Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Tutorial: DIY Clay Bowl Vessel

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FimoBowl_HeatherLighton_3

This one’s simple and adaptable. you can add designs and paint and textures. And while I don’t recommend using Fimo clay for food you could finish it with food-safe resin and it would probably be safer to use to hold foods.

Welcome to my tutorial on how to make your own polymer clay bowl! This project is a great way to use polymer clay to create a functional and decorative object that can be used to hold trinkets, jewelry, or other small items. You can also use it as a pinch bowl, which is a small bowl that’s perfect for holding a pinch of herbs or spices while cooking.

Polymer clay is a fun and versatile medium that can be molded, shaped, and baked to create all sorts of objects. It’s available in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the ones that best suit your style.

Before you start working with the clay, it’s a good idea to knead it to make it soft and pliable. This will make it easier to shape and mold. You can also use a clay conditioning machine or roll it out with a rolling pin to make the clay even softer and easier to work with.

When it comes to shaping and molding the clay, you can use a variety of tools, including your hands, clay sculpting tools, and cookie cutters. Just remember that the clay will harden when it’s baked, so it’s important to work quickly and get the shape you want before it becomes too stiff.

Once you’ve shaped your clay into the desired form, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Follow the instructions on the clay package for the correct baking temperature and time. After the clay has cooled, you can sand it, drill holes in it, or paint it to finish your project. You can also use a sealant to protect the clay and give it a glossy finish.

I hope these tips are helpful as you get started on your polymer clay bowl. Happy crafting!

 

And remember you can use any shape that the clay will come off of as an innie or outie mold: bowls of all sizes but also the bases of vases, bulbs, wadded up tin foil, trays… anything that won’t melt at 275F.

Clay bowls are trending right now and we have featured lots of different designs, including these pinch bowls which are tiny and perfect for making as gifts.  If you do not want to use Polymer clay for making your bowl you could use an Air drying clay. We highly recommended Das Airdrying clay that we have been using for over 20 + years.

 

 

 

 

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Have you read?

Clay Studio Series – YouTube Video Review: What type of clay should I use?

What Type of Clay Should I Use? Comparing Three Stoneware Bodies

If there’s one question that potters—especially beginners—ask over and over again, it’s this: “What type of clay should I use?” With so many options available, from smooth white bodies to gritty, speckled stonewares, the choice can feel overwhelming. In this Clay Studio Series feature, we’re reviewing a video that takes the guesswork out by throwing, trimming, and comparing three distinct stoneware clays side by side.

Why This Video Stands Out

Instead of just talking about clay in theory, the potter works directly with three clay bodies and shows the differences in real time. You can see how each clay reacts on the wheel, how it trims when leather-hard, and what kinds of issues may arise depending on the body you choose. This hands-on comparison makes it far easier to understand than simply reading product labels.

The video also tackles a common curiosity: the pink-toned ES80 stoneware, often admired for its warm coloring. The creator points out that this clay is manufactured for reduction firing and won’t give the same results in oxidation, a detail that often gets overlooked by beginners.

Key Lessons for Beginners

  • Not All Clay is Equal: Some clay bodies are far more forgiving for new potters, while others require more experience to manage.

  • Know Your Firing Method: Certain clays, like ES80, are formulated specifically for reduction kilns. Using them in an electric oxidation kiln may leave you disappointed.

  • Texture & Plasticity Matter: Smooth clays can be easier to throw but may slump when trimming. Grittier bodies hold structure but can be harder on your hands.

  • There’s No Single “Best” Clay: Each clay has its pros and cons — the trick is matching your choice to your skill level and the project you have in mind.

Why We Recommend Watching

For beginners, choosing the right clay can mean the difference between frustration and success. This video demystifies the process by giving a clear visual comparison of three popular stoneware options. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what qualities to look for in a clay body and which ones might fit your needs best.

For intermediate and advanced potters, the insights are still valuable. Even if you’ve been working with one clay for years, seeing how others handle could inspire you to experiment with something new.

This review proves that clay choice is less about finding a universal “best” and more about learning what works for you. Whether you want smooth, easy-to-handle clay for your first mugs or a robust, grogged body for sculptural pieces, this video is a fantastic guide to help you make a confident decision.

Watch the full video here: What Type of Clay Should I Use?