craft room.

  • Great gift idea (fill with treats, pens, or a little succulent).

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Air-dry clay (white or terracotta works best)

  • Rolling pin (or a smooth glass bottle)

  • Stamps, lace, or textured rolling pins for designs

  • Craft knife or clay cutter

  • Water and a small paintbrush (for smoothing seams)

  • Cylinder form (a glass, tin can, or jar to shape the pot)

  • Sandpaper (fine grit, for finishing)

  • Optional: acrylic paints or clear sealant

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your surface so the clay doesn’t stick. Roll your clay into a flat slab about ¼ inch thick. Keep it even so your pot doesn’t dry lopsided.

Step 2: Add the Texture

Now for the fun part! Press your stamp, lace, or textured roller firmly into the clay. Don’t worry about perfection—slight variations give it that handmade charm.

Step 3: Cut Your Rectangle

Measure your cylinder (jar, can, or glass) and cut a rectangle of clay that will wrap all the way around it. Cut out a circle of clay for the base.

Step 4: Build the Pot

Wrap the clay rectangle around your form and gently press the seam together. Use a little water and a paintbrush to smooth it out. Attach the circular base with the same water “glue” method, blending the edges for strength.

Step 5: Smooth & Shape

Run damp fingers along the rim and seams to soften rough edges. This is where your pot starts looking polished.

Step 6: Drying Time

Let your pot air dry for 24–48 hours (depending on the clay brand and thickness). Don’t rush this step—if the clay dries too quickly, it can crack.

Step 7: Sand & Finish

Once dry, lightly sand any rough spots. You can leave it raw white for a chic, minimal look, or paint/seal it with acrylic paints and clear varnish for extra durability.

Creative Ideas for Stamped Clay Pots

  • Boho Vibes: Use lace doilies for a soft, romantic texture.

  • Rustic Look: Try a wooden stamp or burlap fabric pressed into the clay.

  • Modern Minimalist: Leave the pot smooth and paint it matte black or terracotta.

  • Giftable Touch: Wrap with twine and tuck in a small succulent.

Tips

  • Keep unused clay wrapped tightly in plastic so it doesn’t dry out.

  • If cracks appear, fill with a little clay slip (clay mixed with water).

  • Don’t make your pots too tall or thin—the clay is stronger in compact shapes.

These DIY air dry clay pots prove that you don’t need a pottery wheel to create beautiful handmade pieces. Whether you use them for storage, décor, or gifting, each one turns out unique—just like handmade should be.