Air dry clay projects are all the rage across social media right now and for good reason! Air dry clay can be used by beginners to create fun and useful pieces without breaking the bank or needing a lot of special equipment. From trendy decor and jewelry to dinnerware and homemade gifts, there’s something for everyone.
Many projects only take an afternoon’s worth of time, and they look way more expensive than the humble materials they originate from.
If you’re ready to try sculpting with air dry clay but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place!
Below, you’ll find several easy and inventive projects that will help inspire you to get started. And if you keep reading, you’ll find general tips for working with air dry clay.
My favorite clay is DAS Air Hardening Clay because it feels like real clay and not like kids foamy clay. It dries white (well, a little off white) and can be painted and varnished. For most projects, it is much better than using colorful clay that dries like foam.
Air Dry Clay Projects
These link little dishes are not only adorable but also functional: store your rings, earrings, extra change, or your keys in these air dried trinket dishes.
This fun craft creates rustic beads that are perfect for home decor and can also be used for a necklace, clay bead bracelets, and keychains. This is a GREAT beginner air dry clay project because the beads don't have to be perfect or identical. You're going for rustic here!
If you like this garland, then you might also want to check out this DIY wood bead garland.
Shape, stamp, paint to customize your own Air Dry Clay Coasters to add handmade charm to your home decor.
These homemade gift tags are very easy to make even for a beginner add the perfect touch to Christmas gifts. You can use them as ornaments, too! Use these letter stamps to personalize the gift tags.
And be sure to check out how to make these DIY Christmas Stocking Tags.
These clay Arum Lilies are so elegant and a great way to enjoy this summer flower year-round.
This botanical clay wall art with wire detail is unique, easy, and fun to make. It's the perfect backdrop for your plant area, or anywhere you need to add some visual texture. Customize it to suit your décor simply by switching out the clay discs.
Make a set of beautiful stamped bowls using air dry clay. Not only are they strong and durable but there is no firing or baking required. Just remember: air dry clay is not food-safe or water-safe, so don't use these bowls in the kitchen.
Make a simple cone-shaped ring keeper from marbled air-hardening clay, with a touch of sparkle.
This is a great craft activity for back-to-school or if you want to spruce up your office or workspace with pop of fun and color.
Herb garden markers are cute, functional, and easy to make. They add a bit of color to your herb pots. Just a warning: they need to be slightly bigger than you imagine at first to make sure they stick into the soil *and* have room for the label. When I first made mine, they were like 3 inches tall and that was not enough lol
These enchanting clay mushrooms are the perfect earthy home decor and cast a warm glow for a serene feel.
With some yarn, air dry clay, cookie cutters, twine, and glue, you can make these cute DIY yarn letters that double as ornaments. This a great project to use your yarn scraps and twine scraps.
Be sure to also check out this blog post for popsicle stick ornaments for more holiday DIYs.
An easy but beautiful craft to add some nature, texture, and color into your entry way or mud room.
Collect sea glass on your beach vacation and make this sea glass planter.
This beginner-friendly clay leaf bowl is a stunning home decor addition and can be used as a jewelry dish or key tray. Use a pretty leaf that has a lot of veining and press it int the clay while it's still wet to get a beautiful leaf design.
This pressed flower clay dish is a beautiful craft to make for a gift or as a spring or summer activity for kids and adults.
These air dry clay bowls are pretty enough to make and sell or to use yourself as trinket dishes, serving bowls, bowls to place little odds and ends, loose change, or even your keys.
Pressed flower pinch pots make a great gift for Mother's Day. They're an easy and fun project for kids and adults alike.
Here's how to make a lovely white air dry clay house figurine, a DIY version of the ceramic tealight houses that are popular during the holidays.
Here's a fun craft that combines the timeless art of embroidery with the versatility of air-dry clay.
Make a pair of pretty earrings in your favorite colors with this easy clay flower earrings tutorial.
Learn how to make clay rose stud earrings with a beautiful watercolor finish in this super simple craft.
These vintage-inspired decoupaged air dry clay ornaments look great on a Christmas tree and can also be used as unique gift tags.
These cute air dry clay Little Debbie Cake Christmas tree ornaments are easy to make and look almost good enough to eat!
This cute clay angel ornament is perfect to make for your own tree or to give as a gift.
Tips and Tricks for Working with Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay is a fairly easy art medium. My biggest tip is this: just get started. Play with the clay, see how it feels and see what you come up with. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make something perfect the first time.
Here are some additional tips to follow to help you make beautiful projects from air dry clay:
Handling Air Dry Clay
- Keep the clay moist: Air dry clay tends to dry out quickly. Keep unused portions covered with plastic wrap, sealed zip lock bag, or in an airtight container to prevent it from hardening prematurely.
- Use water sparingly: If the clay starts to dry while you’re working, use a small amount of water to rehydrate it. Don’t use too much. Just dipping your fingers in cool water before handling clay that is starting to dry out is often enough additional water for small projects.
- Experiment with textures: Use different objects like stamps, leaves, or textured fabrics to imprint patterns and textures onto the clay for unique effects.
- Join pieces properly: To attach two pieces of air dry clay, score both surfaces with a toothpick or needle tool, apply a bit of water, and then press them together. This technique helps to create a stronger bond.
The Best Tools and Work Surfaces
- Work on a non-stick surface: Use a smooth, non-stick surface like a silicone mat or wax paper to prevent the clay from sticking and making it easier to work with.
- Smooth surfaces with tools: Use clay tools or simple household items like plastic knives, toothpicks, or rolling pins to smooth surfaces and create fine details.
Best Practices
- Dry it fully: Start with the minimum recommended time, then wait for it to try a bit more. Air dry clay can take a few days to dry completely, depending on the thickness of your project. Make sure to allow enough time for drying to prevent cracks and ensure durability. Then to be safe, pop it in your air fryer on the “dehydrator” setting for an hour or in the oven on the “keep warm” setting or another warm spot. This is just to make sure that ALL extra moisture and water leaves the clay. This is important if you’re going to paint or seal your clay project. Otherwise the extra moisture inside will make the paint chip.
- Sand after drying: Once your air dry clay project is completely dry, you can sand it gently with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or imperfections.
- Paint after full drying: Ensure the clay is fully dry before painting. Use acrylic paints for the best results, and seal with a clear acrylic sealer to protect your work.
- Store properly: Store any leftover clay in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. If it starts to harden, you can knead a small amount of water into it to soften it again.
More Crafts For The House
If you like these air dry clay projects, be sure to check out these other fun ideas!
- $8 DIY Wood Bead Garland
- Easy and Cheap Rustic Planter
- DIY Irish Blessing Sign
- DIY Stocking Tags
- DIY Calendar with Vintage Style
- DIY Pendant Lights
- Simple DIY Wood Crate
I hope this list of air dry clay projects gives you some great ideas! Leave a comment below and let me know if there are any others that should be added to the list. And be sure to SAVE this post to Pinterest so you can come back to it later!
