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!

Have you read?

DIY Leaf Imprint Pottery Soap Dish – Green Glazed Botanical Design

If you’ve ever admired the way nature leaves its mark on clay, this project is going to steal your heart. Today, we’re making a leaf imprint pottery soap dish that’s not only functional but also brings a touch of the garden into your home. With its glossy green glaze, this little tray feels like it was plucked straight from nature itself—fresh, earthy, and timeless.

A soap dish is one of those projects that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned potters alike. It’s small, manageable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you use it in the bathroom, kitchen, or gift it to a friend, this handmade dish will be admired every single day.

Why Leaf Imprints Work So Beautifully in Clay

Leaves have a natural design that’s practically made for pottery. Their veins and outlines press into clay with surprising detail, creating delicate textures that remain visible even after glazing.

For this project, you can use almost any leaf from your garden, but avoid ones that are too thick or fleshy (succulent leaves, for example, don’t press well). Instead, go for herbs, ferns, or tree leaves—something with strong vein definition.

When glazed in a green finish, the leaf impression pops even more, giving your soap dish that rustic-yet-polished botanical look.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Clay slab (pottery clay for kiln firing, or air-dry clay if you want a decorative-only version) 
  • Fresh leaf with strong veins (washed and patted dry) 
  • Rolling pin or clay roller 
  • Canvas or burlap surface (to roll clay on without sticking) 
  • Knife or clay cutter 
  • Sponge and bowl of water (for smoothing) 
  • Wooden dowel or tool for drainage holes 
  • Small clay balls (for footers) 
  • Underglaze wash (optional, for highlighting the veins) 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out Your Clay

Start with a lump of clay about the size of your fist. Place it on a canvas-covered surface and roll it out into a slab about 1 cm thick. Cut into a rectangle or oval—soap dish shapes work best when they’re simple and practical.

Step 2: Press the Leaf

Lay your chosen leaf face down on the clay slab. Using the rolling pin, gently but firmly press it into the clay, making sure every vein makes contact. Peel it away carefully to reveal the imprint. This is the moment the magic happens—you’ll see every little detail captured.

Step 3: Add Drainage Holes

To keep soap dry, poke 2–3 holes in the center of your slab using a dowel, straw, or any small round tool. These will let excess water escape.

Step 4: Shape the Dish

Lift the slab and place it over a small curved mold or the back of a shallow bowl to give it a gentle dish-like curve. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge.

Step 5: Attach the Footers

Roll three or four small clay balls and attach them to the base of your dish using score-and-slip. These footers give your soap dish stability and a more professional finish.

Step 6: Dry and Fire

For kiln pottery clay:

  • Let the dish dry completely to bone dry. 
  • Bisque fire in the kiln. 
  • Brush a thin dark underglaze or oxide wash into the leaf veins and wipe away excess—this step enhances the detail. 
  • Apply a coat of green glaze over the entire dish. 
  • Glaze fire for a glossy, waterproof finish. 

For air-dry clay (decorative only):

  • Let the dish dry for 24–48 hours, flipping occasionally. 
  • Paint the leaf imprint with green acrylic paint or a watercolor wash effect. 

Variation Ideas

  • Different Leaves: Try ferns for a delicate design, or maple leaves for bold autumn vibes. 
  • Multiple Colors: Instead of all-over green, use a wash of black in the veins before glazing green on top. This gives incredible depth. 
  • Rustic Finish: Roll your clay slab on burlap first to add subtle texture behind the leaf imprint. 

This DIY Leaf Imprint Soap Dish is proof that the simplest natural elements can make the most striking designs. The glossy green glaze highlights the leaf’s details beautifully, making the finished piece look both handmade and timeless.

Whether you keep it by your sink, tuck it into a gift basket with handmade soap, or create a set to sell at markets, this little project has endless charm. It’s the kind of craft that reminds us how much beauty is right outside our door—in every leaf, waiting to be pressed into clay.