How to Make a Polymer Clay Bowl Bottom

Craftsman have molded bowls for thousands of years. The technique is simple, which makes creating a bowl from polymer clay an excellent project for beginners. Follow these steps to make the bottom for a polymer clay bowl after you have finished the sides.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polymer clay in various colors
• Wax paper
• Small roller
• Partially constructed bowl

1. Choose a polymer clay color. A good color choice is the same color as the bowl's background color. Another option is to mix together the scraps left from creating the sides to get a marbled look that matches every color in the bowl.

2. Work the clay into a ball. Rub the ball between the palms of your hands until it is soft and smooth. The size of the ball needed will differ depending on the size and shape of the bowl. A good starting place is a ball about half the diameter of the bottom of the bowl.

3. Flatten the ball. Do this on wax paper with the palm of your hand and a small roller. Flatten it evenly so that the middle is not thicker than the edges.

4. Trim the bottom of the bowl if it is too big. If it is not big enough, flatten it more or add more clay, make a ball, and flatten again.

5. Stick the bottom polymer clay piece onto the bowl. Don't press the clay into the mold for the bowl--press it to the edges of bowl. Pinch the edges of the bottom to the edges of sides. Then, go around with your fingers to smooth and blend the seams.

6. Make one very long and thin cane to trim the bottom of the bowl. Use a matching or contrasting color. Roll the cane until it is very think and even in girth. Place the cane around the seam between the sides and bottom of the bowl. This decorative cane will cover the seam, give it a finished look, and balance the bowl for a sitting position.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your hands after working with polymer clay, especially before handling food and beverages.