Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Stacker bead tutorial

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Ovenfried BeadsAmy of Ovenfried Beads has made a tutorial for her famous Stacker Beads. And it’s free! How’s that for generous? Here are her exact words –

” Hey folks…….

Ok I just can’t keep it to myself any longer.  In the event I should croak before I’m an old old lady, I want people to keep making them. All I ask is that credit is given where it’s due.  I could have gone the marketing/selling/making money route, but every time I use a technique I learned from someone who gave it away, I think of the Stacker bead and how many folks can learn it.  I hope that someone can use the technique for other items, and have it evolve into something better.

Enjoy: http://www.ovenfriedbeads.com

Amy – Ovenfried Beads “

Don’t forget to give her credit if you use her tutorial to make and/or sell you own beads from it – it’s the proper thing to do 🙂

Happy Claying !!!

editor: The site and the tutorial are no longer available. Amy has since published a version for sale in her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ovenfriedbeads

 

[tags]beads, Ovenfried Beads, polymer clay, Stacker Beads, tutorials[/tags]

Comments

  1. Love your stacker beads. I recently bought a ripple blade and have been going crazy with it. I’ve tried to make a cane (after going through what I have left) but I just can’t get it right! Will take a look at your tutorial.

  2. Love, love, your Stacker Beads. Every time I click on the link for the technique I get nothing. Would you send me a good link. Thank you. Brenda

  3. I’ve contacted Amy concerning her Stacker Beads instructions. She never got back with me at all. I do know that she took her website down. Are my chances of getting the info dead? Please help.
    Brenda

  4. yes, please tell us if there is a way to get the pattern. the link you gave no loner works.

    thanks

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.