A creative polymer clay project using a simple cane technique
Polymer clay is a wonderful material for keeping hands busy and imaginations active. In this project, you’ll create patterned polymer clay leaves using a basic cane technique — a method that allows repeating designs to appear inside the clay when it’s sliced.
The process looks complex at first, but when taken step by step it becomes a rewarding project for young makers who enjoy working with their hands and paying attention to detail.
Presented by: Crafty Corner
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Age suitability: 9+ with adult supervision
Supervision note: Requires use of a sharp blade and an oven; adult assistance essential for cutting and baking
Materials and tools
- Polymer clay (green and black)
- Pasta machine (optional but helpful)
- Metal pipe or rod
- Stanley knife blade or razor blade
- Damp cloth
- Sheet of glass or mirror to work on
- Household oven
Before starting, read through all the steps together. Work on a stable surface and keep blades under adult control at all times.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Soften the green clay
Break off just under half of the green polymer clay and seal the rest of the packet closed. Polymer clay hardens slightly when left exposed.
Roll, squeeze, and play with the clay until it becomes soft and easy to work with. Even hard clay usually softens with warmth and movement.
If you have a pasta machine, you can help soften the clay by rolling it into short logs or flat pieces and passing it through the machine several times.
Step 2: Form and cut the cane
Roll the softened green clay into a short, thick roll (called a cane), roughly ½ cm high and wide.
Using a blade (adult step), cut the cane into three equal sections.
Step 3: Prepare the black clay
Soften the black polymer clay in the same way. Use the pasta machine to roll it into a flat, even rectangle.
This black layer will become the leaf’s vein pattern.
Step 4: Add the black layer
Place the black clay flat on your work surface. Position one of the green clay sections on top, flat side down.
Trim away any excess black clay around the green piece. Lift the layered section carefully using the blade to avoid distorting the shape.
Step 5: Create the layered pattern
Cut the middle green section into two equal pieces. Add black clay layers between all sections except one, so that when stacked together there is a thin black line separating each green section.
When assembled, the layers should alternate green and black.
Step 6: Reassemble the cane
Stack all the pieces back together in the same order they were before cutting, recreating the original shape.
Press gently to hold everything together without squashing the layers.
Step 7: Slice down the centre
Using the blade (adult step), cut the stacked shape straight down the centre.
Make sure the black lines are running horizontally before cutting vertically.
Step 8: Flip to create a “V” pattern
Turn one half around and place it next to the other half. The black lines should now form a “V” shape, which will become the leaf veins.
Step 9: Join the halves
Add a thin layer of black clay between the two halves and gently press them together.
Carefully roll the clay back into a thick cane shape, similar to the one made earlier.
Step 10
Step 10: Stretch the cane
Slowly roll the cane on its side, starting from the middle and working outward. This stretches the short cane into a longer, thinner one.
Don’t worry if the pattern distorts at the edges — this is normal and part of the process.
Step 11: Slice the leaf pattern
To cut the cane, roll the blade gently from left to right while pressing down. Allow the cane to roll slightly with the blade to keep the pattern crisp.
Cut slices as thick or thin as you like, depending on the size of leaf you want.
Step 12: Shape the leaves
Gently pinch each sliced piece into a leaf shape. Use your fingers to define the “V” veins, keeping the tip rounded rather than sharp.
Step 13: Bake and finish
(Adult supervision required)
Leave the shaped leaves to rest overnight. The next day, bake them in a household oven at 140°C for 15 minutes.
Allow them to cool completely. Once baked, the polymer clay will be firm and durable.
Tip
If you’d like to turn the leaves into beads, it’s often easier to drill or pierce holes after baking, unless you already know exactly where the holes need to be.