Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Clay Beadmaking Tips

by

15-cd-case-lentil-bead-rolling-90055.jpgIf you haven’t already, check out Cindy Lietz Beadmaking Tips.  She has a great blog filled with little tid-bits to make beadmaking easier.  Love her clear photographs and easy to understand directions. 

I had a tri-bead roller that sat on my shelf since last year, thanks to Cindy, I’ve actually started using it!

I loved this week’s tip of using old cd cases if you don’t have plexi-glass to roll lentil beads, so clever.

[tags]polymer clay, arts & crafts, beadmaking[/tags]

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Comments

  1. Thanks very much for this post Heather! Glad you found the bead roller info useful. I found the tri-bead roller a big pain until I figured out how to measure the clay right. Isn’t it always the way? Something that looks easy is often hard and something that looks hard is often easy!

    The CD case is something I figured out being lazy! Rather than look for my acrylic sheet, I just grabbed a CD case laying near by. This is a great way to get started with rolling lentil beads, even if you don’t have all the “proper” tools yet. BTW, for anyone that wants to know more about making lentil beads, I’ll be emailing out a free video tutorial later this week to everyone on my guest list.

    Oh and… if you have not seen it yet, the first link in your post above is going to 404 error page.

    Thanks again for thinking of me Heather. Much appreciated!

  2. I am new to beading, don’t have much money for lots of new contraptions so any homemade tools is always a wonderful thing. It’s either new tools or food for the kids. hmmm?

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.