Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Clay Holiday Gift Guide – Be In It !

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Ilysa and Kira of Polymer Clay Productions are calling for entries to put in a Holiday gift guide featuring polymer clay artists. The entries will be shared with viewers in a Polymer Clay Productions podcast & TV episode. It’s a wonderful way to get people thinking about buying handmade polymer clay items for this holiday season. It’s never too early to promote your work and this is a great way to get your work “out” there for the public to see.

They are hoping to get enough entries for the following categories: jewelry, housewares, wearables (not jewelry), table top centerpieces, ornaments, hostess gifts and cards. If anyone has any suggestions for other categories you are welcome to contact Ilysa.

If you would like to participate in the gift guide, send in 2-3 photos each of 3-5 different items that you would like to promote to [email protected] . Please include a link to your website or Etsy shop. She will use as many as she can.

She is also looking for artists who want to send actual product to be seen on the show, these items will NOT be returned but will be used as holiday prizes to audience members, you will receive a link to your shop and if you send a bio we may use some info from there as well. If your item is used on the show we will give you credit in the show credits so that the listeners & viewers can find your shop. You can also include your business cards and any other info about the products you send. They have around 30,000+ listeners and viewers come to their site every month not including that they are on You Tube, Google Video, I Tunes, Yahoo video, Blip TV, Flickr Video and about 300+ other places. They are listened to and watched around the world.

Ilysa will need the photos and products in the next month to give her time to organize everything. Anyone sending products should get it to her as soon as possible too. Please let her know if you are interested by sending an e-mail to [email protected] .

Please send product entries (not photos) to :
Ilysa Bierer
Polymer Clay Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 1527
Branford,FL 32008

[tags]polymer clay, Polymer Clay Productions, podcasts, holiday gift guide[/tags]

 

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Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

There’s something about sunflowers that just makes a house feel happier. Maybe it’s the colour, maybe it’s the fact they’re never trying to be perfect, or maybe it’s just that they remind me of slower afternoons when the kids were little and craft projects actually stayed on the table instead of migrating all over the house. Either way, this air-dry clay sunflower trinket dish has become one of my favourite “gentle crafts” – the kind you make with a cup of tea nearby and no pressure to rush.

This is not a precision project. In fact, the slightly uneven petals and hand-shaped edges are what make it lovely. If you’ve ever avoided clay because you thought it had to look professional or kiln-fired to be worth making, this project might just change your mind. It’s simple, forgiving, and genuinely useful once it’s finished.

Air-Dry Clay Sunflower Trinket Dish Tutorial

This sunflower bowl works beautifully as a ring dish, bedside catch-all, or even a small decorative bowl on a hall table. It also makes a gorgeous handmade gift – especially for someone who appreciates things that look handmade rather than factory-perfect.

What You’ll Need

  • White air-dry clay

  • Rolling pin or glass jar

  • Craft knife or butter knife

  • Simple sunflower petal template (paper)

  • Small bowl (for shaping)

  • Toothpick or skewer

  • Acrylic paints (yellow, brown, a little white)

  • Small paintbrush

  • Clear matte or satin sealer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Clay

Start by kneading your air-dry clay until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it out on a smooth surface to around 5–6 mm thick. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but not chunky.

Cut a rough circle for the base of your bowl. Don’t worry about perfect edges – you won’t see them once the petals are added.

Step 2: Cut the Sunflower Petals

Using your simple sunflower petal template, cut out enough petals to go around the edge of your base circle. Slight variations actually help the finished bowl look more natural, so don’t stress if they’re not identical.

Lightly smooth the edges with your fingers and gently pinch the tip of each petal to give it that sunflower shape.

Step 3: Attach the Petals

Lightly score the edge of your clay base and the bottom of each petal with a toothpick. Press the petals around the edge, overlapping them slightly. Use your fingers to blend the joins so everything feels connected.

This part is quite therapeutic – I usually lose track of time here.

Step 4: Add Texture

Using a toothpick or skewer, gently press fine lines into each petal to create natural-looking veins. Keep the pressure light and irregular.

For the centre of the sunflower, press small dots all over the middle area to mimic sunflower seeds. This texture really comes to life once painted.

Step 5: Shape the Bowl

Place the entire sunflower over an upside-down bowl to give it a gentle curve. Adjust the petals so they sit naturally and don’t fold in awkwardly.

Leave it to air-dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours depending on humidity. Turn it carefully halfway through drying so the base dries evenly.

Step 6: Paint the Sunflower

Once fully dry, paint the petals with yellow acrylic paint. I like to add a touch of white to the edges for highlights and a slightly darker yellow near the base of each petal.

Paint the centre brown, then dry-brush a little lighter brown or white over the top to bring out the texture.

Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Seal (Optional)

If you want a bit of extra durability, seal your trinket dish with a matte or satin sealer. This is especially useful if it’s going to live near a sink or get daily use.

How to Use Your Sunflower Trinket Dish

  • Ring or jewellery dish by the sink

  • Bedside bowl for earrings and hairpins

  • Entryway catch-all for keys

  • Decorative piece on a shelf or coffee table

Air-dry clay isn’t food-safe, so keep it for trinkets rather than snacks.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but doesn’t require special tools, expensive materials, or artistic confidence. It’s approachable, calming, and genuinely satisfying to finish in an afternoon. The end result feels personal and warm – exactly the kind of craft I keep coming back to.

If you’re looking for an easy air-dry clay project that feels cheerful and handmade in the best way, this sunflower trinket dish is a lovely place to start.