Discover just how versatile clay can be with these creative air dry clay ideas designed with adults in mind!
Are you curious about clay projects but aren’t sure where to start? You are in the right place! I’ve got a ton of inspirational projects for you, and they all use air dry clay.
What is air dry clay?
Air dry clay is like playdough for grown-ups. It’s soft, moldable, and doesn’t require baking in an oven. Instead, it dries naturally when exposed to air. Perfect for those who want to create without the fuss of an oven or kiln.
When is it best to use air dry clay versus oven-hardening clay?
In addition to not needing an oven, air dry clay is non-toxic so it is good for kid’s projects. It is also super easy to work with so you can start making clay products right out of the package!
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more durable or if you need your project to withstand heat or water, then oven-hardening clay is the way to go.
Where can you purchase air dry clay?
Luckily, air dry clay is pretty easy to come by! You can find it at most craft stores or online, and there are tons of different brands and colors to choose from. Most of the projects in my list below use either Crayola (yep, not just for kids) or DAS air dry clay.
- Crayola Air Dry Clay: Perfect for beginners, it’s soft, easy to shape, and dries within 24 hours. It comes in a few color options, and white is easiest to find.
- DAS Air Dry Clay: A classic choice with a smooth finish. Great for larger projects. It comes in numerous color options and even includes terracotta and stone.
Scroll down for some air dry clay ideas that will inspire you to get started right away! Trust me, once you start crafting with air dry clay, you’re going to be hooked!
1
thelovelydrawer.com
Desk Clock
When I first saw this, I couldn't believe that it was made of clay. You can make a clock that looks like a moon too – what a beautiful and simple addition to your home decor.
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2
acraftymix.com
Clay Arum Lilies
These arum lilies are not just simple to whip up; you can assemble each one in just around 10 minutes (minus drying time). Totally worth it for year-round flowers!
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3
Clay Ring Dish with a Hand Painted Design
Make a cute little clay ring dish with hand painted accents! These darling dishes are a pretty personalized gift, and are so easy to make.
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4
centsationalstyle.com
Clay Relief Jewelry Holders
These DIY jewelry holders are so much easier than you might think! You'll use a mold, wood, and keyhole fasteners. Love it!
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5
www.linesacross.com
Succulent Pineapple Planter
Create a fun planter that looks like a pineapple when you add a succulent to it! Keep in mind you'll have to put something else inside to hold the soil and plant so your planter doesn't get wet. (or you could use the air dry clay succulent further down this list)
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6
Carrie Waller for Hunker
Candleholder
Illuminate your space with a touch of funky elegance using this easy clay candleholder tutorial. Personalize them with colors to match your decor.
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7
fallfordiy.com
Terracotta Clay Hanging Planters
Use air dry terracotta clay to make your own planters. Such a great idea if you have an idea of what you would like, but can't find it anywhere or it is way too expensive!
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8
www.entertainidea.com
Suncatcher
Create a stunning piece that captures the sunlight, adding a touch of whimsy to your space. This DIY suncatcher is truly mesmerizing!
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9
www.hellowonderful.co
Clay Fish
These fish would make cute backpack tags or keychains. Or make them larger to use as cute decorations in a kid's room. All you need is some air dried clay and acrylic paint.
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10
www.aliceandlois.com
Clay Christmas Village
I absolutely love this Christmas village! The Scandinavian minimalist look is perfect.
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11
happythought.co.uk
Hanging Sloth Planter
Follow along with this tutorial and make your own delightful hanging sloth planter. It is easier than you might think!
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12
journeycreativity.blogspot.com
Clay Buttons
Want to jazz up your wardrobe? Why not replace your buttons with some custom clay buttons like these? Doesn't it look so much better? It is like jewelry for your clothes!
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13
Clay Ring Holder
You can make a regular ring holder – but this origami themed holder with bright yellow paint takes a plain project up a notch. You’ll love it!
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14
www.brit.co
Clay Pendant Lamps
Create fun pendant lampshades using air dry clay and paint! Make sure to use LED bulbs and don't let the bulb get too close to the shade.
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15
ohhappyday.com
Mini Clay Envelopes
Looking for a unique place card idea for your next dinner party? These envelopes are easy to make and you can just swap out the names when you reuse them!
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16
sylviadesonia.com
Clay Mushroom Ornaments
Have fun coming up with super cute ways to paint these air dry clay mushroom ornaments. I love that she didn't use the traditional colors.
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17
www.deliacreates.com
Geometric Clay Necklace Pendant
You can paint and decoupage clay – turns out you can also gold leaf it! That's exactly what Delia did to make her pretty necklace. You can make it in any shape you like!
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18
abeautifulmess.com
Clay Cactus Candle Holders
Air dry clay, paint, and a gold pen are used to make these super cute candle holders. These cacti are going to be fun to make for your home.
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19
littleredwindow.com
Faux Succulent
Succulents are already super easy to take care of, but this is my kind of plant! Doesn't it look awesome?
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20
liagriffith.com
Hanging Clay Stars
What a great every day star project that is also perfect for the holidays! I love the idea of painting these clay stars either gold or silver . . . or both.
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21
ohhappyday.com
Woodland Creature Favors
Find out how to make these adorable woodland creature party favors. Turn them into fridge magnets or pins and your guests will remember your party every time they see them!
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22
www.gatheringbeauty.com
Clay Napkin Rings
Air dry clay is so versatile! For these DIY napkin rings, you will use letter stamps to write names or words that go with the holiday.
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23
hearthandvine.com
Clay Egg Planters
Use air dry clay and balloons to shape these egg planters. They are really cute alone or as part of an Easter dinner centerpiece.
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24
centsationalstyle.com
Clay Chimes
Create a charming and inviting outdoor space with DIY decorative clay wind chimes. Circles were used for this tutorial, but you could switch up the shapes if you like.
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25
www.blesserhouse.com
Decorative Clay Chain
Learn how to make a knock-off decorative object chain to look like the designer version for much less using air dry clay.
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26
acraftymix.com
Botanical Clay Wall Art
For this easy project, you add images to air dry clay circles and hang them from a piece of wood using jewelry wire. I love the botanical images used for this piece!
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27
fallfordiy.com
Incense Holder
It's so simple to make an incense holder out of clay! Once you make one, you'll want to make a ton and have one in every room of your home.
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28
fallfordiy.com
Beaded Star Christmas Tree Topper
What I love about this project is that the beads are made from air dry clay! It really adds to the handmade Christmas look. And you can absolutely paint the beads if you want to do so, to make it your own.
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29
celebrate-creativity.com
Handcrafted Clay Labels For Herb Pots
Add a touch of handcrafted whimsy to your small scale gardening efforts with these rim-wrapped, clay-labeled pots.
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30
wmdesignhouse.com
Clay Rabbit
Use terracotta air dry clay to make either a rabbit sculpture or Rabbit head planter for Easter. You have to check out how you make the faces… so smart!
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31
www.aliceandlois.com
Clay Rainbow Ornaments
Make two rainbow ornaments with one circle cutter. Add some paint and just wait for them to dry!
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32
makeandfable.com
Air Dry Clay Beads
Learn how to make beads with air dry clay. These chunky beads are made from white air dry clay painted and varnished. Just thread onto cord for a stylish necklace!
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33
idlewife.blogspot.com
Cord Wrap
Use air dry clay and cookie cutter to make this useful heart shaped cord wrap. This is such a great gift idea for a teen for Valentine's Day!
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34
thesmalladventurer.wordpress.com
Novelty Food-Themed Napkin Holders
Make a chocolate chip cookie or cheese napkin holder using clay. These are perfect for a party food table!
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35
ahappyhomeinholland.com
Air Drying Clay Cones
This extremely simple tutorial shows you how to make your own decorative cones from air dry clay. Add some sweet smelling lavender for a beautiful decor piece.
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Which of these air dry clay ideas will you try first? Let me know in the comments and then check out these other fun clay crafts: