7+ hour, 53+ min ago (689+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials Few crafts capture the heart of the Christmas holidays quite like handmade pottery. In this festive tutorial, Calder's Ceramics guides viewers through the step-by-step process of creating clay angels " one small enough to hang as a tree ornament, and one large enough to stand proudly on a mantle or holiday table. This project isn't just about shaping clay. It's about creating pieces filled with warmth, meaning, and tradition " decorations you'll bring out year after year and perhaps even pass down as family heirlooms. The tutorial is part of Calder's holiday-themed series, making it perfect for potters who want to add seasonal projects to their repertoire. His teaching style is calm, patient, and clear " ideal for both beginners who are learning handbuilding basics and seasoned potters looking for inspiration. The balance between technical guidance and…...

6+ day, 7+ hour ago (297+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials And don't worry'you don't need a pottery wheel or special kiln for this one. A basic pack of polymer clay, a cookie cutter or two, and your oven will do the trick. Roll out your polymer clay to an even thickness (around " inch). Using your cone template, cut out the shape and gently wrap it into a cone. Overlap the seam slightly and press the edges together, smoothing with your fingers. Tip: If the clay feels too soft and sticky, pop it in the fridge for 1015 minutes before shaping. Using your star cutters, press out little windows all around the cone. You can cluster them or scatter them for a twinkling night-sky effect. Smooth the edges of each star with your fingertip to avoid sharp bits. Want to jazz it up? Press small clay…...

1+ week, 6+ day ago (363+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials Festive Entertaining Idea for Holiday Charcuterie Boards If you're planning a holiday party, you already know the cheese board is where everyone gathers. This year, add a handmade, festive touch with DIY polymer clay cheese markers in Christmas shapes and colors. These adorable little markers are both practical and decorative " helping guests identify cheeses while doubling as holiday table d'cor. The best part? They're easy to make, completely customizable, and way less expensive than buying fancy sets at home d'cor stores. Think Anthropologie vibes, but on a DIY budget! While air-dry clay can work, polymer clay has the upper hand for entertaining: Knead the polymer clay until soft and pliable. This ensures it won't crack when baked. Roll the clay flat, about 1/8" thick. Keep it even so the markers look polished and professional. Use…...

2+ week, 7+ hour ago (483+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials The holidays are the perfect time to bring handmade charm into your home, and this video from AMACO shows exactly how. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create handbuilt ceramic trees using simple techniques that even beginners can follow. Whether you're looking for festive d'cor, a fun studio project, or unique handmade gifts, these trees make a perfect seasonal craft. This step-by-step demonstration highlights how to shape, assemble, and decorate clay into tall tree forms. Using AMACO's A-Mix White Stoneware No. 11 and their Celadon glazes, the instructor walks you through each stage of building. With clear close-ups, you'll see exactly how the textures are applied and how to give your trees personality. The tutorial is practical, well-paced, and filmed in a way that makes it easy to follow along from your own studio…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago (439+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials There's something magical about Christmas decorations that are handmade. They carry stories, memories, and a touch of personality you simply won't find in store-bought baubles. These handmade Christmas star ornaments are a perfect example'simple to make, yet beautiful enough to hang proudly on your tree or gift to loved ones. The best part? You don't need fancy tools. Just a cookie cutter, some clay, and a bit of imagination. Start by rolling out your clay on a flat surface. Aim for about " inch thick'sturdy enough to hang, but not too heavy for your tree branches. Use your cookie cutter to stamp out star shapes from the clay. This is where it starts to feel a bit like holiday baking, minus the calories. Here's the fun part. Press textured items into the clay'try lace doilies…...

3+ week, 7+ hour ago (489+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials Handbuilding is one of the most approachable ways to work with clay " and during the Christmas Holidays, it's especially rewarding to make small, thoughtful gifts by hand. This video shows just how simple it can be to turn a slab of clay into ornaments, mugs, tealight houses, and more. Each project is explained clearly, with tips on shaping, smoothing, and finishing. The variety ensures that there's something for everyone, whether you're making a stocking stuffer, a teacher's gift, or a centerpiece for your holiday table. Here are a few stand-out ideas perfect for Christmas Holiday gifting: If you're looking for easy, meaningful Christmas Holiday gift ideas, this video is the perfect guide. With 20 beginner-friendly projects, you'll have plenty of inspiration to create unique, personal gifts that celebrate the season. "Watch the full video here:…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago (339+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials Unlike felt or wood gnome tutorials, working with polymer clay means your gnomes will be sturdy, long-lasting, and full of detail. Let's get started! Roll a ball of colored clay (red or green works beautifully) into a cone shape. This will form your gnome's body and hat base. Flatten the bottom slightly so it stands upright. Roll out a piece of white or grey clay into a teardrop shape. Flatten it gently, then press the pointed end upward onto the front of the body. Use a needle tool or toothpick to add texture, pulling down little lines to mimic hair strands. Take a tiny ball of skin-tone clay and press it right above the beard. It should tuck under the brim of the hat later. A round, bulbous nose is what gives the gnome…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago (235+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials The result? Chic, round bauble-style ornaments that look like they belong in a high-end boutique but cost just pennies to make. Roll your air-dry clay to about " inch thick. Smooth and even thickness is key so they don't crack. Use a round cookie cutter (or even the rim of a glass) to cut out classic bauble shapes. Keep them uniform for a professional look. Here's where the magic happens. Gently press your chosen texture plate, lace, or stamp into the surface of the clay. Don't press too hard'just enough to leave an even, raised pattern. Use a straw or skewer to create a clean hole at the top of each bauble. Make sure it's wide enough to fit your ribbon or twine. Smooth edges with a damp finger. Lay the baubles flat and let…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago (473+ words) Fimo and clay tips and tutorials One of the trickiest parts of working with clay'whether you're a beginner or a seasoned potter'is getting consistent, well-proportioned forms. Freehanding shapes can be fun, but when you want precision (or you're making multiples), a template can feel like a lifesaver. That's why I love this set of 20 printable pottery templates'it's like having a studio assistant tucked into a PDF file. This Etsy listing gives you instant access to 20 different pottery templates, designed to help you shape clay slabs into functional and decorative pieces. You simply print, cut, and use them to guide your clay work. No guessing, no awkward lopsided bowls'just clean, repeatable forms. The set also includes tutorials, directions, and examples, so even if you've never used templates before, you'll know exactly how to get started. Pottery is as much about the…...