Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Roundup: Getting 2012 Off to a Good Start

by

Seems like a lot of people are getting their new years off to a good start with some clay – I know I’m one of them!

  • CraftyLittlePigtails played with her clay (and kids!) and made some adorable little kawaii figures
  • PinkandGreenMama is doing the same – experimenting with her clay and the kiddos are helping out!
  • And Julie did some surface decorating as well – I particularly like how the birdies at the very end turned out
  • I’ve been playing with texture a bit more the last few weeks trying to incorporate more of it while still using the motifs I’m known for – floral canework, mostly. My latest experiments turned out well!

And all that brings me up to what I’ll be CraftGossiping about this week – textures and clay. I realize this is a huge gigantic clay topic so this will be mostly a quick part 1 type deal and we’ll have a whole lot more goodness about texture in the coming months.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.