Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Meet DesertRubble

by

1.Introduce yourself!

My name is Lynn Reno and I grew up in rural Indiana but have lived in Mesa, AZ for most of my adult life. Along with polymer clay, my other current hobbies are to bring birds and butterflies to our yard and selective breeding of lovebirds. One of my favorite past hobbies was scroll sawing and that’s something I look forward to having time for again.

2. Why do you work in polymer clay?

I used to do some decorative concrete work and I had my first taste of working with a moldable/sculptable medium from that, but concrete is so, so messy. I was taking a break from it when I felt a strong pull toward polymer clay. At that point I had never touched the stuff and had no idea what cool things were being made with it. It didn’t take much web surfing for me to know I had to get some. What I know now is that polymer clay has endless possibilities, it can be anything and everything you want it to be, I think polymer clay is awesome!

3. Is there a recurring theme in your work?

Industrial/Steampunk! I love adding things to polymer clay and I love those mica powders, put them together and polymer clay takes on a whole new feel. I can’t tell you how many times I hear from people that they thought a piece of mine was metal…I even worry sometimes that a customer might be disappointed when they get their piece and realize it isn’t. I hope my work and style continue to evolve but I don’t doubt these will continue to be a part of it.

Shop – http://www.artfire.com/users/DesertRubble
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/lynnsdesertrubble
Blog – http://lynnsdesertrubble.blogspot.com/

Comments

  1. I think Lynn’s polymer clay art is fantastic.
    She creates beautiful works of art. I wish her great success in her arts.

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.

This listing provides a printable pottery template designed to help you create a striking raven form out of clay slabs. With its bold silhouette and curved detailing, the template makes it simple to cut, shape, and assemble a piece that feels sculptural, even if you’re relatively new to clay work.

Why It’s Special

  • Symbolic Subject: Ravens bring depth and meaning, making your piece more than just decorative.

  • Beginner-Friendly: Templates save you from freehand drawing and ensure consistent proportions.

  • Statement Piece: The finished raven works beautifully as wall art, a garden feature, or a standalone sculpture.

  • Flexible Use: Perfect for ceramics, air-dry clay, or even paper craft if you want to experiment.

Ideas for Makers

  • Glaze in deep blacks and metallics for a dramatic, gothic-style raven.

  • Use matte, natural tones for a more organic, rustic effect.

  • Add surface texture—like feathers, symbols, or carved details—for extra personality.

  • Create a series of ravens in different sizes for a striking wall display.

Why Makers Will Love It

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.

You can grab it here: Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template on Etsy.

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.