How to Add Cane Decorations for Polymer Clay Bowls

There are a lot of ways to decorate polymer clay, but one of the most popular requires you to use a cane. Canes are long logs of clay with a design in the middle. By slicing the log, you get numerous coin-shaped decorations with a small picture on the flat side. You can add polymer clay canes to a solid colored bowl, or you can make the bowl completely from cane slices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Razor blade
• Polymer clay cane
• Clay bowl
• Pin tool
• Polymer clay glue

1. Slice the polymer clay cane with a sharp knife or razor blade. If blurring occurs, you'll need a sharper instrument.

2. Score the edge of a clay cane slice and bottom edge of your polymer bowl mold with a needle or pin tool.

3. Position a clay cane slice on the bowl mold against the bottom rim, pressing gently. You can use polymer clay glue if you've got it to secure the connection.

4. Add another polymer cane slice on one side of the first. You'll want to score each piece you add to your clay bowl.

5. Alternate slices from different polymer clay canes for a unique look, or try forming rows and borders with them.

6. Make three dimensional cane slice decorations by adding them directly on top of your bowl's sides. This makes them stick out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a problem squishing or blurring when you slice your canes, no matter what you use, try refrigerating them for a few hours before slicing. This makes them firmer, which results in clearer decorations.