Not only are clay projects fun and therapeutic to create, but they also make great gifts and home decor. Plus, you save money on store-bought items and can customize your clay project to match your home’s style, color palette, and needs.
Air-dry clay is a popular choice for beginner art projects because it is soft, easy to manipulate, and comes in a variety of bright colors. In addition, while other clays, such as polymer and ceramic clays, require heat to cure and harden, air-dry clay only needs air. While other clays are known to be more heat and water-resistant, air-dry clay is a great option for smaller art projects that won’t be exposed to outdoor elements.
These DIY air-dry clay projects are quick and easy to make, and allow you to get creative. Get ready to unwind as you craft these beginner-friendly air-dry clay pieces, including vases, planters, keychains, jewelry, and more.
Colorful Clay Earrings
Marty Baldwin
Create a custom earring design with air-dry clay. Simply roll out clay to your desired thickness, then use a knife to cut out shapes. To marble clay, roll two colors of clay into long ropes and twist them around each other, folding the rope in half after reaching the end. Repeat the twisting and folding process until marbled. Make a hole using a toothpick, then add a jump ring once the earring is dry.
Clay Herb Tags
Adam Albright
Spice up your herb garden by crafting these air-dry plant labels. Roll out air-dry clay, and spell out the names of your herbs with letter stamps. Once dry, paint the letter indentations so they stand out, and paint any additional designs or details you like. Glue the finished tags to popsicle sticks to place in your garden.
Decorative Air-Dry Clay Knots
Marty Baldwin
These decorative clay knots look much more expensive than they actually are. Get the look of high-end tabletop decor for less by creating different knots or links using thick ropes of air-dry clay. Once completely dry, place the knots on your coffee table or bookshelf, or paint the knots to match your decor.
Textured Clay Vase
Steven McDonald
This elegant vase is simple to make and can be customized with your favorite pattern. Roll a rectangular sheet of air-dry clay, using enough to cover a cylindrical vase of your choice. Wrap the clay around the vase and patch the seams with your fingers and water. Use a clay sculpting tool (a comb or knife will also work) to create textured lines in the clay. Sand the edges of the vase once dry.
Marbled Clay Jewelry Dish
Steven McDonald
A marbled air-dry clay jewelry dish is a practical (and pretty!) addition to your nightstand or vanity. To make your own, twist ropes of clay and fold them over each other to create a marbled effect. Roll out the clay and place it in a bowl to dry or shape it by hand into your desired shape.
Clay Keychains
Ann VanderWiel Wilde
Dress up your purse or backpack with customizable air-dry clay keychains. Simply cut and roll air-dry clay into small, stackable shapes. Poke a hole through the center of each piece, let dry completely, and finish with a coat of paint. Thread a cord through the pieces and tie your DIY accessory onto your bag’s handle or zipper.
Clay Gift Tags
Dane Tashima
Up your gift-giving game with these homemade air-dry clay gift tags. Cut out circles of clay, then press initials into each one using letter stamps. Use a toothpick to make a hole at the top of the tag and let it dry. Thread string or ribbon through the hole and attach the tag to your gift to personalize your present.
Air-Dry Clay Wall Vase
Carson Downing
Create this playful wall-mounted vase by first forming a circle from air-dry clay. Next, using a smaller slab of clay, form a half circle, and attach it to the other slab by pressing with your fingers and using water as needed. Once dry, paint the vase to create an unexpected pop of color in your home.
Clay Cheese Tags
Steven McDonald
Charcuterie never looked so good. To make these cheese labels, make hearts and circles out of air-dry clay, and use letter stamps to write the names of your selections. Before drying, insert a skewer stick in the label, making sure it doesn’t poke out the top.
Air-Dry Clay Napkin Rings
Marty Baldwin
To create these DIY napkin rings, make a mushroom shape from air-dry clay, making sure to form a curve at the end of the stem to wrap around a napkin. Once dry, paint the mushroom cap red and add details like lines and dots.
Hanging Clay Planter
Steven McDonald
To make a hanging planter, form small balls from air-dry clay, and place them close together around the outside of a bowl. Press each ball down to spread the clay. If needed, patch gaps with your fingers and water, making sure to leave three evenly-spaced gaps near the top of the planter. These will allow you to string rope through the top of your planter for hanging.
Air-Dry Clay Wall Clock
Steven McDonald
The beauty of this air-dry clay clock is that you can transform it to match any design style, from contemporary to traditional. Make one for your home using a circle of air-dry clay. Poke a hole in the center for the clock mechanism, and paint the numbers on the face.
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