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]

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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?

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.