7 Projects to Make with Air Dry Clay
There's no end to the items that can be created using air drying clay – from napkin rings and incense holders to spoon rests and candle holders, the possibilities are endless!
Discover seven easy ways to create beautiful items for your home using air drying clay, perfect for beginners to clay modelling. You can either leave your finished creations plain or decorate using a selection of craft paints and Mod Podge to ensure your creations last for years to come.
You will need
Five Projects to Make with Air Dry Clay
Clay Mushroom Decoration
* Air Dry Clay
* Clay Tools
* Jump Rings
* Twine
* Acrylic Paint
* Paintbrushes
* Decoupage Medium
* Super Strong Glue
Clay Pressed Flower Vase
* Glass Vase/Jar
* Air Dry Clay
* Paintbrushes
* Acrylic Paint
* Decoupage Medium
* Rolling Pin
* Clay Tools
* Sponge
* Flowers/Foliage with a Stalk
Tear off a small amount of air dry clay and roll it into a ball in your hands (the amount you use depends on how big you want your decoration, be mindful that the bigger it is the heavier it is). Use your thumb to press the centre of one side to form a bowl shape and create a small flat centre. Use a dash of water and a paintbrush to tidy up the edges use your clay tool to gently carve lines on the inside of the bowl.
Poke in a small hole on the top of the bowl and secure the jump ring. This needs to set in the clay for you to thread the twine through later. Use a little clay to help secure it and smooth out the area.
With another piece of clay, roll it in you hands to create a stalk and flatten both ends (this will help you glue the stalk on later). Don't worry about making it perfect, they look more natural a bit wonky with a few lines! Leave the clay to dry for at least 24 hours.
Using acrylic paint, decorate the bowl and stalk and leave to dry. Once it's dry you can add a layer of decoupage medium to protect your design and give it a glossy finish. Once fully dry, glue the stalk to the underside of the bowl and thread a piece of twine through the jump ring.
Project and instructions by The Making Box
Using a rolling pin, roll out air dry clay on a flat surface to 1/2cm thick. Once the clay is long/wide enough, place your vase in the centre and wrap the clay around the vase. Using a clay tool and a little water, blend the two edges together and cut off any excess from the top and the bottom.
Use a damp sponge to smooth out the surface, top and bottom edges. Take the fresh flowers/foliage and press them onto the clay. Use a rolling pin to gently roll over it to create an imprint. Repeat this as many times as you like for your design. Leave the clay to dry for at least 24 hours.
Use watered down acrylic paint to paint over the flower imprints. This will ensure the paint can get into the print and create darker/lighter areas to show up the imprint. Continue to paint until you're happy with the design.
Once the paint is dry, cover in a layer of gloss decoupage medium - this will protect the paint and give it a nice shine.
Project and instructions by The Making Box
These super-simple napkin holders are quick to make and can be easily personalised in any which way you like using the DAS clay metal cutters, simply follow this how-to guide by Suzi Kagi to get started!
Keep work surfaces clean and tidy with this air dry clay spoon rest. A lemon has been used as the design for this spoon rest, but any circular fruit could be used - the choice is yours! Follow the instructions by Suzi Kagi below.
These custom made candle holders can be easily made to any size you like using your favourite candle as a guide. Personalise your candle holders using clay cutters, or why not add a pop of colour using paint once the holder has completely dried. Find the instructions by Suzi Kagi below.
These moon and star-shaped air dry clay incense holders will make sure to keep your incense sticks safley in place as the calming aromas fill your home. Find the project and instructions by Suzi Kagi.
Organise your jewellery by making an Air Dry Clay Jewellery Cactus holder. Not only is this cactus holder ideal for keeping your everyday jewellery items safe and sound, it makes a great display piece to have out in your home. Discover the instructions by Suzi Kagi.