Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Making Clay Leaf Bowls

by

fall-leaves

I’ve dabbled in ceramic and air dry clays and I’ve done polymer clay as my day job for years now. Apart from making canes and beads, my favourite item to build is bowls. Little bowls, great soup bowls (from ceramic clay in this case), little trinket dishes from every type of material.

These autumn themed leaf bowls appeal to that bit of me: the poster discusses making the dishes and processing in a kiln but also trying these with air dry clay. They used acrylic clay and varnish for the colouring. You could complete the same piece with polymer clay and either use paint for the veining or mica powders. Cure your leaf shape on a slightly curved oven safe dish such as a large glass bowl and voila, polymer clay leaf bowls. Just think how lovely little dishes with wrapped candies would be for your Thanksgiving decor.

Looking for air-drying clay? We highly recommend Das Air dry clay, we have been using this product for over 30 years. Check out their Das White Air drying clay and their Terracotta Air drying clay version for a natural pottery feel. For larger crafts we recommend buying your air drying clay in bulk

Comments

  3. Hi!

    The post is more illustrative / giving ideas but what I would do would be: roll out a sheet or slab, fairly thick. Use a cookie cutter or actual leaf the correct size and cut out the clay. Trace the veins on (or use the leaf to press them in). Cure the cut out piece on a curved shape if you do this with polymer clay.

    If you do this with air dry or ceramic clay let them dry in the inside of a paper bowl or one you can check regularly to make sure the clay doesn’t stick to the bowl as it dries.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template

Ravens have always carried a sense of mystery and symbolism—wisdom, transformation, and even a touch of magic. So when I saw this Raven Clay Template for slab building, I knew it was one of those tools that could bring incredible personality to pottery projects. Whether you’re into rustic farmhouse vibes or something a little more mystical, this template opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

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Ideas for Makers

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Templates like this are a fantastic way to stretch your creativity without feeling overwhelmed. You get the framework of a powerful, symbolic shape, but how you finish it is entirely up to you. Whether your style leans toward folklore, fantasy, or farmhouse, this raven will find a place in your clay story.

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This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I spotlight creative clay tools and templates that make hand-building both approachable and inspiring. And this raven template? It’s one that’s sure to take center stage in any collection.