Polymer Clay

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Polymer clay ATC Swap

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I’m hosting an ATC swap at Polymer Clay Central and would like to extend an invitation to the first 30 readers to join in on the fun by emailing me at the address below . This is my first time hosting a swap and the only reason I’m having to limit the participates. I hope everyone understands. I would hate it if I disappointed  my swappers by messing something up .

Here are the details :

— The cards are to be playing card size ( 2 1/2 inches X 3 1/2 inches)  and be made primarily out of polymer clay, although you may embellish them with other mediums and accessories. Please limit the thickness to about 1/4 inch.

— Groups of 4 swappers- Make 3 similar cards for each group you join. You will not get one of your own back. The max groups to join per swapper is 5. (If you join 4 groups, you need to make 12 ATC’s, 2 groups = 6 cards, etc.).

— On the back of the cards please include your name (and/or ID you go by) , email address, and other information about the card such as name/title of the card, date the card was created, which number it is in the series of cards, i.e. 3 of 3 or 1 of 3 . They don’t have to be all the same, you may make them all different.

— Sign up by August 20th by sending me an email at the following address : claycrazy (dot) etsy (at) gmail (dot) com .

— Cards are due to me by September 30th

— I will email everyone that joins on August 21st with the remaining details including the mailing address to send to cards to me. Please don’t forget you will need to send postage so I can mail your cards to you.

–If you have any questions , please leave a comment below and I will answer as soon as I can.

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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.