Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Ornament Thursday

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o1.JPGToday’s project is a simple ornament that can do double duty as a gift tag.  I love embellishing gifts with a little something extra!

Materials:

polymer clay (I used scrap colors in red, olive, teal and white)

vellum paper

ribbon

wet/dry sandpaper (optional)

tools: pasta machine, cutting blade, scrapbooking scissors, paper punch

1. Layer the scrap clays together to form a rectangle, put contrasting colors next to each other.  Warm the clay between your hands, compressing it and compacting the edges of the scraps.

2. Roll the clay through the pasta machine on the thickest setting. 

3. With the cutting blade, trim to form a long rectangle. Starting at one end, roll up the clay to form a spiral.  Trim edges.

4. Roll out a sheet of green clay on the thickest setting of the pasta machine.  Slice off thin layers of the spiral and stick it on the green clay.  Run the sheet of green clay through the pasta machine on the thickest setting one more time. 

o2.JPG5. Trim with scrapbooking scissors. Bake, sand if desired.

6. Print out holiday greetings on vellum with your home printer.  Trim and punch a hole with with the paper punch.  Punch a hole in the top of the polymer clay tag.  Add vellum to clay tag/ornaments with ribbon. 

o3.JPG

See what other crafty goodness those Ornament Thursday designers have come up with this week:

Christmas cookie – Jennifer Heynen

Christmas tree finger labyrinth – Hali Chambers

Ring in the New Year – Kriss Cramer

Quilty pieced snowman – Linda Augsburg
Simply striking sparkling spheres – Margot Potter

Beaded memory wire – Elaine Luther

Wire & beaded tree – Lynn Kvigne

 Beaded sun catcher – Debba Haupert

Jolly and yummy ceramic candy – Melanie Brooks Lukacs 

 Polymer snowflake embedded in resin – Melissa Lee

Beaded candy canes – Candie Cooper

Polymer clay gift tag/ornament – Heather Powers

Twisted blues – Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone  

Holiday spiral tree & party pixie – Art Bead Scene  

Wire bird’s nest – Rebecca Peck

Plush gingerbread doggie – Jenny Harada

Swell ornament – Alexa Westerfield

Holiday paper crafting – Brandy Lung Gill

Shaving cream & chipboard ornament – Michelle McGee

Easy needle-felted orb – Katie Hacker

Lisa Liddy’s Lovely Ornament

[tags]polymer clay, holiday crafts, christmas projects, ornament Thursday[/tags]

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DIY Clay Flower Frog Tutorial – A Handmade Tool for Arranging Blooms

If you’ve ever struggled to get your flowers to stand just right in a vase, let me introduce you to one of the most charming old-fashioned tools around: the flower frog. Traditionally made from metal or glass, a flower frog is simply a base with holes that keeps stems in place so you can create balanced, natural arrangements without fussing. Today, we’re giving this vintage idea a modern twist by making a clay flower frog with our own hands.

This project is wonderfully simple, yet it creates something you’ll use again and again – especially if you love bringing fresh blooms inside from the garden. It’s also a fantastic beginner-friendly clay project that gives you a chance to practice shaping and smoothing without needing advanced pottery skills.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Pottery clay (stoneware or earthenware works well; you can also use air-dry clay for a decorative-only version)

  • A rolling pin or clay roller

  • A needle tool or skewer

  • A small round cookie cutter or cup for shaping

  • Sponge and water for smoothing

  • Optional: glaze in your favorite color (if kiln-firing) or acrylic paint/sealer for air-dry clay

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

Wedge your clay (fancy potter’s word for kneading out the air bubbles) until smooth. Roll it out to about 1 inch thick – thick enough that your holes won’t weaken the structure.

Step 2: Cut the Base Shape

Using a cookie cutter, cup, or template, cut out a circle or oval about 3–4 inches across. This will form the base of your flower frog. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge.

Step 3: Add the Holes

Use a skewer, chopstick, or needle tool to pierce holes across the surface. Space them evenly but not too close to the edges. Aim for around 6–10 holes, depending on the size of your frog. Make sure the holes go all the way through so stems can slide in easily.

Step 4: Refine and Smooth

Dip your tool in water and smooth around each hole to prevent cracking later. Take your time here—neat holes are what make your frog functional and pretty.

Step 5: Let It Dry

  • For kiln clay: Allow to dry until bone dry, then bisque fire. Apply glaze of choice and fire again.

  • For air-dry clay: Let it cure completely according to the package instructions, usually 24–48 hours.

Step 6: Finish and Seal

  • If you’re kiln-firing, this is where you’ll add that glossy glaze – think celadon green, soft blue, or speckled neutrals.

  • If you’re using air-dry clay, paint with acrylics and add a clear sealer to protect it from water.

Using Your Clay Flower Frog

Place your finished frog at the bottom of a shallow bowl or vase, add water, and start threading flower stems through the holes. The frog will hold them upright and let you create that lush, organic look without fuss. For a more rustic style, leave the clay unglazed (just make sure it’s still sealed if you’ll be adding water).

Variations to Try

  • Mini Frogs: Make smaller versions for teacups or bud vases.

  • Square or Oval Shapes: Who says flower frogs have to be round?

  • Decorative Impressions: Press lace, leaves, or stamps into the clay before making the holes for a bit of texture.

  • Stacked Frogs: Make two thinner discs and stack them together for a taller look.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Not only do you get a handmade, functional tool, but you’re also keeping alive a vintage floral tradition. These little clay flower frogs make beautiful gifts, especially paired with a thrifted vase and a bunch of fresh-picked blooms.