Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

My Polymer Clay Studio

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Polymer clay is a fabulous medium not the least because it’s so easy to mix it with other mediums. You can sculpt with it, use it as paint, to make jewellery findings… the list goes on, almost endlessly. I even use it for components in gadgets and machines on occasion.

The problem with that, of course, is that it makes for accumulating not only clay specific gear but for the gear from all sorts of related craft projects. Planning your creative space gets tough when you’re incorporating projects that span a dozen areas!

The last ten years I’ve been lucky to have separate standalone spaces for my work. The first was a large room in my home which I still miss for the privacy. And now I have a huge space in my shop. The most used area is what’s in the photograph with my bench being the counter. I have tables to have classes at or spread out on. I have more storage than I use. The only issues here is that I have to keep it mildly neat and that it isn’t the least bit private. There are customers and students around most days.

When you plan your own clay space you may have different limitations. My first space was one table that I clamped my pasta machine onto and a few roller carts for storage because I had to eat on that table, too! It sort of expanded from there and I bought lots of tote boxes to store beads and canes and clay tools. They’re still what I use, mostly. I just have more shelves to set them on.

I’m also a reforming slob so the ongoing traffic through here forces me to keep the disaster limited. When I had private space… it wound up messy so often I couldn’t have had people in even if I wanted to!

How do you work? What kind of space do you have?

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.