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?

DIY Sushi Bowls and Ceramic Chopsticks with Koi Wave Pottery Transfer Paper

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of Japanese artistry to your tableware, this project is the perfect place to start. Using koi wave pottery transfer paper, you can transform plain clay pieces into elegant sushi bowls and matching ceramic chopsticks—handmade, functional, and beautiful.

This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to apply ceramic transfer sheets to create a set that looks store-bought but carries the warmth of handmade craftsmanship.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White stoneware or porcelain clay (cone 5–6 recommended) 
  • Koi wave ceramic pottery transfer paper (as shown above) 
  • Rolling pin or slab roller 
  • Bowl molds (small curved molds or slump molds for sushi bowls) 
  • Wooden chopstick dowels or ceramic chopstick molds 
  • Scissors 
  • Sponge or damp cloth 
  • Rib tool or rubber kidney 
  • Clear glaze 
  • Kiln

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

  1. For the bowls – Roll out clay slabs about ¼ inch thick. Drape over a bowl mold or press into a slump mold to create your sushi bowl shape. Smooth edges with a damp sponge. 
  2. For the chopsticks – Roll clay into long, even strips (or press into chopstick molds if you have them). Aim for a slim, uniform thickness so they feel comfortable to hold. 

Let all pieces firm up to leather-hard stage—firm but still damp enough to accept transfers.

Step 2: Cut Out the Transfer Designs

Trim sections of the koi wave transfer paper to fit your pieces. For bowls, you can cut circular panels or strips depending on whether you want the design inside, outside, or both. For chopsticks, cut narrow strips of transfer paper that can wrap around each stick.

Tip: Think about placement—the flowing wave design looks especially striking when it wraps around curved surfaces.

Step 3: Apply the Transfer Paper

  1. Place the transfer sheet design-side down on the leather-hard clay. 
  2. Lightly dampen the back of the paper with a sponge until it darkens and sticks. 
  3. Smooth gently with a rib tool to ensure full contact. 
  4. Carefully peel back the paper to reveal the koi wave design. 

Repeat until all bowls and chopsticks are decorated.

Step 4: Dry and Bisque Fire

Allow all pieces to dry completely. Bisque fire according to your clay’s temperature guidelines (usually cone 04 for bisque). This firing will lock in the koi wave design.

Step 5: Glaze and Final Fire

Brush or dip in a clear glaze to seal the transfers, bringing out the rich blue detail while keeping the white clay background crisp. Fire to your glaze cone temperature (typically cone 5–6).

The Finished Set

You’ll have a handmade sushi set featuring:

  • Mini sushi bowls – perfect for soy sauce, dipping, or small side dishes. 
  • Matching ceramic chopsticks – elegant and reusable, finished with koi wave patterns. 

Tips

  • Keep chopsticks uniform in thickness so they balance well in use. 
  • Test the transfer on a scrap piece first to gauge how much water is needed. 
  • Try mixing placement—inside bowl only vs. outside vs. full wrap—for variety. 
  • Consider making a full set: 4 bowls + 4 pairs of chopsticks for a complete handmade sushi dining experience. 

This koi wave pattern brings both serenity and elegance to your handmade ceramics. The deep blue waves paired with koi fish designs make each piece feel timeless—perfect for special meals, gifting, or even selling as artisan tableware.

Creating your own sushi set allows you to blend functionality with artistry—every bite of sushi becomes part of a beautiful, handmade ritual.