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 Sushi Bowls and Ceramic Chopsticks with Koi Wave Pottery Transfer Paper

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of Japanese artistry to your tableware, this project is the perfect place to start. Using koi wave pottery transfer paper, you can transform plain clay pieces into elegant sushi bowls and matching ceramic chopsticks—handmade, functional, and beautiful.

This beginner-friendly guide will show you how to apply ceramic transfer sheets to create a set that looks store-bought but carries the warmth of handmade craftsmanship.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White stoneware or porcelain clay (cone 5–6 recommended) 
  • Koi wave ceramic pottery transfer paper (as shown above) 
  • Rolling pin or slab roller 
  • Bowl molds (small curved molds or slump molds for sushi bowls) 
  • Wooden chopstick dowels or ceramic chopstick molds 
  • Scissors 
  • Sponge or damp cloth 
  • Rib tool or rubber kidney 
  • Clear glaze 
  • Kiln

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

  1. For the bowls – Roll out clay slabs about ¼ inch thick. Drape over a bowl mold or press into a slump mold to create your sushi bowl shape. Smooth edges with a damp sponge. 
  2. For the chopsticks – Roll clay into long, even strips (or press into chopstick molds if you have them). Aim for a slim, uniform thickness so they feel comfortable to hold. 

Let all pieces firm up to leather-hard stage—firm but still damp enough to accept transfers.

Step 2: Cut Out the Transfer Designs

Trim sections of the koi wave transfer paper to fit your pieces. For bowls, you can cut circular panels or strips depending on whether you want the design inside, outside, or both. For chopsticks, cut narrow strips of transfer paper that can wrap around each stick.

Tip: Think about placement—the flowing wave design looks especially striking when it wraps around curved surfaces.

Step 3: Apply the Transfer Paper

  1. Place the transfer sheet design-side down on the leather-hard clay. 
  2. Lightly dampen the back of the paper with a sponge until it darkens and sticks. 
  3. Smooth gently with a rib tool to ensure full contact. 
  4. Carefully peel back the paper to reveal the koi wave design. 

Repeat until all bowls and chopsticks are decorated.

Step 4: Dry and Bisque Fire

Allow all pieces to dry completely. Bisque fire according to your clay’s temperature guidelines (usually cone 04 for bisque). This firing will lock in the koi wave design.

Step 5: Glaze and Final Fire

Brush or dip in a clear glaze to seal the transfers, bringing out the rich blue detail while keeping the white clay background crisp. Fire to your glaze cone temperature (typically cone 5–6).

The Finished Set

You’ll have a handmade sushi set featuring:

  • Mini sushi bowls – perfect for soy sauce, dipping, or small side dishes. 
  • Matching ceramic chopsticks – elegant and reusable, finished with koi wave patterns. 

Tips

  • Keep chopsticks uniform in thickness so they balance well in use. 
  • Test the transfer on a scrap piece first to gauge how much water is needed. 
  • Try mixing placement—inside bowl only vs. outside vs. full wrap—for variety. 
  • Consider making a full set: 4 bowls + 4 pairs of chopsticks for a complete handmade sushi dining experience. 

This koi wave pattern brings both serenity and elegance to your handmade ceramics. The deep blue waves paired with koi fish designs make each piece feel timeless—perfect for special meals, gifting, or even selling as artisan tableware.

Creating your own sushi set allows you to blend functionality with artistry—every bite of sushi becomes part of a beautiful, handmade ritual.