Have you tried carving clay?

This is something you can do with both metal clay and polymer clay.  You can create original designs by rolling out and curing small sheets of polymer clay and then carving designs into them to use over and over again.  Metal clay also carves wonderfully.  It must be thoroughly dry or it will break during carving.  Here, I’m carving a design on a bronze metal clay ring.  I carve by holding the piece in my non-dominant hand and propping it against a tiny firmly stuffed pillow form, which helps to cushion my hand and the piece I’m working on.  It’s important to relax while carving as too much tension and pressure can break the piece.  My favorite tools are actually made for woodcarving.  I’ve covered them with polymer clay which makes them easier for me to handle and beautiful as well!