Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer clay, on the side please.

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That’s the way it is for a lot of polymer clay artists. Those of us with some type of physical illness or limitation know exactly what I mean by say by saying “on the side please”. I can personally say that it’s not because we don’t want to clay. It’s due to , say the pain, or grogginess, lol. You know, the put the milk in the cupboard and not the fridge. You really wouldn’t understand unless you’ve been there.Hmmm…..you might understand, not fully tho. Well, I’m trying to get my ducks in out of the fog and start bringing some fun around here, I don’t think you come here just to see eye candy. You expect some opinions and smart aleck comments RIGHT ? ? Oh yeah, there’s gonna be…. prizes :):):):) There are also some other changes happening around here in the blog. But, I’m not sure i can elaborate on those details yet.

So, I’m going to take a couple, maybe three days off to pull everything together, But I hope you can understand, life certainly can put you down for the count on some occasions. I’ve had new meds added to the growing list and they don’t want to play nicely. It’s just a gotta get used to them thing. Well, lets hope the fight ends favorably, MY favor, that is !

Comments

  2. Wendy, I was wondering what the heck happened to you! I’m so sorry you’re ill but glad you’re on the upswing; I hope the new meds help, not only so you can get back into the PC but back into everything else that had to sit to the side while you weren’t feeling quite right (yep, it’s something I *do* understand).

    Looking forward to your full, smart-alecky return :),

    Mary Kaye

  3. Thanks Ladies ! I appreciate the warm thoughts more than you know. What would I do without online “friends”. They’re the best ones, they aren’t at your home all the time, lol!!!!

    **Oh, and I am also glad you guys like my smarty pants attitude 🙂

    I’ll be back Monday, ready and raring to go !

  4. Hi Wendy,

    I totally understand. I started “claying” about 8 years ago, but have done next to nothing the last couple years. My heart was in it, but my body wasn’t. I suffer from back and joint pain, due to arthritis, and actually had to have major back surgery this summer. So, I know. I so hope to get back to it very soon. I really miss it.

    I hope you are able to get back into the swing of things, too!

    Hugs,
    Shannon

  5. Oh Shannon! That’s tough. I hope the best for you and that you have someone with you there. It’s tough to be at a hospital without a loved one.

    Bless you and I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Have you read?

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.