15 Amazing Air-Dry Clay Ideas To Get Started

Air-dry clay is cheap, easy to use, and highly recommended for kids. You’d spoil your kids with it to let them put forth their creativity in the easiest way possible.  And the best aspect of this traditional clay alternative is that even adults can give life to the fantastic decor ideas swirling in their minds. Although it’s rare, if you’re falling short of what to build with air-dry clay, I’ll help you out. 

In this article, I’ve rounded up my top 15 air-dry clay craft ideas to keep your kids busy this weekend!

What Is Air-Dry Clay Best Used For?

Air-dry clay is the best alternative to conventional clay and is relatively easy to work with. It is highly adaptable and dries without using a kiln (an insulated chamber) or oven. Simply leave your artwork to dry at room temperature for 36-48 hours and it’s done! If you want your project to dry faster, I have a dedicated article with all the different methods here. 

A vast range of clay-based items can be crafted out of air-dry clay without any particular equipment. I prefer to purchase air-dry clay for everyday things: art pots, planters, bowls, keychains, wall decor, pencil holders, and jewelry. However, the sky’s the limit to this list. 

There are tons of other applications of air-dry clay that entirely depend on its type. Some of the basic air-dry clay types are:

• Paper-Based 
• Earthen
• Epoxy Two-Part Mixed-Base

Coming to the main benefit of air-dry clay – is its durability. Even though there’s no need to set it in any hot chamber, it hardens on its own as it gets in touch with air. But one of its disadvantages is its durability. 

However, air-dry clay is less durable than regular clay fired in a kiln. Due to this, the latter is relatively stronger. To achieve the same level of strength as clay, wires are suggested to support your air-dry clay craftworks, and significantly larger sculptures.

Some interesting related articles here:

1. How to harden modeling clay with and without baking
2. How to make air-dry clay dry faster?
3. How long to bake polymer clay?
4. The Enigmatic Elegance of Raku Pottery

Basic Steps/Tips To Use Air-Dry clay

Although there’s no rocket science behind using air-dry clay, I still suggest following these basic steps/tips to use it as it should be. These steps/tips will make sure your creativity comes out as expected.

• Prepare Your Work Surface

Whether it’s a small or quite big project, opt for a stable and smooth work surface. For example, I prefer a silicone craft mat, wax paper, or even old newspapers. This will let you finish your project quickly and without sticking it to your surface. 

Pro tip: Wondering how to handle the stickiness? Since air-dry clay is very sticky, it will likely get stuck to your hands, surface, or tools. As a remedy, rub a pea-sized quantity of oil on your hands before starting to help minimize the stick.

• Cover Your Project

If you’ve to leave the workspace for any reason in the middle, don’t forget to cover your artwork with a piece of paper towel or even a thin cloth to keep dust and other tiny particles present in the air from sticking to your project. There’s another reason why this is necessary. 

Air-dry clay quickly dries up if left uncovered. Any covering will keep your clay from drying out and will be ready when you return to work on it.

• Don’t Make Your Project Too Thin

Always ensure that your clay isn’t too thin when working on an idea. This is because it’ll increase the chances of cracks and quick drying. Keeping this in mind, make sure you do the project with a stable foundation and an even thickness. 

• Give Your Project A Smooth Finish

When sculpting your air-dry clay, imperfections are common, whether you’re a beginner or a pro air-dry clay user. In such situations, you can pick a small wet sponge or use your fingers to ease those imperfections. 

Important tip: Do not use too much water, as it will increase the drying time or spoil your artwork. 

• Carefully Sculpt Small Items

When making small or detailed items, you ought to be extra careful. You can use a 1:1 ratio of PVC glue and water for these items to strengthen them. I’m stressing about a PVC glue and water blend over the simple glue and water mix because the former will lower the chances of your model breaking or cracking. 

• Let The Clay Dry Out Properly

Once you’re done shaping your artwork, let it get enough air exposure for an inside-out drying. If you’re using a mold, allow your clay to dry enough and remove it to maintain its shape. Also, I recommend you flip your projects at regular intervals to speed up the drying process.

• Color Your Air-Dry Clay (OPTIONAL)

(OPTIONAL) You can make your air-dry clay look more attractive by using food colors, high-quality acrylic paint, or any regular watercolor used in art and craft. To do so, add a few drops of the color to the clay and knead until you have the right color. 

Alternatively, using high-quality acrylic paint, you can paint your project once it’s ready. Make sure to give it enough time to dry if applying more than one layer of paint. 

• Seal Your Project

As is the case with conventional clay, air-dry clay, too, isn’t water-resistant. Thus, even excessive moisture in the air can disturb your art piece. To avoid this, seal it with acrylic varnish or an air-dry glaze, as it will protect your project from fading or chipping. 

So, these were some quick tips and basic steps to handle air-dry clay. With enough knowledge gained, let’s put it to the test through the following unique air-dry clay ideas. 

Top 15 Air-Dry Clay Ideas You Shouldn’t Miss

If you want to do something innovative at home, here are some air-dry clay ideas to inspire you! From planters to bowls, earrings to herb markers, you’ll find something you’ll love! So, let’s start. 

1. Stamped Air-Dry Clay Bowls

Do you love stamping air-dry clay bowls? If yes, why not use air-dry clay to make one? You can easily create stamped bowls like these in a few steps! They are straightforward, and you can also customize the words to match them to suit your tone. However, these bowls are not food-safe.

2. DIY Air-Dry Clay Earrings

Do you like unique handcrafted jewelry? I have to admit that there is something special about creating art. If you don’t want to pay a lot for handcrafted jewelry sold online, give this one a try. These air-dry clay earrings are easy to make and quite durable as well. 

3. Leaf Clay Dish

If you have been doing DIY products for quite some time, you would know that fall is an excellent season for making these leaves or any nature-related crafts. This leaf clay dish is the ideal project to begin the season with. It looks truly lovely and trendy and would be the best-handcrafted gift for your family or friends!

4. Decorated Clay Bowl

Use the coming holiday to make the most trendy and unique bowls you have glimpsed. These decorated clay bowls with a floral design are great for home decor. The best thing about these bowls is that there’s no baking or firing, and they are super easy to make. Isn’t that amazing?

5. Hanging Clay Planters

If you want a feasible opinion to organize your untidy plants, mounting them to the wall is the best idea. But how? These DIY air-dry clay wall planters answer your unorganized small flowers and plants. Also, they work as excellent home decor if hung in your living room! I love it!

6. DIY Herb Garden Markers

If you have a mini herb garden at home like me and often get confused among them, organize your garden with these marbled garden tags that will enable you to recognize all your herbs on the fly!

7. Air-Dry Clay Home Hanging Decor

Are you looking for trendy and modern home decor? This DIY craft is the one for you! You can make this fabulous dangling decor with drips and rainbows by using cornstarch and baking soda with air-dry clay. You can also work on it with your kids, as it’s easy and fun.

8. Fourth of July Tea Light Holders

Looking for a decoration that comes to life with the warm ray of a candle? You can make these easy lamp holders using air-dry clay and other decor items. They are very simple to make and an excellent decoration on your dining table!

9. DIY Air-Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments

Are you exhausted from looking for Christmas decorations each year? If that is the case, you can make awesome air-dry clay Christmas decorations at home without burning your pocket. All you require is air-dry clay, a couple of cutters set in various shapes, stamps, and a few other items. I love the way these have turned out!

10. Miniature Food Fridge Magnets

Whether you are looking for a pretty present or want to decorate your boring fridge, these miniature food fridge magnets are an excellent idea. They’re straightforward to make; all you require is air-dry clay, acrylic colors, flowers, magnets, and other supplies. 

Related: Best 3D Printer For Miniatures – Top 5 Models And Buying Guide

11. DIY Textured Air-Dry Clay Pots

Love those trendy textured air dry clay pots you’ve seen online? They are fashionable and adorning, but they cost a lot. I have a trick. You can create yours at home without spending a fortune on those planters. The best thing is that you don’t have to fire this clay in the kiln. Let it dry, and your favorite planters will be ready!

12. Air-Dry Clay Rainbow Craft

Love rainbows? You don’t have to wait for the rain to see it. You can make your little rainbows at home now. These pretty little rainbow decorations are made from air-dry clay and paint. Let them dangle on the wall or down from the roof (if possible), and enjoy the view!

13. Embossed Clay Star Craft For Kids

We all know Christmas is about love, gifts, and family. But it’s also about decorating the Christmas tree and your home. If you like these amazing Christmas decorations, these embossed air-dry clay stars decors are an excellent option! 

14. DIY Air-Dry Clay Multi-Purpose Container

Do you already have enough flowers and plants? Do you still want to add more to your collection but don’t have sufficient space? Then, this is the proper chance to make two or more planters using air-dry clay! You will love this project because it creates something super useful while being very simple to do. Watch this video tutorial for more details.

15. Sea Shell Creatures With Clay

Are you curious about exploring sea life? Maybe you have watched Finding Nemo, and now, you want to build your aquarium. You can also teach your children by making these sea creatures using air-dry clay. Each can make their favorite sea animal and have a lot of fun.

Air-Dry Clay Ideas Q&A

What are the differences between polymer clay and air-dry clay?

Polymer and air-dry clay are two types of clay that crafters and artists often use. While each type of clay has unique characteristics and uses, some critical differences can help you determine the best for your project.

One significant difference between polymer clay and air-dry clay is the fact that polymer clay needs to be baked to harden, while air-dry clay dries naturally over time. This means that polymer clay offers a more robust, more durable final product than air-dry clay, but it also means that you will need to allow more time for your project to dry when using this type of material.

Another significant difference between these two types of clay is that polymer clay is typically available in a broader range of colors. In contrast, air-dry clay comes in only a few basic shades. You may need to use additional materials or techniques to achieve the color effects you want when working with air-dry clay.

Both polymer and air-dry clay can be used to create beautiful projects and sculptures. However, if you want a material that offers great strength and durability, then polymer clay is likely the best choice. If you prefer to work with a wide range of vibrant colors, you may opt for air-dry clay instead. Whichever type of clay you choose, be sure to take the time to research the proper techniques and safety precautions for working with these.

Conclusion 

So, here you go. As you have seen, there are limitless crafts that you can create with air-dry clay. Air-dry clay is such a beautiful craftwork material. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and doesn’t require any unique skills or any particular tool to get started.

We hope some of the above ideas will inspire you and you will try to create unique products with air-dry clay. Have more exciting ideas based on air-dry clay? Drop them in the comments below.