55 Unique Air Dry Clay Ideas (For Adults & Kids)
Air dry clay is one of the easiest types of clay to use and most versatile in what you can make. It doesn’t require being kiln fired or being baked in an oven.
Each of these attributes makes it the perfect clay for beginners.
To show you just how versatile it is, we’ve put together a list of the most awesome air dry clay ideas along with tutorials showing you how to make these cool little projects.
Among this list we’ve included super fun clay crafts projects including jewelry, home decor, planters, ornaments and more!
FAQ for working with air drying clay
Does air dry clay break easily?
Air dry clay only breaks easily if your pieces are very thin. It can be fragile, but a thicker piece will hold up quite well.
What can you put on air Hardening clay to seal it?
I have been using a varnish and acrylic top coat to seal my air dry clay and both have done a great job at preserving the finish and keeping moisture out.
What types of clay are there that can you make craft projects with?
There are many different types of clay that you can use for making crafts, such as:
- handmade clay, like salt dough
- Natural clay (traditional clay)
- polymer clay
- oil-based clay
What supplies do I need to make crafts with air dry clay?
Typical craft supplies for making air dry clay crafts are:
- Air dry clay
- craft knife
- Silicone mat or a smooth surface to work on
- Clay roller or rolling pin
- Wax paper
- Flexible palette knife
- Extended thumb for joining
- Craft knife
- Thumb joining tool- or eraser end of a pencil
- Sandpaper
- Foam brush
- Varnish
- Space heater- optional (for quicker drying)
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55 Fun Air Dry Clay Ideas To Make!
These air dry clay ideas will inspire you to grab your clay and start making. We have 55 DIY clay tutorials to get you started.
How To Make Air Dry Clay Bowls
You can use stamps to create different patterns in air dry clay. Take a look at the detail in these beautiful bowls. This is one to keep in mind for a gift idea.
DIY Clay Candlestick Holders With Copper
For your own piece of beautiful home decor, make these copper and air dry clay candlestick holders!
How To Make A Cement Bead Garland And How To Use It In Your Decor
Wood bead garland is extremely popular, why not give cement bead garland a try with this easy-to-follow tutorial? This would look really cool strung across a mantel.
Stamped Clay Tags
Gather inexpensive rubber stamps to add numbers to clay tags. Wouldn't this be a great idea for a Christmas Countdown calendar?
Easy DIY Nature Ornaments From Clay
Learn how to use elements from nature to create clay tags and ornaments with an embossing technique.
How to Make an Easy Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish
Create amazing detail in a clay trinket dish with a stunning mandala effect. Make a set of four, wrap them with a pretty bow and you have a great gift!
How to Make an Easy DIY Wire Sculpture (Grab the Free Art Template)
If you are looking for a unique and modern piece of art to create, check out this DIY wire sculpture. Think of the designs you could create with this idea!
How To Make A Clay Mushroom –With Air Dry Clay
These mushrooms are an easy beginner clay project if you're just getting started. Put them in flower pots or a small garden for some fun whimsical decor.
DIY Clay Gift Tags
Instead of using basic paper gift tags, make your own with air dry clay. That way the recipient can use it as an ornament after.
DIY Clay Balloon Planter, Fun And Easy!
If you missed the clay planter I made, you definitely want to check it out. It was super fun to create!
Easy DIY Wildflower Seed Bombs
You'll be able to gather plenty of wildflowers by making your own wildflower seed bombs.. This is a surprisingly easy process using air dry clay and the included tutorial.
How to Make Pearly Plant Pokes
Add a little color to your indoor plants with beautiful plant pokes. They are unique, fun and super easy to make!
DIY Herb Garden Markers with Air Dry Easy-Sculpt Clay
Throw out those boring plastic garden markers and make your own clay plant markers. You could even make fun markers with puns for your plants.
Air Dry Clay Candle Holder For Christmas
Get a jump start on holiday gift-giving with DIY clay candles. There are so many different ways you can make these. Add color, keep them natural, or make your own fragrance. Such a great idea!
Make A Cute Clay Gnome –With Air Dry Clay
The perfect clay project for the whimsical! This detailed tutorial will show you how to make both a man and a lady gnome!
Easy DIY Magnets
Create handmade magnets to add to your bulletin board or display your child's artwork. All you need are a few inexpensive supplies.
Easy Ribbed Air Dry Clay Planter
Not only can you use air dry clay for a planter, but you could also make it into a flower pot. Just add water and put some fresh cut flowers inside.
How To Make A Beautiful Air Dry Clay Candle Holder
I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many candle holders, especially when they are as cool as this clay version. Wouldn't several of these be stunning lining a mantel?
How to Make Simple Air Dry Clay Ornaments
Gather acrylic paint in different colors to make beautiful clay ornaments. Add wooden beads or twine to hang them. They could be a yearly keepsake by dating the ornaments.
How to Make A Rustic Floral Handmade Clay Tray
It's really easy to create a handmade clay tray with pretty flowers and clay. Plus, it makes a nice statement piece in your home.
Easy DIY Grinch Ornament Using Clay
Grinch fans will love this DIY Grinch ornament. The detailing is amazing!
Super Pretty DIY Clay Jewelry Plates
Keep your jewelry neat and organized by making clay jewelry bowls. You can also place these in the entryway to hold keys, change, etc.
Leaf-printed air drying clay decorations
Collect leaves in different shapes and sizes to make leaf-printed decorations.
The Cutest DIY Gingerbread Man Sign and a Christmas Giveaway
A gingerbread man is a classic Christmas decoration. Why not step it up a notch by turning it into a pretty Christmas sign.
DIY Jewelry Dish using air dry clay
Add a touch of metallic gold to a handmade jewelry dish. This would also make a great soap dish for the bathroom.
Geometric Clay Earrings DIY (In 5 Styles!)
Here's a super fun idea for air dry clay earrings in geometric shapes. Such a fun and modern jewelry idea.
Monogram Ring Dish
Ring dishes are a popular clay craft idea. Take it to the next level by creating a monogram jewelry dish.
DIY Incense Holder
Make a clay DIY incense holder by following this easy tutorial. Wrap them with some incense for a handmade gift.
DIY Shooting Star Clay Ornaments - Scandi Christmas
Decorate a Christmas tree with handmade clay shooting star ornaments for a pretty addition to your holiday decor.
How to Make Beautiful Air Dried Clay Leaves
Make a stunning clay leaf to use as a jewelry dish, decorative piece, or paperweight. Use a gold leaf technique for a touch of glam.
DIY Clay Gnomes
Have you jumped on the gnome bandwagon yet? These clay gnomes are the perfect way to start!
DIY Clay Diffuser Necklace for Essential Oils
Create a clay pendant necklace in different colors and shapes using this technique. It's also a diffuser with essential oils!
Faux Stone Air-Dry Clay Jewelry: DIY Beach Pebble Bracelet
If you like coastal or beachy jewelry you are going to want to make this clay pebble bracelet. It's beautiful!
Beachcomber’s Picture Frame with EasySculpt Epoxy
Learn how to make a keepsake picture frame with stones and trinkets from a beach vacation. This clay craft would be fun to make with kids.
How to Make DIY Clay Seed Bombs
A sweet gift for Mother's Day, or birthdays, clay seed bombs are inexpensive and easy to make. Add your favorite seeds and pick up some air dry clay to make your own!
Sea Glass Mason Jar
Upcycle mason jars with clay and sea glass. Add a tea light to create a luminary effect.
Bead and Clay Ornaments
Bead and clay ornaments are a simple and fun craft project. You can keep them white, or add a bit of color.
A simple yet pretty diy ornament
Learn how to emboss clay with stamps to make beautiful Christmas ornaments. Celebrate a baby's first Christmas, or new home by personalizing them.
How To Make Beach Themed Clay Wine Glass Charms
Add a sweet little clay charm to your wine glass for a fun detail, and so guests know which glass is theirs.
Clay Ring Dish with a Hand Painted Design
Add a hand-painted design to a trinket or ring dish with this creative idea.
Easy Clay and Wood Bead Christmas Ornaments
Make your own wood bead garland or ornaments with just a few simple steps.
DIY Seed Bombs
Seed bombs make thoughtful wedding favors or bridal shower gifts, and they are super easy and inexpensive to create.
Make A Keepsake Baby Hand Print Love Sign
Create a keepsake handprint sign with air dry clay. Use scrap wood and pre-made letters to keep costs down.
Clay Leaf Bowl - Air Dry Clay Art Project
Make a small bowl in the shape of a leaf to use for decorative purposes. Perfect to display on a bookshelf.
Cuneiform Craft
Check out the awesome Youtube video for the full tutorial details.
Clay Baby Handprint Ornament - The Cutest Baby Keepsake!
Learn how to make a baby handprint ornament for the cutest addition to your Christmas tree.
Air Dry Clay Projects Perfect For Making With Kids
There are so many creative air dry clay projects that you can make with kids of all ages. The following tuorials are especially great clay projects for kids.
DIY Rainbow Clay Stackers
Help your kids learn their colors through art. This rainbow clay stacker is super fun and simple.
DIY Air Dry Polymer Clay & Fall Leaf Imprints Kids Craft
Kids can gather fall leaves and acorns to make their own clay imprint art. A perfect weekend craft.
Toddler-Friendly DIY Fall Wreath with Easy Air Dry Clay Recipe
This DIY fall wreath is a toddler-friendly craft that will also look great on your front door. Wouldn't this be a fun craft for a kid's birthday party? Each child could make their own and take it home.
Air Dry Clay Recipe
Instead of buying air dry clay, make your own with this simple homemade clay recipe. Kids can learn through play.
Clay craft: making clay pressings from nature
Who remembers making leaf impressions at summer camp? Pass this tradition on to your kids with this easy tutorial.
How to Make a Handprint Ornament the Easy Way!
A super simple way to make handprint ornaments is by using Crayola air dry clay. These would be great for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or teachers.
Clay fingerprint Christmas tree decorations for kids to make
Kids will get a kick out of making their own fingerprint ornaments with bright colors using cooking cutters. This is a seriously cute craft idea!
Easy Air Dry Clay Recipe
Here is an easy air dry clay recipe that you can make with a few staple pantry ingredients. The kids can use cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes to make their own gift tags or ornaments.
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