Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Meet ColtPixy

by

This Wednesday, I’d like to introduce you to Star aka ColtPixy. ColtPixy runs the ArtFire Polymer Clay Guild known as the Smooshers. It’s an inclusive group and it has a whole line up of clayers from new-to-clay to old hands.

1. So, introduce yourself!

Hi my name is Angelina Star Edwards. In person everyone calls me Star and online most people know me as ColtPixy. I currently reside in beautiful, rural Tennessee.

2. Why do you work with polymer clay?

For many years I made my living creating stained glass mosaics but as a hobby I sculpted with polymer clay. Several years ago I severely injured a tendon in my hand and my orthopedic surgeon suggested I do that the other way around.

3. What’s your favourite technique in clay?

From then on my main focus has been sculpting and I could not be happier. I am so lucky to be doing what I love.

You can see more of Star’s work here:
http://ColtPixy.com
http://ColtPixy.artfire.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/coltpixy

What’s up with Wednesdays? Well, Wednesdays are going to be my day to Meet People, where by “people” I mean polymer clay artists and polymer clay art enthusiasts. If you’re interested in a bit of a spotlight, email me at [email protected] and I will shoot you a couple questions.

Comments

  3. ColtPixy creates amazing items with polymer clay, she is such an inspiration. Added to that she is one of the nicest women I know and I am proud to call her my friend.
    Congrats on your feature Star.

  5. Hi Cat!, and Star it’s been awhile. I’ve always enjoyed your work though. Hope all is well with you. Thank you Cat, Star is a wonderful choice for this forum, and I love the piece you’ve featured. I remember when Star was creating it. …Hugs Ladies!! <3

  7. This is so well deserved! Not only is Star uber talented (LOVE that passion flower!) but so generous and giving of herself, she is the backbone of the Smooshers =)

Have you read?

DIY Doily Pinch Bowl Set with Matching Platter

There’s something so satisfying about creating a whole handmade set that feels like it belongs together. After experimenting with my grandmother’s doilies on flat slabs of clay, I wanted to see how they would look when pressed onto a curved form. That’s how this set of three doily pinch bowls was born—each one textured on the outside with lace, glazed in soft tones, and displayed together on a matching pink speckled doily platter.

It’s a beautiful way to combine sentimental textiles with modern pottery design. The finished set makes a charming serving arrangement for nibbles, dips, or trinkets, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in use.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain) 
  • Rolling pin 
  • Crochet doily (preferably a smaller one for consistent texture) 
  • Sponge and water 
  • Small bowls or your hands (to form the pinch bowls) 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Plastic wrap 
  • Kiln access (or community pottery studio) 
  • White glaze 
  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Cut your clay into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball about the size of a small orange.

Step 2: Form the Pinch Bowls

Using your thumbs, gently press into the center of each clay ball and pinch outward, rotating as you go, until you form small bowl shapes. Keep the walls fairly even, but don’t worry about perfection—pinch bowls are meant to have a rustic, organic charm.

Step 3: Press the Doily Texture

Drape a crochet doily around the outside of each bowl. Gently press it into the surface with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully peel it back to reveal the lace impression. Each bowl will carry the delicate detail of the doily, almost like a frozen textile pattern.

Step 4: Refine the Shape

Smooth the rims with a damp sponge, rounding off any sharp edges. Leave the outside textured, but clean up the insides of the bowls so they’re smooth for glazing.

Step 5: Dry and Fire

Let the bowls dry slowly until bone dry. Bisque fire them with the platter if you’re making the full set together.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

For a cohesive look, glaze the pinch bowls in soft white or cream, allowing the doily texture to stand out. Place them on the matching pink speckled doily platter (created using the earlier technique) for a complete serving set.

Styling Ideas

  • Serving Set: Use the three bowls for nuts, olives, and dips when entertaining. 
  • Jewelry Dishes: Perfect for holding rings, bracelets, and earrings on your dresser. 
  • Decorative Accent: Place them on the platter as a centerpiece with seasonal décor inside (dried flowers, crystals, or potpourri). 
  • Gift Idea: Wrap the full set as a handmade, one-of-a-kind present for weddings or housewarmings. 

Why I Love This Project

These bowls carry a story. The lace impressions remind me of my grandmother’s hand-crocheted doilies, yet the final design feels fresh and modern. Displayed together on the platter, they become more than functional—they’re a handmade heirloom set that blends memory with everyday beauty.