Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Making Hollow Beads by Using a Core

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cornstarch-cores

One way of making hollow objects is to use a core for the first stage. Pinatas, for example, can be built with a balloon core. The core is taken out later, leaving you with a hollow form.

There area huge variety of ways of making hollow clay beads including using a baking soda or corn starch core. The process is, essentially, mixing up a batch of water soluble “clay” that you shape into the cores you want. Let them dry, form your polymer clay over it, bake the clay and then wash the core out of the bead holes. It’s an involved process but it makes great, seamless hollow beads in all sorts of shapes.

ChrirpHop goes through the whole process and some of her failed experiments in her tutorial. The play clay recipe works but if you really want to skip it, get some of the cornstarch peanuts and use those with *slightly* moistened fingers. Instant gooey to make cores out of.

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Etsy Feature – City Street Pottery Roller with Handle

There’s something magical about pottery tools that tell a story, and this City Street Pottery Roller does just that. Instead of a simple repeating texture, this roller creates a charming row of houses, windows, and rooftops—instantly transforming a slab of clay into a whimsical little street scene.

What It Is

This Etsy listing features a large wooden roller with a sturdy handle, designed to press detailed cityscape patterns into clay. The impression is wide enough to create a continuous border, so you can roll across a slab and build an entire “town” in just a few passes.

It works beautifully on:

  • Pottery clay and ceramic slabs. 
  • Polymer clay for smaller-scale projects. 
  • Fondant and cookie dough for bakers who love edible art. 

Why It’s Special

  • Detailed & Unique: Each building has character, with intricate windows, doors, and trees in between. 
  • Storytelling Through Clay: Adds instant personality to mugs, trays, or tiles. 
  • Easy to Use: The handle gives you good pressure and control, so your impressions stay crisp. 
  • Versatile Applications: Perfect for both functional pottery and decorative art. 

Inspiration Ideas

  • Roll across a slab to make storybook-inspired trays or platters. 
  • Use as a border on mugs or vases for a cozy, handmade vibe. 
  • Cut sections into tiles to create a miniature clay city. 
  • Highlight the details with underglaze washes or oxide stains so the windows and rooftops pop. 

Why Makers Will Love It

Tools like this City Street Roller encourage playfulness in the studio. Instead of just adding texture, you’re adding narrative—each impression looks like a scene from a quaint European street. It’s perfect for potters who want their work to feel warm, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind.

You can find it here: City Street Pottery Roller with Handle on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight tools and treasures that spark creativity for clay and pottery lovers. And honestly? This roller might just be the most charming one yet—it makes every project feel like it belongs in a little handmade village.