Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

October Polymer Cafe Magazine Giveaway!

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polymer_cafe_32_t Want to win the October issue of Polymer Cafe?  It includes an elegant image transfer pendant by Kathy Shield Dummer, a unique way of making a signature cane by Jill Palumbo , and a cute as can be pumpkin cottage from Trish Hodgens.  Miniaturists will enjoy the bread and cheese project by Pamela J., and the apple core beads by Lynette Fisk.

Since Polymer Cafe is a magazine by clayers, for clayers, to be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment and let us know if you’ve considered submitting a project to the magazine (or if you have!)

The winner will be selected from the commentators via random.org on September 30.  Remember to leave a way for us to contact you!

[tags]polymer cafe magazine, giveaway[/tags]

Comments

  2. Wow! I don’t have this issue yet, and I would love to win it! Although, being a first commentator, I will probably not be a winner, I never saw first commentators win :)))
    I still consider myself a beginner in clay, but I think at some point I would love to submit some project to the magazine :))

  3. Actually, I haven’t tried this yet but I’ve been so fascinated with the postings on Graft Gossip that I’ve started investigating and wound up here. I’d love a free issue to see what I’m getting myself into!! : ) Thank you!

  5. This magazine looks interesting. I want to know more about polymer clay techniques, so I think itwould be good start

  6. Still just a beginner so I have no projects to submit, but I dream of doing so in the near future.

    Thank you for producing such a quality site! It never fails to inspire.

  7. I haven’t submitted to Polymer Cafe, mainly because I’m at the point of hoping to actually learn how to use polymer first! I know there are lots of avenues to explore.

  8. I’ve only begun working with polymer clay, so I wouldn’t think I about submitting to a magazine at this point. Maybe in the future 🙂

  11. I have thought of many projects to submit, but none of them ever end up seeming good enough. I should just bite the polymer clay bullett and do it.

    Elizabeth Freeman
    915 588 1208

  12. I have a pile of polymer clay, but have not used it to make beads or pendants yet. I used to make dollhouse miniatures (mainly using polymer clay), now I make jewelry (mainly wirework and beads), so I would definitely like to play with my polymer clay again making beads or pendants. If I did, then I would consider submitting to this magazine. I am very interested in this issue since it combines jewelry AND miniatures! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  15. I would love submit a project to the magazine some day! 🙂 I consider myself a beginner in clay for now, but if I come up with a good idea, I sur will try to submit it :)))
    Please enter me in your giveaway! :))

  17. If I had anything worthy, I’d submit it. Maybe I should stop reading and go make something!

    lindaanne at yahoo.com

  19. Hi,
    I am still new to polymer clay. Maybe someday I will submit something. I love this magazine. Now im buying all the back issues I can find.

  20. I am waiting to feel enough confidence in my work to submit to the magazine. But I decided I will definitely submit something within the next six to nine months.

  21. Thank you for the chance to win a copy. I would love to submit a project to the magazine, if I knew how. Like a previous entrant, I am from Oz and we don’t get the magazine here.
    Kind regards to all.

  23. Hi Feree!

    The issue you are looking for is PolymerCafe’s February 2009 one. You can find PolymerCafe.com and see if they have back issues or search online (ebay for example) to see if anyone is selling copies.

  24. I would love to win this magazine. I am just learning about polymer clay, but might someday have something to submit!

  26. I am looking into clay as a medium. I have seen some REALLY nice jewelry and would not have guessed it was clay. Like I said I am in the looking stage now. Thank you

Have you read?

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

There’s something about sunflowers that just makes a house feel happier. Maybe it’s the colour, maybe it’s the fact they’re never trying to be perfect, or maybe it’s just that they remind me of slower afternoons when the kids were little and craft projects actually stayed on the table instead of migrating all over the house. Either way, this air-dry clay sunflower trinket dish has become one of my favourite “gentle crafts” – the kind you make with a cup of tea nearby and no pressure to rush.

This is not a precision project. In fact, the slightly uneven petals and hand-shaped edges are what make it lovely. If you’ve ever avoided clay because you thought it had to look professional or kiln-fired to be worth making, this project might just change your mind. It’s simple, forgiving, and genuinely useful once it’s finished.

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

This sunflower bowl works beautifully as a ring dish, bedside catch-all, or even a small decorative bowl on a hall table. It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – especially for someone who appreciates things that look handmade rather than factory-perfect.

What You’ll Need

  • White air-dry clay

  • Rolling pin or glass jar

  • Craft knife or butter knife

  • Simple sunflower petal template (paper)

  • Small bowl (for shaping)

  • Toothpick or skewer

  • Acrylic paints (yellow, brown, a little white)

  • Small paintbrush

  • Clear matte or satin sealer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading your air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it out on a smooth surface to around 5–6 mm thick. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not chunky.

Cut a rough circle for the base of your bowl. Don’t worry about perfect edges – you won’t see them once the petals are added.

Step 2: Cut the Sunflower Petals

Using your simple sunflower petal template, cut out enough petals to go around the edge of your base circle. Slight variations actually help the finished bowl look more natural, so don’t stress if they’re not identical.

Lightly smooth the edges with your fingers and gently pinch the tip of each petal to give it that sunflower shape.

Step 3: Attach the Petals

Lightly score the edge of your clay base and the bottom of each petal with a toothpick. Press the petals around the edge, overlapping them slightly. Use your fingers to blend the joins so everything feels connected.

This part is quite therapeutic – I usually lose track of time here.

Step 4: Add Texture

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press fine lines into each petal to create natural-looking veins. Keep the pressure light and irregular.

For the centre of the sunflower, press small dots all over the middle area to mimic sunflower seeds. This texture really comes to life once painted.

Step 5: Shape the Bowl

Place the entire sunflower over an upside-down bowl to give it a gentle curve. Adjust the petals so they sit naturally and don’t fold in awkwardly.

Leave it to air-dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Turn it carefully halfway through drying so the base dries evenly.

Step 6: Paint the Sunflower

Once fully dry, paint the petals with yellow acrylic paint. I like to add a touch of white to the edges for highlights and a slightly darker yellow near the base of each petal.

Paint the centre brown, then dry-brush a little lighter brown or white over the top to bring out the texture.

Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Seal (Optional)

If you want a bit of extra durability, seal your trinket dish with a matte or satin sealer. This is especially useful if it’s going to live near a sink or get daily use.

How to Use Your Sunflower Trinket Dish

  • Ring or jewellery dish by the sink

  • Bedside bowl for earrings and hairpins

  • Entryway catch-all for keys

  • Decorative piece on a shelf or coffee table

Air-dry clay isn’t food-safe, so keep it for trinkets rather than snacks.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but doesn’t require special tools, expensive materials, or artistic confidence. It’s approachable, calming, and genuinely satisfying to finish in an afternoon. The end result feels personal and warm – exactly the kind of craft I keep coming back to.

If you’re looking for an easy air-dry clay project that feels cheerful and handmade in the best way, this sunflower trinket dish is a lovely place to start.