Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Cafe Giveaway!

by

polymer_cafe_31_t It’s time for a giveaway!  I’ll be giving away the August 2009 issue of Polymer Cafe.

Leave a comment on this post telling us about one of your creative goals for the year,  and I will draw a winner in one week on July 15.  Good Luck!

(Be sure to include some form of email address so I will be able to contact you!)

[tags]polymer cafe, august issue, giveaway[/tags]

Comments

  2. I have two goals for this year:
    1. Make my beaded jewellery business a success.
    2. Improve my skills in other crafts (e.g. sewing).

  5. Ironically given the giveaway, one of my creative goals is to master polymer clay since I can’t seem to get anything to look the way I want. I know time and patience are big keys to this so I have decided that this is my next goal to achieve.

  6. My goal for this year is to play! I’ve been working at (emphasis on working) selling some pieces online and in a local shoppe, but I find myself relying on techniques and colors that I’m comfortable with just to GET IT DONE! I plan to make more time in this second half of 2009 to experiment and play and find more things that I can be comfortable with next year!

  7. I think you are right; time to “play” more, at least until it is time to make gifts for Christmas!

  8. This year a creative goal is to try a little more whimsical work, a little more sculpture. I’m hoping to tie that into my holiday lines.

  10. This years creative goal is to learn quilting and make to one! I’ve wanted to do this for a while but never had the time. Now I’m able to take up some of the crafts I want to learn. And ploymer clay’s one of them. Thanks for this giveaway.

  11. My creative goals at the mid point of the year is to learn more about polymer clay and the possiblities with making beads. Also, to BE creative!

  12. My goal for this year is to create as much art as I can. I have been dorment in my creativity due to small children. They are now 15, 10 and 7. This has given me a little me time to get back to my passion.

  13. This year, my intention is to get a bit more “open” with my expression- alot of times I hold back, I think I’d like to let it flow- let out all of me, instead of just the traditional creations.

  15. to make a polymer clay pendant that meets my rather stringent requirements as “good enough” to give as a gift. 🙂

  16. My creative goal is to get in the studio EVERYDAY for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Not only would my creativity benefit, but so would my sanity!!!

  17. My goal is to simply have fun at whatever I do, and currently that involves: steam punk, portraits, guitar lessons, knitting, book reviews, jewelry designs in clay, piano lessons, poetry, horseback riding and more…. =)

  19. My creative goal for the summer is to make my little “studio” (spare room)more functional so I can access all those recyclable/upcyclable raw materials and work some magic!

  20. My goal is to teach this year to children and adults. It’s time to share the fun!
    Starting in July!

  21. One of my creative goals this year is to design a quilted wallhanging.

    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

  23. My goal is to make several polymer tree ornaments of white snowmen or white artic foxes to put inside of box Christmas tree ornaments I made from my Christmas Cards I received last year. I want to give these to people in the Church I attend this Christmas when we exchange cards. See, alot of them will get their cards back in the form of a Christmas ornament, as well as an additional polymer clay ornament inside the recycled Christmas card box ornament.

  26. My goal is to take the beads I’ve been collecting to a bead shop and learn how to attach the findings to make them into jewelry.

  27. My goal for the year is to learn how to make my jewelery into a way to make some extra money.

  28. My creative goal for this year is to master the art of stain glass. Have always been interested in this and am ready to try it.

  29. I’ve put away my clay for awhile, and my goal is to get it back out! I want to create jewelry. I love the beads and buttons I’ve seen here!

  30. My creative goal for this year is to get some ideas to make special items for gifts.

  33. My goal is to improve my skill in working with polymer clay and to explore new designs.

  34. My creative goal this year is to spend more time with my crafts and less in front of the TV!

  35. I would like to sew more for my family and try to carve out more time for my other crafts.

  36. My creative goal for the year is to develop more inexpensive but attractive packaging. Everyone likes to open their “present” when they order online, but it’s hard to keep prices low enough to compete and still make my goodies look pretty.

  38. My creative goals are to leran how to make decorative pillows and clothes for my granddaughter.

  40. My creative goal is to do new and interesting things with decoupage, including some decoupage jewelry!

  41. My creative goal is to make a jewelry collection and be able to display it on QVC. Its a huge goal but I believe I can do it.

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.