Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

The Friesen Project

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I’m a little late writing about this because Katie has been knee deep in the Friesen Project for ages now but late to the party or not, here’s the deets:

In a nutshell it’s 52 weeks spent devouring Christi Friesen’s books with more than 40 projects during the year. I’ve invited any clayer from across the globe to join in the project. There are more than 175 people who have joined as of today. I also have a FaceBook Group & Pinterest Board specifically for those participants….There will be a giveaway for each book.

Basically, this is a group devoted to making projects from Christi Friesen’s books- all of the book are polymer clay fan favourites and good fun. Katie is running a mailing list to keep members together on the project and enthused throughout the year. If you need a little cheerleading and organization to help keep you claying… give it a shot!

You can track down way more of the details here:

Sign up page: http://katersacres.com/polymer-clay-email-sign-up/

All posts and related materials: http://katersacres.com/category/polyclay/friesen/

Project overview: http://katersacres.com/polyclay/friesen/friesen-project-overview/

Additional FAQs & Information: http://katersacres.com/polyclay/friesen/faqs/

Comments

  1. Thanks so much for giving The Friesen Project such a great review – we are having so much fun working on it together!! Anyone is welcome to join at any time.

  2. I have been an active participant of this project since it started in January. I have learned a lot through the project. The biggest thing is how much it has been encouraging me to keep trying new things and to keep going. An unexpected big bonus was getting to know some new people. It has been really fun to see others skills grow and their own style evolve. I am so glad I joined. 😀

  3. It’s been fun and challenging. I had a class with Christi a couple of years ago and her books sound just like her, very laid back and encouraging, so it’s neat we can come together as a group and share how each of us interprets her creative ramblings! Katie has done a great job getting us all together and creating our Facebook and Pinterest sites too. Thanks for the shout out for our group 🙂

  4. I would like to thank Katie and Christie for the Friesen project. It’s been wonderful seeing everyone’s work.

    I’ve had so much fun with each and every project. Being part of the group has really helped me make time to create.

  5. The Christie Friesen project has been a great opportunity to create sculptures and to talk to other artisans.
    The quality of the work has been high and the enthusiasm even higher.
    Great event and thank you to Kathie for putting it all together and for Christie for giving permission. Looking forward to seeing Christie again in a couple of weeks here in Melbourne.

  6. I’ve been following the 52 week project for the last two months and I am learning a LOT of great stuff. Stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my newly learned skill with others. Katie makes learning polymer fun and exciting. Thanks, Katie!!!

  7. I’m participating in this project. I’m a clay newbie and an absolute newbie to sculpting. The best thing about this project is how it makes you move outside your comfort zone. I am constantly surprised by my results. Also I love to see how different everyone’s projects come out! Join us! It’s fun!

  8. It’s been a great thing for me, I hadn’t clayed since Thanksgiving, but this has gotten my creative juices flowing again. I even participated in my small town’s art exhibition last weekend, with positive results. Wouldn’t have happened without Christie and Kathie, thanks ladies!

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.