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How to Make Air Dry Clay Snails

Level
Beginner
Time
1 hour
Budget
<10

Learn how to make these adorable snails using clay and acrylic paint! There's no end to ways that they can be decorated, and the shape is so simple to make.

This craft is great for kids to make a new toy or something to display in their room. Follow the below tutorial to see how it's done and get creative!

Discover more clay projects here >

You will need

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Is $ 3.49 , was $ 6.49

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Quantity: 1

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Is $ 7.49

Is $ 7.49

Quantity: 1

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How to make

You will also need:

*A paint brush

*A black marker pen

*Sandpaper

Step 1

Roll out a thick tube of clay, making one end smaller than the other.

 

Twist up the thicker end of the tube, and pinch two ears (eyes) into the top of the snail's head.

 

Blunt the ends of these ears using your fingers.

 

Manipulate the clay so that the snail is sitting in a natural pose with the head pointing upwards and the tail curving around slightly.

 

Create another tube of clay, making one end smaller than the other.

 

Roll in the tube to the left from the small edge, lifting the smaller centre up slightly to create a three dimensional snail shell.

 

Leave to dry.

air-drying-snails-photo1.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2

Use fine sandpaper to smooth out any bumps or fingerprints in the clay.

 

This isn't compulsory, but will produce a more even overall finish!

air-drying-snails-photo2.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3

Once the clay is dry, paint two coats of acrylic in a colour of your choice over the whole snail

air-drying-snails-photo4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4

Once the colour is completely dry, paint over the shell in another colour – here we have opted for a darker blue

air-drying-snails-photo5.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5

Paint on some decorative flourishes in a colour that will stand out – here we have used white acrylic paint on the darker snails, and a mustard yellow on the lightest snail.

 

Draw in two dots for eyes – here you can play around with expression!

 

Leave to dry, and varnish with Mod Podge for a super glossy finish.

air-drying-snails-square.jpg?sw=680&q=85
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