Spiral Baubles in Polymer Clay, a tutorial

This Polymer Clay Tutorial takes you step by step through the process required to create these polymer clay covered baubles. I show you how to create the glittered veneers, and how to correctly cut your clay to shape, to give the spirals around the bauble. In the video I work on a glass bauble base, but it may be possible to cover a plastic bauble too, if you watch and listen carefully to all the safety issues involved with that.
Once you have mastered the spiral shape, you can experiment and create your own polymer clay veneers to decorate your baubles with.
This is a fun technique that creates beautiful baubles. I hope you enjoy the video.
The links I mention in the video are here:
Conditioning Polymer Clay Quickly • Conditioning Polymer C...
I purchase my bio-degradable glitter from Glitter Magic, look under Ultra Fine Glitters - glittermagic.co.uk/product-ca...
Varnishes to use - check out The Blue Bottle Tree, where there are several articles on the best finishes to use with polymer clay. thebluebottletree.com/?s=varn...
My paid for tutorial, where I teach the flower patterned veneers used on the sample baubles at the end of this video, is called ‘Winter Petals, Summer Blooms’ Bangle tutorial, and is available to purchase here : polyoriginals.thinkific.com/co...
If you like my work, then please do have a look at my website www.fionaabel-smith.co.uk/
And my Etsy shop, PolyOriginals - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PolyOrig... where I have more tutorials in a PDF format, that you can buy.
The music from the video is English Country Garden by Aaron Kenny and is available from the KZbin Free Audio Library.
Thank you so much for watching.

[@dawneeduddy]

Fiona, your videos are absolutely fantastic! I've been a polymer clay artist for the better part of 20 years. Creating is my form of of stress reducer. :) I have popped in to KZbin over the years to gain ideas and often times to just have a "polymer-clay 'community'" on in the background as I create. I stumbled upon one of your beautiful broach videos and quickly pulled your channel up to jump around and get to know you and your artwork. My 13 year old granddaughter sat down to listen, my 33 year old son came home and was captivated and my 7 year old grandson asked if we could make what you were working on in the video and I spent the rest of the evening caught up with your tutorials. Thank you so much for your generosity in your videos. Your ability to teach and create beautiful works of art far surpasses others I've watched. I love that you are meticulous and that every little detail is an important part of creating and teaching. I've learned so much from you just over the last couple of days! Thank you so much! I am very happy that I finally stumbled upon your videos!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh wow Dawn, what lovely comments, you have made my day, I am so happy that you enjoy the videos, and thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. Bless you :)

[@CountryRefuge]

I think I sat in awe through each minute of this tutorial! Each step/technique you presented was something new for me, and with each, I thought, "Brilliant! That makes sense and is a great technique!" All together, you have created a unique and beautiful treasure. I need to get busy and make some for Christmas! For those in the USA who aren't sure where to get glass baubles, try craft, Amazon or Christmas stores, especially online. They should all carry clear glass ornaments.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much, and also for the great tips on where to get the baubles in the USA :)

[@amytih47]

12 minutes in and I’m so conflicted! It’s half 3 in the morning and I’ve become addicted to this channel. I’m exhausted but can’t stop watching. It’s like ASMR torture 😂 Fiona’s voice is so soothing and calming you want to fall asleep but her craft is so intriguing you can’t take your eyes off it! What a fantastic artist and teacher. So glad I found this channel 💗

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh bless you Amy, what a beautiful comment, I hope you got a good nights sleep in the end ? Thank you :)

[@lornanorris1363]

I give people ornaments that I create for Christmas presents, this is a great idea, and very pretty.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

What a lovely idea, thanks Lorna :)

[@eileengavinlarsen4509]

Fiona, you are so clever! This video has removed a lot of the mystery around how to neatly cover a glass "ornament" (as we call them here in the U.S.). Thank you sooo much for all you do to educate and inspire so many. Your baubles are absolutely gorgeous. Happy Holidays from Boston, Massachusetts!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

I am so glad it was helpful, happy holidays to you too Eileen :)

[@angelamercer-lewis8545]

Ok... first I have to say that you are BRILLIANT!!! I have only got as far as 11 minutes in and learned sooooo much... I never could wrap a round object neatly to save my own life... so thank you for that alone... I know I'm going to learn even more when I watch the rest of this video but I had to tell you how thankful I am... and I absolutely love hearing you say 'bauble'... it makes me smile and I need that more than I can say... well back to the video I go... and thank you in advance for everything in this 'lesson'... it is appreciated here in North Carolina...

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks Angela, hope you enjoy the rest, and now I am smiling as I am sitting here saying bauble to myself ;) :)

[@bonnietaylor7827]

Clever from start to finish!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Bonnie :)

[@mccullochleah526]

Absolutely stunning!!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@brightstars5421]

You are amazingly talented!!! They are beautiful!!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

I am so glad you like them, thanks so much :)

[@elaineturpin1064]

Love these baubles. So excited to try them. I like them particularly because they remind me of my favorite decorations from when I was little. Thank you Fiona for another inspirational video

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Elaine :)

[@agratefulstudio8321]

Now I can’t wait to make one! Wonderful instructions! Thank You for another Lovely tutorial! I could listen to your calm voice forever!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

I am so glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much :)

[@imaginestardust]

Thanks Fiona, I love your tutes, and you have a wonderful voice, perfect to be listened to!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Cristina :)

[@Karibee61]

FABULOUS!!!!! Thank you Fiona, you never disappoint

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Karen :)

[@janecox7410]

Blooming brilliant, Fiona - as always. So clever and those spirals!!...can’t wait to return from my holidays so I can have a go! Thank you for sharing 😊😊

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks Jane :)

[@CM-xn6xc]

Your artwork is stunning!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@juanamacho4059]

Gran tutorial Fiona,gracias por explicar cada paso que das,me ha encantado,gracias por compartir.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Muchas gracias Juana:)

[@HeatherSaltas]

You are so talented! These are gorgeous!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much Heather :)

[@rebeccafionacornel6558]

good idea for marking a bobble........thank you for those tips as well

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks Rebecca :)

[@omegastitcher]

Thank you for sharing this technique. Lovely.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Patricia :)

[@leonanelson2444]

I love your tutorials Fiona, they are wonderful, and this bobble is fantastic, thank you so much

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Leona :)

[@gracodesp3765]

Wonderful!! Congratulations, you always have great ideas!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you very much :)

[@marionmathews9852]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial! The dynamics involved for working out the spirals was exceptionally brilliant. You are so clever. Great idea and really well explained. TFS

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Marion :)

[@donnahaynes1703]

Wow Fiona! You made it look so easy. I do think I am going to try this. And you did it early enough we can make some for presents this year! Thank You!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Brilliant, thanks Donna :)

[@0LorreneBaumDavis0]

You are amazingly creative. Thank you so much.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Lorrene 🙂

[@sherylstock8687]

Beautiful work, once again, you make it look so easy. I like the way you broke it down on how to put the guide lines on, it makes it look very doable.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Sheryl :)

[@kerijohnson8035]

In the US, the rope ribbon is called "rat tail cord", in case anyone was having troubles finding it in their local craft supply. I love this idea, and you've explained it very well.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Brilliant, thank you so much for the information Keri :)

[@marybonnici8957]

Brilliant work thanks for sharing

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much :)

[@MsRavenFira]

Thank you for this tutorial. I love your creative design and the idea very much. You instruction is spot on! Thank you again😍

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Raven :)

[@grannyjclay-joannieholdhus925]

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for blessing us with your creations! You are a wonderful artist!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Joannie :)

[@nlahunter]

These are absolutely beautiful! Wonderful job and such a great easy to understand video.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much :)

[@carolann64]

I love your videos Fiona. You are a gem.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Carol :)

[@annefaint6127]

These baubles are gorgeous, a great tutorial,,,.xxxxx 💞👍🌺🌸🌼

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Anne :)

[@janetmcbride165]

Ooooh, those are lovely! Thanks Fiona.

[@janetmcbride165]

Really excellent instructions, very clear and easy to follow. Genius!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Janet :)

[@sarahnunns8263]

Wow! These are great, what a fabulous idea. Thank you.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks Sarah :)

[@dianae.8192]

So very beautiful! Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity with us.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Diane :)

[@polymerclayinspired7248]

Absolutely gorgeous Fiona as usual ❤️👍🏻

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you :)

[@Bettina257]

You are such an inspiration! Thanks for sharing this!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Bettina :)

[@CraftyAllsorts]

Another wonderful video!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@Babette17C]

Perfect - these ornaments are so beautiful. FREE is wonderful. You're a dear.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Babette :)

[@stumpy4546]

Fabulous Really makes me feel like doing one for my tree!!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Go for it, it is so much fun. Thank you :)

[@dawsie]

Wow love it you could also use contrasting glitter colours for this as well. Thank you for such a great tutorial and great ideas.🤗🤗🤗

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Absolutely, contrasting glitters would look superb, thanks for your comments :)

[@marjimiller3985]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Hugs and blessings.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Marji, and the same hugs and blessings to you too :)

[@deniseosborne4045]

Thank you so much. I couldn’t figure out how to cut the strips. Awesome tutorial

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Denise :)

[@brookspa94]

GORGEOUS! You are an EXTREMELY talented GENIUS, & a WONDERFUL instructor! THANK YOU for sharing your precious time, talent, knowledge, & skills with all of us so we can learn! Hugs 2U!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Wow, thanks so much Amy, blushing a bit !! :)

[@gailgarbe]

You must be a mathematician! That concept for the swirls is stupendous! Thank you so much for sharing!❤️

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

You are welcome, thank you Gail :)

[@claygirl6133]

Great technique!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@Cindylee29]

As i said on FB, you‘ve saved my evening in Germany! :) Great tutorial, Fiona! Beautiful!!❤️

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks so much Cindylee :)

[@amytih47]

21:18 magic! Love it 😊

[@Stephanie_Hancock]

Beautiful!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Stephanie :)

[@BronzeDragon133]

This is amazing, thank you! I'll try it, but I doubt my results will be as beautiful as yours.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much, and I am sure yours will be wonderful :)

[@MargaretSchindel]

Fiona, this is brilliant! I’m “geometry challenged”, so I never would have been able to figure out how to mark the balls and make the templates. And the embedded glitter veneer is fabulous! Now the challenge will be to find glass baubles, as they seem to be selling almost exclusively plastic Christmas tree balls here in the U.S. (online, at least). Looking forward to making some of these as gifts once I succeed in finding some glass ones. Thanks again for your wonderful generosity in sharing your techniques and designs with us! ❤️

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Margaret, and I hope you find some glass ones soon (or try covering the plastic ones?) :)

[@munkinelli]

I get them at Michaels.

[@MargaretSchindel]

@@munkinelli Thanks! I don't drive, but I'll check the website.

[@VeneraCollections]

💙💙💙beautiful

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)

[@windchaser12]

Once again, your gentle voice is sweet music against the others I hear. I almost switched over to another video, but lay captivated by your hand in the art of polymer clay and your beautiful voice. Now I know how to make swirls and what to do next with baubles.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks so much Julia :)

[@invii2049]

Hi Fiona, I enjoyed your tutorial immensely, thank you very much! My interest towards clay has been captured for some time (and it is in my list 'to try' soon, too). But it is a very serious new chapter :D for the new for me craft material to start now (oh how I feel 'not-time-enough'!), and I have a huge stoke of different materials for new Xmas projects piled up that needs to be used... My point is to say, your well presented tutorial and skillful demonstration not just inspired, but also gave me an idea how to use the other than clay - less pliable on the round shapes - materials. Thank you, again!!! Wish you best.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks so much Vii :)

[@arutanworld8348]

thank you for sharing :) I love your videos!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much :)

[@kamv1227]

Fantastic!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you Kim :)

[@lindagraham7364]

Very beautiful u do amazing work u r a wonderful crafter u give me inspiration idea's

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you so much Linda :)

[@divineluna1373]

I’m just in Awww 🥰!!!! What a fantastic tutorial !!! I so wish I saw this BEFORE I ruined my plastic bulb a few weeks ago 🤦🏼‍♀️!!! Now I know what NOT TO DO 😃🤙🏼!!! Thank you so very much for your exquisite lessons and tutorials Fiona 🤗💞

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

You are very welcome, I am so glad you liked it Sabine :)

[@sheryldelaney4804]

Awesome!

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you Sheryl :)

[@gyllenhaalic66]

Enjoy your videos as always ! Thank you :-D

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thank you so much :)

[@aprilwelsh6608]

Cool how it looks see it..

[@andyhughes2249]

Only 11 mins in and I can already thank you hehe

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Oh good, thanks so much 🙂🤣😊

[@reneebarger5194]

This looks fantastic! Would this process work on plaster ornaments? I have a group of then purchased when a craft shop closed down. I was going to paint them but this treatment is gorgeous.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Hi Renee, yes, if you prime the plaster first with something like a good coat or two of PVA glue, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Haven't tried it myself, but if you have a go and it works, definitely post some pictures, as would love to see what you do :)

[@marymeyerhoff4951]

How beautiful. The cording doesn't melt? Thank you for sharing. Best~Mary

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks Mary, and no, the cording doesn't melt :)

[@atelier2zouzou655]

Je suis fan ❤

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Merci beaucoup :)

[@LtRee96se]

Well, I thought when I saw this one that I wouldn't be that interesting in doing the ornaments this way. Boy, was I wrong! I like them. So, again, more ideas to work on. I've got micro-fine glitter (my husband calls it craft herpes). I'm going to have to try some this way. Too much fun! Thank you again.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Enjoy, and have some fun with them and your glitter. Thanks so much 🙂

[@carrie7209]

Beautiful! How on earth did you work out how to draw the spirals? Thank you, Fiona ☺

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks Carrie, it just sort of made sense to me, I have other designs which are more complex, may post some later on if enough people are interested. Once you start messing around and drawing the grids on the baubles, you can get all sorts of cool designs :)

[@tazl37]

Fiona Abel-Smith PolyOriginals I am interested! I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you. I love your work. Please share more. Thank you for what you have shared.

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thanks @@tazl37 :)

[@laurelharris9406]

Fiona, where do you get the stainless bowl you use in baking the clay?

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Hi Laurel, they used to sell them in Ikea, but they discontinued them about 18 months ago :( I believe they may do a glass version which would work, or check on the internet for semi hemisphere bowls/moulds and see what you can find near you. I hope that helps :)

[@helensydenham65]

Where is brown Polymer Clay? You made it earlier at the begin which mean another different colour Polymer Clay on top of brown Polymer Clay together. Am I correct? By the way, it was beautiful colour and pretty as well. That is very good teach and thank you for sharing us. 👍

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

The brown polymer clay was a 'scrap' clay colour. As I say in the video, if you are covering a plastic bauble, you may need to cover it in a layer of scrap polymer clay first. I then show you how to cover a plastic bauble in this scrap clay. However, the bauble I was covering for the actual tutorial was glass, so it did not need to be covered in a layer of scrap clay first. I hope that helps? :)

[@Jerisa]

Could use a reusable lint roller to remove the glitter. Rince the roller in water and pour the water through a coffee filter. Unless the glitter isn't waterproof 🤔

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Nice idea, I don't have one, so haven't tried it, but definitely give it a go, and yes the glitter is waterproof, and your idea about the coffee filter is good, as we don't want it going into the water system - thanks so much for your comment :)

[@Jerisa]

@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals scratch that last idea, I just found out about reusable tape =o

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

@@Jerisa , and I have since found out that the glitter I use is bio degradable :)

[@Jerisa]

@@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals omg! Throw the water in the garden, sparkles everywhere 😍

[@ThorneyRose]

❤️💖❤️💖❤️💖❤️💖❤️ 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

thanks so much Rosie and Omega :)

[@Soifdesang9]

Instead of putting a glitter filled sheet of clay into your pasta machine, to never be glitter free again...use a rolling pin...And from glass work I learned, cut INSIDE the marker lines for your template. Gives you the little extra room to fit the clay pieces better.

[@catherinerichards8861]

Are you saying ball ball?

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

ha ha, no it is the english word for a round decoration, it is a bauble, but I notice that when Amazon do the subtitles for me, they do put ball ball ;)

[@paulsheart100]

What to use if pasta machine is not available? Rolling pin? Gotta invest in a pasta one. Lol

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Yes simply roll it by hand :) Very easy to do, it just takes a lot longer :) Have fun.

[@Parosful]

[@FionaAbelSmithPolyOriginals]

Thank you :)