Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

The Class with Christi

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I live in Canada and not on either coast. As far as real life polymer clay classes go, this area may as well not exist. So when I heard that Christi Friesen was teaching relatively nearby I jumped at the chance to take a class even if our styles are pretty different. I have to tell you, the whole week was fun and even if our styles are radically different there was still plenty of tips and techniques to make it all worthwhile.

An Octopus

We covered a ton of sculpture related projects. Every day started with what Christi calls the bubble gum projects – like the little ghoulie below. Christi uses a lot more in the way of powders and paints than I do and after seeing some of the results I’ll have to give them a little more attention in my own work.

Little CF Ghoulie

One of the newest products and techniques Christi has been working with this year is her Swellegant line of metal coatings, patinas and dyes. We did a little of it in our class and of course a little came home with me. I have a swellegant specific post coming up tomorrow.

Stuff

These guys were some of the critters I made. I couldn’t keep from using little cane slices on the turtle shell. Both the dragons and the turtle got little dabs of mica powders and paints in the spirit of the class.

You can find Christi on the net at: CFOriginals.net She’s also active on Facebook and you can friend her there.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template

Ravens have always carried a sense of mystery and symbolism—wisdom, transformation, and even a touch of magic. So when I saw this Raven Clay Template for slab building, I knew it was one of those tools that could bring incredible personality to pottery projects. Whether you’re into rustic farmhouse vibes or something a little more mystical, this template opens the door to endless creative possibilities.

This listing provides a printable pottery template designed to help you create a striking raven form out of clay slabs. With its bold silhouette and curved detailing, the template makes it simple to cut, shape, and assemble a piece that feels sculptural, even if you’re relatively new to clay work.

Why It’s Special

  • Symbolic Subject: Ravens bring depth and meaning, making your piece more than just decorative.

  • Beginner-Friendly: Templates save you from freehand drawing and ensure consistent proportions.

  • Statement Piece: The finished raven works beautifully as wall art, a garden feature, or a standalone sculpture.

  • Flexible Use: Perfect for ceramics, air-dry clay, or even paper craft if you want to experiment.

Ideas for Makers

  • Glaze in deep blacks and metallics for a dramatic, gothic-style raven.

  • Use matte, natural tones for a more organic, rustic effect.

  • Add surface texture—like feathers, symbols, or carved details—for extra personality.

  • Create a series of ravens in different sizes for a striking wall display.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are a fantastic way to stretch your creativity without feeling overwhelmed. You get the framework of a powerful, symbolic shape, but how you finish it is entirely up to you. Whether your style leans toward folklore, fantasy, or farmhouse, this raven will find a place in your clay story.

You can grab it here: Raven Pottery Slab-Building Template on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I spotlight creative clay tools and templates that make hand-building both approachable and inspiring. And this raven template? It’s one that’s sure to take center stage in any collection.