Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Clay Tutorial: Tomato Slice Cane

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tomato-cane

This little tomato slice cane is such a clever way to get realistic-looking tomato slices out of polymer clay. The method itself is simple and fun, and it instantly adds a playful foodie twist to your miniature work—perfect for dollhouse meals, jewelry charms, or even whimsical buttons.

Now, being a caner at heart, I’ll admit I’d probably sneak in a lot more of the fine details right into the cane itself—those subtle seed chambers, the soft striations of red blending into pink, even a few translucent veins. Building that complexity into the cane makes every slice come out looking juicy and consistent without having to fuss over each piece later. But that’s the beauty of polymer clay—you can choose your own level of detail depending on how much time (and patience) you’ve got.

That said, I have to give full credit to the finishing step here. Adding just a dab of super glaze or resin on top of each slice completely transforms it. Suddenly, you don’t just have a flat disc of clay—you’ve got something that looks like it was plucked straight out of a sandwich. The shine mimics that fresh, wet look of a real tomato, and it really makes the piece pop.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different tomato “varieties”:

  • Cherry tomatoes: scale your cane down extra small and keep the color vibrant red. 
  • Heirloom tomatoes: add swirls of yellow, orange, or green into your base mix for those gorgeous marbled slices. 
  • Green tomatoes: mix in more translucent clay with green and white to create that pale, unripe look. 

Whether you’re after tiny charm jewelry, dollhouse food, or quirky embellishments for your crafts, these tomato slice canes are a fresh way to play with polymer clay realism.

 

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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.