Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

New Polymer Clay Guild for ArtFire Members!

by

ArtFire is one of several new venues offering artists and crafters a place to sell their handmade goods.  They have recently launched their Guilds feature, which gives artists with something in common, whether that be materials or location, a place to connect, network, and promote.

“Polymer Clay Smooshers” is the name of the guild for “artists who use polymer clay alone or in mixed media creations” created by Brittney Gobble of BGobble Art.  You can check out the Guild page here, and the Flickr group here.

Comments

  3. I think we are one big family! We have lots in common… clay under our fingernails, stores filled with clay, ovens filled with clay fumes, and if you are like me- little pieces of clay smooshed into the carpet!!!! If you are a verified ArtFire member interested in joining our guild please just let me know! We don’t bite (just nibble)!

  5. I knew you were a member!! I know my family ;-P!! I meant “you” as in the people reading this!

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Bread Pan Pottery Template

There’s something heartwarming about baking bread. It’s slow, it’s soulful, and it makes the whole house smell like comfort. Now imagine pairing that feeling with pottery—baking a loaf in a pan that you built with your own two hands. That’s exactly what this Bread Pan Pottery Template offers: the chance to merge two timeless crafts into one.

What This Template Is All About

This listing gives you a printable slab-building template that guides you through creating your very own bread pan. Instead of trying to eyeball measurements or guess at proportions, the template lays everything out neatly so you can focus on the fun part—building, decorating, and glazing.

And the best part? It’s reusable. Print it once and you’ll have a tool you can return to again and again, whether you’re making a whole set of pans for your own kitchen or whipping up handmade gifts for family and friends.

Why This Template Is Brilliant

  • Form Meets Function: You’re not just making something pretty—you’re making something you’ll actually use. A bread pan that can hold up in the oven is a game-changer. 
  • Creative Freedom: Once the structure is done, the design is all yours. Carve, stamp, texture, glaze—this is where your style shines. 
  • Practical Studio Tool: Perfect for beginners who want structure and for seasoned potters looking for a quick and reliable form. 
  • Gift Potential: Can you imagine gifting a handmade bread pan with a fresh loaf inside? Or maybe adding a recipe card tied with twine? Utterly charming. 

Inspiration for Your Bread Pan

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Use speckled clay, add carved lines or stamps, and glaze in warm neutrals. Think cozy cottage kitchen. 
  • Modern Minimalist: Stick to smooth surfaces and glaze in soft greys, blacks, or whites for a sleek look. 
  • Textured & Patterned: Roll lace, leaves, or textured mats into the clay before forming for a one-of-a-kind surface design. 
  • Showstopper Glazes: A layered glaze (like the gorgeous teal-and-brown example in the photo) adds depth and personality. 

How You Might Use It Beyond Bread

While bread is the obvious star here, this template is versatile. These pans can double as serving dishes, casserole trays, or even decorative centerpieces. They’re sturdy, practical, and beautiful enough to live on your table rather than hiding in a cupboard.

And if you’re into markets or selling your pottery, functional bakeware is always a crowd-pleaser. Customers love pieces they can use daily, especially when they carry that handmade touch.

Why Potters Will Fall in Love with This Template

At the end of the day, pottery is about connection—between you, the clay, and the person who’ll eventually hold or use the piece. This bread pan template makes that process easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It gives you the framework while still leaving room for creativity.

It’s approachable for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced potters to customize. And honestly? There’s just something so grounding about pulling a loaf of bread from a pan you shaped yourself. It ties together two crafts that have nourished people for centuries.

You can grab the template here: Bread Pan Pottery Template on Etsy.

This article is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay tools and templates that make pottery more fun, approachable, and inspiring. And truly—this bread pan template is one of those rare gems that gives you both beauty and function.