Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Tutorial: Air Dry Clay Projects Using Kmart Clay

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lit-house

As with most air dry clay projects… these work just as well with oven baked polymer clay. I was looking for little holiday houses to use for the upcoming Christmas holidays and this one was just the thing. The original tutorial is in Spanish but a button to translate into English (or, the language of your preference) shows up when I load the page. The house tutorial is towards the end of the page.

Why the end of the page? Because there are two other good, useful tutorials ahead of it to try out.

On the house tutorial part of the writing suggests forming the walls ahead of placing the roof tiles. With oven bake clay I would also use a combo of thing white strips of clay and liquid clay to stick the roof to the building parts. I would also likely do the initial tiles and house parts separately – bake all of the panels – and then use plain clay and liquid clay to join the parts. I’d prop everything with scrunched paper or foil for the final bake so nothing warps.

For a light either a very small votive candle or one of the little fake LED candles which is what I have in mind.

Looking for air-drying clay? We highly recommend Das Air dry clay, we have been using this product for over 30 years. Check out their Das White Air drying clay and their Terracotta Air drying clay version for a natural pottery feel. For larger crafts we recommend buying your air drying clay in bulk . If you are in Australia Kmart Air drying clay is also great for beginners.

Are you looking for a creative and unique way to spruce up your Christmas tree this year? Air dry clay Christmas ornaments are a great option!  Not only are they easy to make and customize, but they look beautiful and elegant, too.

Plus, they’re much more affordable than traditional glass or plastic ornaments. All you need is some air dry clay, a rolling pin, and a few cookie cutters to get started. You can roll out the clay, cut out shapes with the cookie cutters, and let them air dry overnight.

Once they’re dry, you can paint them in any color or pattern you like. You can even make personalized ornaments with names or special messages written on them. And when you’re done, you can hang them on your tree for years to come. So if you’re looking for a unique and beautiful way to decorate your tree this year, look no further than air dry clay Christmas ornaments.

Next Polymer Clay Idea:

Have you read?

DIY Pottery Clay Doily Platter with Pink Speckled Glaze

There’s something special about combining old traditions with modern design. I’ve always adored the stack of vintage doilies handed down from my grandmother, but since lace doesn’t exactly suit my home aesthetic, I started experimenting with ways to repurpose their beautiful patterns in clay. That’s how I ended up creating this doily pottery platter—a simple slab of clay transformed into a textured serving dish with the help of lace, white clay, and a soft pink speckled glaze.

The result is a handmade ceramic platter that looks both timeless and contemporary, perfect for styling on a coffee table, serving treats, or simply displaying as a piece of art.

Materials You’ll Need

  • White pottery clay (stoneware or porcelain recommended)

  • Rolling pin

  • Crochet doily (cotton lace works best)

  • Sharp knife or clay cutter

  • Oval or rectangular template (a cutting board, tray, or paper template works well)

  • Sponge and water

  • Plastic wrap

  • Kiln access (or a local pottery studio firing service)

  • White glaze

  • Pink speckled glaze (or white glaze with pink oxide/pigment speckles)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Roll your clay slab to about 1/4 inch thick. Keep it even and wide enough to cut an oval platter shape.

Step 2: Press the Doily

Lay your crochet doily flat across the clay. Use the rolling pin to firmly press the pattern into the surface. Lift it carefully to reveal the intricate lace design imprinted into the clay.

Tip: Dust the doily lightly with cornstarch if it tends to stick.

Step 3: Cut the Platter Shape

Using your knife and a template, cut around the clay to form an oval platter shape. Smooth the edges with your fingers or a damp sponge.

Step 4: Lift and Shape the Platter

For a slightly raised platter, drape the clay gently over a shallow mold (like a plate or tray lined with plastic wrap). If you prefer a flat serving dish, leave it as-is on your board.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow the platter to dry until leather-hard. Refine the edges with a sponge, smoothing away any rough spots. Once it reaches bone dry, it’s ready for bisque firing.

Step 6: Glaze and Fire

After the first firing, apply a coat of white glaze over the entire platter. Then lightly layer on a pink speckled glaze (you can also achieve this by flicking pink oxide pigment into a clear glaze). The pink speckles add a playful, modern twist while still allowing the lace pattern to shine through. Fire again according to your glaze instructions.

Styling Your Finished Platter

This platter is both practical and beautiful. You can:

  • Use it as a serving dish for cakes, cookies, or fruit.

  • Style it on a coffee table with candles or trinkets.

  • Display it as wall art by adding a plate hanger.

  • Gift it as a keepsake—perfect for Mother’s Day, weddings, or housewarmings.

Every platter I make carries the memory of my grandmother’s doilies, but in a form that feels modern and at home with my style. The pink speckled glaze gives it a playful softness, while the lace impression keeps that touch of handmade tradition alive. It’s proof that old textiles can inspire something completely fresh when reimagined in clay.