Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Shopping! For clayers

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This week I faced my love-hate: I had to shop for clay. I love clay. I hate shopping. Well, sometimes I like it but from online, never as fun and there’s no crafty place within a 150 miles. Seriously, my nearest Michaels is that far away.

Still, I loaded up on goodies. I even broke down and ordered a replacement pasta machine and motor for my Atlas 150 which is nearing The End.

My question to all you polymer clay loving folks… who do you love to shop with? Who’s got the best deals, the selection you like best, the nicest service? What’s cool and new to buy in the clay world (on top of being in the boonies, I’m also in Canada where things don’t get released nearly as often as in the US) that you’re keen to pick up?

I’m interested in making this a regular thing – reviewing products and shops we’ve all used and loved. So… send me your links to all things clay supply, clay book, clay store, clay tools.

Comments

  1. Polymerclayexpress is my favorite at polymerclayexplress.com. I can get just about everything all polyfrom products, cernit, kato and fim, soft and classic. Premo is 2/bar regulary and all their clay is fresh, so fresh it often needs to leached a little but that is better that hard and crumbly from micheals.

    They are also the few places that sell Zinc yellow and colbalt.

  2. I shop locally at Munro’s craft store. They do sell online but I love the atmosphere in the store. I’m satisfied with their selection of clay and accessories and the staff is knowledgeable.

  3. It could be worse…you could be stationed on an island where there are NO craft stores at all (that’s me), so pretty much, whoever I can actually get to ship things here online is my only choice. I will be checking out this polymerclayexpress.com and crossing my fingers they will ship here (and it wont cost me my left leg)

  4. I do shop online at Munro’s – can’t beat the price easily when you’re buying in the quantities I use – and I like polymerclayexpress for small stacks of goodies + using my PayPal.

    Evirr – if you need a good chunk of stuff, try Munrocrafts. Polymerclayexpress is great if you need a moderate amount.

    And you’re right – I do get the chance to go hit a craft store every two months or so when I go to the city.

  5. I’m new here in Canada and just started the polymer clay craft. I love Michaels, unfortunately it’s too far from where I live. Thanks for posting this. I learned where to get supplies.

  6. Yeah, when I lived in Calgary I could hit the Michaels (or it’s predecessors) but now in rural Saskatchewan, I have issues. Mostly, I order from Munro’s and Polymerclayexpress

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Bread Pan Pottery Template

There’s something heartwarming about baking bread. It’s slow, it’s soulful, and it makes the whole house smell like comfort. Now imagine pairing that feeling with pottery—baking a loaf in a pan that you built with your own two hands. That’s exactly what this Bread Pan Pottery Template offers: the chance to merge two timeless crafts into one.

What This Template Is All About

This listing gives you a printable slab-building template that guides you through creating your very own bread pan. Instead of trying to eyeball measurements or guess at proportions, the template lays everything out neatly so you can focus on the fun part—building, decorating, and glazing.

And the best part? It’s reusable. Print it once and you’ll have a tool you can return to again and again, whether you’re making a whole set of pans for your own kitchen or whipping up handmade gifts for family and friends.

Why This Template Is Brilliant

  • Form Meets Function: You’re not just making something pretty—you’re making something you’ll actually use. A bread pan that can hold up in the oven is a game-changer. 
  • Creative Freedom: Once the structure is done, the design is all yours. Carve, stamp, texture, glaze—this is where your style shines. 
  • Practical Studio Tool: Perfect for beginners who want structure and for seasoned potters looking for a quick and reliable form. 
  • Gift Potential: Can you imagine gifting a handmade bread pan with a fresh loaf inside? Or maybe adding a recipe card tied with twine? Utterly charming. 

Inspiration for Your Bread Pan

  • Rustic Farmhouse: Use speckled clay, add carved lines or stamps, and glaze in warm neutrals. Think cozy cottage kitchen. 
  • Modern Minimalist: Stick to smooth surfaces and glaze in soft greys, blacks, or whites for a sleek look. 
  • Textured & Patterned: Roll lace, leaves, or textured mats into the clay before forming for a one-of-a-kind surface design. 
  • Showstopper Glazes: A layered glaze (like the gorgeous teal-and-brown example in the photo) adds depth and personality. 

How You Might Use It Beyond Bread

While bread is the obvious star here, this template is versatile. These pans can double as serving dishes, casserole trays, or even decorative centerpieces. They’re sturdy, practical, and beautiful enough to live on your table rather than hiding in a cupboard.

And if you’re into markets or selling your pottery, functional bakeware is always a crowd-pleaser. Customers love pieces they can use daily, especially when they carry that handmade touch.

Why Potters Will Fall in Love with This Template

At the end of the day, pottery is about connection—between you, the clay, and the person who’ll eventually hold or use the piece. This bread pan template makes that process easier, faster, and more enjoyable. It gives you the framework while still leaving room for creativity.

It’s approachable for beginners, yet flexible enough for advanced potters to customize. And honestly? There’s just something so grounding about pulling a loaf of bread from a pan you shaped yourself. It ties together two crafts that have nourished people for centuries.

You can grab the template here: Bread Pan Pottery Template on Etsy.

This article is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay tools and templates that make pottery more fun, approachable, and inspiring. And truly—this bread pan template is one of those rare gems that gives you both beauty and function.