Coco's Crafts

Clay plate series · Part 1

Make miniature clay plates with a cardboard mold

Part 1 of the plate series: Coco makes round plates in a simple handmade cardboard mold, paints a pumpkin plate and glazes it to a shine.

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Watch Part 1

Video thumbnail: How to Make Miniature Clay Plates for Dollhouses (Part 1) | Cardboard Mold + Hand PaintingPlay: How to Make Miniature Clay Plates for Dollhouses (Part 1) | Cardboard Mold + Hand Painting

Length 26:48. On YouTube since October 8, 2026. The player loads from YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube.

What you'll make

The first part of Coco's clay plate series needs nothing fancy: a simple mold made from cardboard, a block of polymer clay, paint pens and a gloss glaze.

You'll make: round polymer clay plates, one of them hand painted with a pumpkin and glazed to a shine.

  1. Make the cardboard moldIt starts with six squares of cardboard, each 6 × 6 cm.
  2. Roll and shape the clayRoll an even sheet of polymer clay and press the plates in the lightly dusted mold.
  3. BakeCoco bakes at 255°F for 20 minutes. Follow your own clay's directions.
  4. Paint and glazePaint a pumpkin plate with fine paint pens, then glaze it to a shine.

Shop this video's products

Ready for more shapes? Coco's clay mold kits are 3D print files (mold, cutter and rolling rails), and her waterslide decals put a printed design on your plates. The decals are sized for the mold-kit plates, so test the fit on plain paper if your cardboard-mold plates are a different size.

Licence for Coco's designs: Personal use only: selling finished items made with these designs or files is not allowed, and the files may not be shared or resold. Instant downloads; prices in US dollars.

Browse all of Coco's Clay Plates & Tea Sets →

Products used in this video

Choose the stage you're working on. Open its supply list for the smaller tools and everyday materials.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "View on Amazon (paid link)" buttons are Amazon affiliate links; Coco's own designs are sold on this site. Check the seller's size and product details before ordering.

Mold Making

Other supplies for this stage (2)
Cereal-box cardboardFor the handmade plate molds
Sharp pencilFor accurate marking

Coco's tips

Safety: miniatures have small parts and are not food safe. Keep them away from young children and pets.

Questions & answers

What temperature do you bake the plates at?

Coco bakes hers at 255°F for 20 minutes. Always follow your own clay's temperature and time, and never leave the oven unattended.

How big is the cardboard mold?

It starts with six squares, each 6 × 6 cm.

Which craft knife is it?

The wide-handled Fiskars Heavy-duty Easy Change Detail Knife, model 165170-1002. The No. 2 marking refers to its blade.

Do Coco's waterslide decals fit these plates?

The decals are sized for the plates from Coco's clay mold kits (the round one is 30 mm). If your cardboard-mold plate is a different size, test the fit on plain paper first.

Are these miniatures food safe?

No. They're decorative and not food safe. They also have small parts, so keep them away from young children and pets.

Next: Part 2 · 3D printed molds & waterslide decals

Go to Part 2 →

Keep making