Polymer Clay

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The Anti-Valentine Necklace

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And, of course. if you’re utterly sick of Valentine’s Day – here’s just the piece for you! Roscata’s whole shop is full of quirky – and yes, a little twisted – awesomeness.

Comments

  1. Sorry, but that’s not quirky, and it’s certainly not awesome. It’s negative. Why would anyone want to wear a necklace with a message like this, or worse still, want to give it to someone? If you don’t like Valentine’s Day, or don’t like a particular person, that’s one thing. But to wear a pendant with the words ‘I Hate You’ on it??

    That’s not cool. That’s not quirky. That’s not awesome. It’s negative, and it’s hate-filled.

  2. I agree – there’s no need for all this negativity. Who’d want to wear a necklace that has something like that on it, anyway? It’s kinda twisted, really.

  3. This is just nasty. So when you are wearing this and you stop to speak to someone, this monstrosity is glaring back at them? No thanks.

  4. Hi JD, Sharon, Emma! I guess this becomes one of those pieces that’s each to their own taste! I didn’t see it as nasty but did swap it for one of the milder anti-valentine’s in there.

  5. I have to say that I agree with JD, Sharon and Emma completely, but also with Elaine to a lesser extent and on another point – taste and opinions are subjective…beauty being in the eye of the beholder and all that.

    I just cannot see anyone – young or mature in age – actually wanting to wear this or even wanting to give it to anyone or, as Emma said, wanting to talk to someone who is wearing ‘I Hate You’ around their neck. Charming…NOT!

    I just wanted to add my two cents worth here, for what it’s worth, and suggest that when you wear or display a heart (either as a pendant, locket, bracelet, earrings, a ring on your finger, or on your clothing, etc.), it should represent something (or someone) you love or care a great deal for/have great affection for. That’s the whole point of the symbol of the heart in the first place, isn’t it?

    There’s too much hate and negativity in this world as it is. We need to have a little more love…actually, a LOT more love. For ourselves and for each other. Wearing a heart-shaped piece of jewelry with loving, affectionate messages is the way to go, and it’s still cool and it’s still awesome. And, with some added creativity and imagination, it can even be ‘quirky’ and ‘awesome.’ Love is always awesome.

    That ‘hate’ heart was the exact opposite of that.

    This new ‘Whatever’ message is definitely ‘milder,’ as you put it, and thanks for changing the image on the blog post. It’s apathetic, but at least it’s not hate-filled in theme and actual message.

    Thanks, JD, for speaking your mind. It may be only crafts we’re talking about here, but it speaks volumes about where our tastes and preferences are going, if that’s what a designer actually believes is a good thing to want to sell, or even wants to make and sell something this negative in the first place.

    Thanks!

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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.