Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Tutorial: Halloween Scary Clay Tree

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scary-tree

While I work primarily with polymer clay – oven bake or low firing plastic clays – I do also play with air dry clays, both earth and paper based, as well as high fire stoneware clay. And occasionally with fondant. The tools and techniques are similar across the board, especially for decorative fine work.

This spooky tree is made with paperclay (great stuff, I can definitely recommend it) and to do the same tree in polymer clay I would actually use aluminum foil in place of the newspaper for the insides. If you wanted to make your polymer clay version of this with light up eyes, I would build up the aluminum foil armature over a brass tube right from the start. The entire kit for the light would probably be safe to bake (you can bake the structure for flash drives, for example, no issue) but you would want to test that first.

For the texturing on polymer clay I would do it while the clay was uncured but you could certainly do it afterwards with a dremel and a carving tip. Paint your tree as in the tutorial and arrange for your spooky Halloween decor.

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

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Have you read?

Etsy Feature – City Street Pottery Roller with Handle

There’s something magical about pottery tools that tell a story, and this City Street Pottery Roller does just that. Instead of a simple repeating texture, this roller creates a charming row of houses, windows, and rooftops—instantly transforming a slab of clay into a whimsical little street scene.

What It Is

This Etsy listing features a large wooden roller with a sturdy handle, designed to press detailed cityscape patterns into clay. The impression is wide enough to create a continuous border, so you can roll across a slab and build an entire “town” in just a few passes.

It works beautifully on:

  • Pottery clay and ceramic slabs. 
  • Polymer clay for smaller-scale projects. 
  • Fondant and cookie dough for bakers who love edible art. 

Why It’s Special

  • Detailed & Unique: Each building has character, with intricate windows, doors, and trees in between. 
  • Storytelling Through Clay: Adds instant personality to mugs, trays, or tiles. 
  • Easy to Use: The handle gives you good pressure and control, so your impressions stay crisp. 
  • Versatile Applications: Perfect for both functional pottery and decorative art. 

Inspiration Ideas

  • Roll across a slab to make storybook-inspired trays or platters. 
  • Use as a border on mugs or vases for a cozy, handmade vibe. 
  • Cut sections into tiles to create a miniature clay city. 
  • Highlight the details with underglaze washes or oxide stains so the windows and rooftops pop. 

Why Makers Will Love It

Tools like this City Street Roller encourage playfulness in the studio. Instead of just adding texture, you’re adding narrative—each impression looks like a scene from a quaint European street. It’s perfect for potters who want their work to feel warm, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind.

You can find it here: City Street Pottery Roller with Handle on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight tools and treasures that spark creativity for clay and pottery lovers. And honestly? This roller might just be the most charming one yet—it makes every project feel like it belongs in a little handmade village.