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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Have you read?

How to Make Beautiful Stamped Clay Pots with Air Dry Clay

If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into clay crafts without the fuss of a kiln, air dry clay is your new best friend. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and dries beautifully into something that looks much fancier than it really is. These DIY stamped clay pots are the perfect weekend project. They’re practical, pretty, and make wonderful handmade gifts. Think pen holders, plant pots, or even a little bathroom organizer for makeup brushes.

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • No kiln or oven required – just let the clay dry naturally.

  • Endless design possibilities with stamps, lace, or texture mats.

  • A chic way to organize your desk, vanity, or craft room.

  • Great gift idea (fill with treats, pens, or a little succulent).

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Air-dry clay (white or terracotta works best)

  • Rolling pin (or a smooth glass bottle)

  • Stamps, lace, or textured rolling pins for designs

  • Craft knife or clay cutter

  • Water and a small paintbrush (for smoothing seams)

  • Cylinder form (a glass, tin can, or jar to shape the pot)

  • Sandpaper (fine grit, for finishing)

  • Optional: acrylic paints or clear sealant

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your surface so the clay doesn’t stick. Roll your clay into a flat slab about ¼ inch thick. Keep it even so your pot doesn’t dry lopsided.

Step 2: Add the Texture

Now for the fun part! Press your stamp, lace, or textured roller firmly into the clay. Don’t worry about perfection—slight variations give it that handmade charm.

Step 3: Cut Your Rectangle

Measure your cylinder (jar, can, or glass) and cut a rectangle of clay that will wrap all the way around it. Cut out a circle of clay for the base.

Step 4: Build the Pot

Wrap the clay rectangle around your form and gently press the seam together. Use a little water and a paintbrush to smooth it out. Attach the circular base with the same water “glue” method, blending the edges for strength.

Step 5: Smooth & Shape

Run damp fingers along the rim and seams to soften rough edges. This is where your pot starts looking polished.

Step 6: Drying Time

Let your pot air dry for 24–48 hours (depending on the clay brand and thickness). Don’t rush this step—if the clay dries too quickly, it can crack.

Step 7: Sand & Finish

Once dry, lightly sand any rough spots. You can leave it raw white for a chic, minimal look, or paint/seal it with acrylic paints and clear varnish for extra durability.

Creative Ideas for Stamped Clay Pots

  • Boho Vibes: Use lace doilies for a soft, romantic texture.

  • Rustic Look: Try a wooden stamp or burlap fabric pressed into the clay.

  • Modern Minimalist: Leave the pot smooth and paint it matte black or terracotta.

  • Giftable Touch: Wrap with twine and tuck in a small succulent.

Tips

  • Keep unused clay wrapped tightly in plastic so it doesn’t dry out.

  • If cracks appear, fill with a little clay slip (clay mixed with water).

  • Don’t make your pots too tall or thin—the clay is stronger in compact shapes.

These DIY air dry clay pots prove that you don’t need a pottery wheel to create beautiful handmade pieces. Whether you use them for storage, décor, or gifting, each one turns out unique—just like handmade should be.