Polymer clay is plastic. It will not absorb water. However, since you'll be making the pots yourself, you can probably make adjustments for aeration and drainage. I'm thinking you can add screen at the bottom, or even on the sides of the pot ... or just a punched hole design around the sides of the pot itself!

However, in terms of the material breathing, it won't happen.

Pretty much what I thought. oh well.

I figured I'd make drainage holes, but its really humid where I am , so I think I'd need to make significant aeration holes in the sides which really limits my design options.

guess I'll have to look for a kiln.

Thanks for the information , much appreciated.

In the initial post, Tia explained: "I've been toying with the idea of making my own unique pots, but I was going to try it with polymer clay baked in the oven before I commit to getting a kiln." Making polymer clay pots at home and curing them in your oven costs far less than purchasing an expensive kiln to fire your own terra cotta pottery. Tia's original question was "are polymer pots breathable?" The answer is "No."

"Clay" is often used to describe many different types of modeling material. Hence, polymer clay, paper clay, modeling clay. None of those are actually made of clay. Different modeling compounds can be either air-cured, oven-cured, or kiln-fired.

See here for a more detailed explanation:
http://newclaynews.blogspot.com/2011/06/types-of-modeling-clays-explained.html

Tia, I was going to suggest looking in your local craigslist, YMCA, or community college to find pay-per-use studio time and kilns, so you can pursue your foray into ceramics without committing the expense of buying and running a kiln. You may even find a home hobbyist with a kiln who would be willing to fire your pots for a fee or barter.

And if you make pots, be sure to share your work with us here! :)

you dont need an expensive kiln to fire pots. you can make a simple kiln with firebrick and then fire it with a simple propane burner. start with low fire stuff.

Raku Pottery does have size limitations and still requires clay.

I've made several raku vases! What's great about that method is that you're able to get some amazing color and markings without covering the whole pot with glaze, so it's not sealed completely and still stays breathable. And we did ours in a big pile outdoors with just some cinder blocks! Very fun.

Danielle,

Thanks for the suggestions. I had originally looked for somewhere to go fire clay pots, but haven't been able to locate anyplace close. I'm still looking though. Have not yet tried the local community college .. great idea!

oh .. Tia is not my name .. TIA >> Thanks In Advance.
:)

Nil,

I'm intrigued by this option. I didn't think propane would generate enough heat for clay pots. Have you built your own kiln?

High fire kilns use propane also. Lots of it in large canisters. Cheapest is natural gas. A class is a cheap option to do the learning. But make sure that is a class that lets you learn about the firing process. A lot of times it is just asking the teacher if you can help load and watch over the kiln. I have made raku kilns out of fiber blanket and a 55 gallon oil drum. Made one with a friend out of shaped wire mesh too. made one with fire brick.

Cheapest way is to buy a pot from Caudex.

HA! I didn't want to call you CactusN00b, and since so many sign off on their posts at the end ... well, now I am both laughing and embarrassed. ;)

Anyway, best of luck. FWIW, I still think that making polymer pots and punching a design of small holes, lace-like, around the pot may give you the air flow you need through the soil. Start small, see what happens!

Good luck, 'n00b.

Thanks all for all the advice..

I love the idea of building my own kiln , but if I burn the house down, my wife would be unhappy.

I'll keep looking for a studio or classes that will let me fire some work. I'll try a polymer or two in the meantime ..

Danielle, no need to be embarrassed .. thanks for your help.