Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Snow Snow Snow

by

We’re currently smack in the middle of a blizzard, where I am. I have snow on the brain. Also, everywhere else. I went looking for snowy themed clay projects and found a nifty mixed media one at Sculpey.com (reliable and awesome resource by the way).

As an aside, I’m crazy curious if anyone has had any luck using punches to make shapes from very thin, cured sheets of clay? I know I’ve read about it, including someone using a Cricut to cut shapes from clay. I could get it to work on very thin sheets if the shape was not complicated but for pieces like that… cutters are a simpler solution in the first place.

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Comments

  1. I have used paper punches to punch out shapes from thin baked sheets of clay and used them to make garland and a mobile centerpiece for a party. Go crazy! The possibilities are endless 🙂

  2. Yes, I have cut clay. sculpy, and that sort of thing with my Sizzix.I always put it between sheets of wax, parchment or freezer paper before die cutting-that way it does not stick to the foam on the die. I have not tried really intricate shapes, but have had good luck with many different, simpler shapes.

  3. I use the little punches on thin sheets of raw clay and apply them to beads or ornaments. It works pretty well…if they’re fairly complex punches, I back it with parchment paper and they pop right out. I haven’t tried it on baked clay yet….

    –Cathy

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.