Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Website review – Covered in Clay

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The Covered in Clay website offers a small variety of items to cover with clay, such as blank metal tins, business card holders, journals and ceramic mezuzahs. You can also find pendant blanks, bezels, and other jewelry settings that are great for use with polymer clay. Lisa Pavelka’s Signature line of products are also offered. They include the foils, unmounted texture stamps, water slide transfer paper, and her new product Magic-Glos, which itself has received rave reviews.

I haven’t tried the Magic-Glos yet, although I do have a sample I received at the CHA show I attended a few weeks ago. I plan on trying it as soon as the weather and I are on the same schedule. However, I have ordered some of her products before, like the foils, tins, texture stamps, and blank jewelry settings. The quality of the products I received was par for the course with the prices, which were very affordable for even the most frugal among us clayers, myself included.

I have ordered from this website only twice, and while most of the products are of average quality, I found the level of service lacking in some areas. Both times I’ve ordered, I had at least one item to be missing upon arrival, although they do send a sampling of extra products along with your missing item when it’s shipped. The shipping time also varies greatly and it has been my experience that it depends upon Ms. Pavelka’s show schedule, and it may be more than a couple of days before your order is processed or you are able to get in contact with someone about about your order.

All in all, while I do enjoy using the items I’ve bought and I like the the other items that are available on the site, I think I may try finding them somewhere else next time.

[tags]polymer clay, Covered in Clay, reviews[/tags]

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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.