Get over 40 ideas for clay crafts, perfect for kids or adults! You’ll find lots of projects including both air dry and polymer clay. Get great ideas for decor, gifts, and more.
There are a lot of craft supplies that, over the course of time, get “typecast” into certain roles. For example, clothespins.
But just as I don’t like assumptions being made about me, I think we’re being unfair to clay. Sure there are clay crafts for kids, but that isn’t the only way to enjoy this underappreciated material.
I think another way that clay gets stereotyped is that some crafters think using it is difficult. And what are you supposed to make?
The truth is, it isn’t that difficult – and I’m about to show you over 40 ideas to show you exactly how easy it is to use.
I promise you can make any of these projects, even as a beginner!
I personally like Sculpey clay as my go-to brand, if you’re wondering. I love the colors and find it really easy to shape. You’ll find that people typically use two types of clays in their projects: air dry and polymer.
Air Dry Clay vs. Polymer Clay
The main difference between these types of clays is the drying method. Air dry clay is just as it sounds; it will dry by leaving it out. It can take multiple days – I’ve had to leave a project out for a week before.
You’ll probably want to add a polycrylic top coat (even Mod Podge will work) to seal your project. That is because air dry clay isn’t resistant to water, even when fully dry.
Polymer clay needs to be baked to dry. When it is baked, it hardens into something that is waterproof and won’t lose its shape. You can seal it to add shine if you like. But you don’t have to!
Air dry clay is cheaper and you can find it in the kids’ section of your craft store. Michaels also has an entire clay section, at least in my local stores.
Polymer clay comes in TONS of colors! Air dry clay doesn’t but you can paint it – you can paint both, actually.
Tools You’ll Need
The most common tools that people use for working with clay are the following:
Silicone mat – for rolling out the clay on a non-stick surface.
Roller or brayer – just like for baking, a roller smooths your clay out and gives you a flat working surface. The clay pasta machines are really nice if you want to spend a little extra.
Stamps – want to put letters or a pattern design into your project? That’s what stamps will do.
Sculpting tools – the sets might look like they are for professional potters, but you’ll end up using the knives, smoothing tools, drawing lines with tips, etc. Get an inexpensive set with just a few tools to start.
Ready to jump into the projects? I’d love to know what you think of these clay crafts. Take a peek and let me know your favorites in the comments. And if there is something I’ve missed, let me know that too. Enjoy!
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DIY Stamped Succulent Pots
Learn how to make the perfect sized succulent pots using clay! Each little succulent can have their own home, no matter the size.
DIY clay bowls take just minutes to make and decorate, which means you can create a bunch and keep them on hand. Paired with simple add-ons like incense, jewelry, candles, or plants they make thoughtful gifts with a sweet, personal touch.
Make this simple yet wildly colorful DIY rainbow catch-all dish inspired by Rainbow Brite! Made with polymer clay, this simple container is perfect for catching small desk or vanity accessories.
Loving the terrazzo trend? You can easily add some modern style to your home with this simple DIY clay terrazzo planter! This simple project is a lot of fun to make and has a beautiful, luxe look.
Love creating with polymer clay? Here is a tutorial for some simple and modern DIY trivets with (faux) granite. These clay trivets are easy to make and look very cool too.
DIY earrings are fun, easy, and fast to make. Make yourself a pair of these popular and trendy designs. Create custom colors and designs like modern marble, floral and botanical patterns, abstract landscapes, and arch shapes.
Learn how to make DIY coasters with a marbled effect to add a chic touch to any room – while protecting your furniture at the same time. Great for gifting.
Clay is a fun material to work with, especially when it comes to napkin rings! This article will walk you through the steps of how to make these yourself, and you can use autumn colors for a seasonal touch.
I just about died when I saw this clay craft! It looks like these crystals would be difficult to make, but the steps are clearly laid out . . . and it's not hard at all. This is where a clay roller definitely comes in handy!
When I first saw this I thought that it would definitely be something I might see in an Anthropologie! Such a cute little clay ring holder, and I love the polka dots.
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.
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!
Lily used her own salt dough recipe to make her garland, but there's no reason you couldn't use either air dry or polymer clay for this. Perfect for holiday decorating.
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.
These sugar skull necklaces are super fun to make! Kids will love to wear them for Day of the Dead or Halloween. Don't forget to use colorful paint colors.
Creating a marbled pattern in clay is way easier than you think; this tutorial will show you how. Then you can turn the clay into beautiful barrettes to wear in your hair.See more DIY hair accessories.
Have you ever wondered whether polymer clay can be used with alcohol inks? The answer is yes! Use the inks along with clay to create these unique earrings.
Create miniature cactus from polymer clay for your fairy garden, doll house, or miniature collection. You can make them simply because they are adorable. These tiny succulents can easily be recreated with a little patience and lot of fun!
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!
It's genius how Francesca used plastic wine glasses as molds for her wind chime! This looks pretty in white, but you could paint it any colors you like to match your decor.
Do you have a collection of oils? Learn how to make an essential oil storage box that holds your bottles securely in a clay tray. This organizer looks good too!
