INSIDE : 15 Incredible Air Dry Modeling Clay Ideas from craft projects, creative ideas and simple techniques that will instantly inspire you! Get ready to be inspired and have tons of idea for things to make out of air dry clay.
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This post has been updated since it’s original April 2015 publish date.
If you have been a Delineate Your Dwelling reader for long, you know I love using Air Dry Clay. I have done numerous types of projects using clay. I’ve shown different creative clay techniques and even wrote a simple post about how to store air dry clay.
Today I am sharing 15 Air Dry Clay Projects that will instantly inspire you from some amazing talent across the internet! This post is clearly a HUGE favorite of yours because it’s been pinned on Pinterest well over 50,000 times!
Why is Air Dry Clay so amazing to work with?
I love Air Dry Modeling Clay because –
- It is so inexpensive.
- It is very easy to work with.
- Has tons of different uses.
- Does not even require baking time to harden.
I think that’s basically a 4x win! Beyond that, if you use a white clay, you can paint it with acrylic paint OR spray paint, so color options are endless. Is that a 5th win??!
Can you buy Colored Air Dry Clay?
The short answer is yes. You can easily get colored Air Dry Clays. There are so many options available now. I just discovered this set of gorgeous pre-mixed colorful air dry clays.
But, you can also get more traditional clay colors like white and terra cotta color.
These are my favorites –
After seeing some these projects below, I hope you are inspired to get to your local craft supply store and buy some clay!
What is the best kind of Air Dry Clay to use?
When starting out, I used Crayola Air Dry clay for all sorts of projects and it really worked well.
However, with time I have switched over to using either Sculpey white Air Dry clay or Das White Air Dry Clay. I think for the type of projects I typically do; home decor type projects, these are superior quality brands.
I love Sculpey and Das because they both dry a little more clean and are a purer white color. As opposed to the Crayola air dry clay which dries a light gray/white color.
With that being said, if you are planning to make fun crafts with your kiddos, Crayola is a great product to use.
What are some great Air Dry Clay craft ideas for adults?
I have found 15 creative air dry modeling clay ideas and inspiration projects for you. And if you are still looking for more inspiration, I’ve rounded up 12 other great Air Dry clay projects here, too.
Be kind and please make sure to pin from the original source!
15 Air Dry Clay projects that will Inspire
How to Make Inexpensive CLAY KNOBS!
Learn how to make inexpensive Knobs using Air Dry clay.
DIY Clay Chain Link Decor
Learn how to make a simple Clay Chain link for your home. Perfect to set out on a coffee table.
DIY Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging
Learn how to make a beautiful DIY Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging!
DIY Clay Alphabet Container
Create adorable letter clay holders, perfect for small
office supplies.
Fourth of July Tea Light Holders
Learn how to create festive July 4th Tea Light holders.
Clay Leaf Bowls - Easy DIY Project
Learn to make gorgeous realistic Clay Leaf Bowls.
DIY Stamped Clay Succulent Pots
Make fun textured Stamped Clay Succulent Pots to hold all your plants!
Geometric Clay Rings
Learn how to make these fun Geometric Air Dry Clay Rings. It’s so fun to make a statement, why not DIY it and be make it your very own.
Flower Face Vases
Make a precious Flower Face Vase to display your bouquets in!
HOW TO MAKE DIY AIR DRY CLAY BOWLS.
Beautiful printed Air Dry Clay Bowls!
Colorful Clay Animal Heads
See how simple it is to make these DIY Air Dry Clay decor pieces for your home! Create these whimsical Colorful Clay Animal Heads in no time at all to hang on your walls.
DIY EMBOSSED CLAY STONE PAPERWEIGHTS.
Create gorgeous Embossed Clay Paperweights, a perfect gift idea too!
DIY Clay Egg Carton
Learn how to make a DIY Air Dry Clay Egg Carton to hold all your eggs!
DIY Clay Bunny Bowls
Create simple little DIY Clay Bunny Bowls to hold your Easter candy!
Make Your Own Mini Planter
Make fun hanging Mini Planters from Air Dry Clay.
Are you looking for EVEN MORE Air Dry Clay? You might like these, then.
- 14 Air Dry Clay Projects to Wow
- Best Tips for Using Air Dry Clay
- How to Store Air Dry Clay
- 7 Ways to keep your Air Dry Clay from Cracking
- 10 Amazing Clay Project Ideas
- Clay Projects
Hi,Amy!I love your clay projects!❤️Love your geometric clay rings,beautiful idea!❤️
Thank you so much!
Is it a great alternative for polymer clay? Like can you make cute keychains, necklace pendants etc. with it?
Air Dry clay is a great alternative if you want a more raw clay feel and look. You also can paint it, but it’s has a more natural material feel coming in typically white or terra cotta color. And yes, I have made many cute small items with it. 😉
What products do you use to color the clay?
Great question, Jodi! You can use any type of paint, I’ve done spray paint and acrylic. This post might be helpful for you,
I’m about to try model paint 😐 wish me luck!
How did it go?
I’ve done a fairy house by usin a jar an cover in with air dry clay but once it’s started to dry it looks like crazy pavin help how can I stop this from happening plz
June: Did the air dry clay start to crack once it dried? I wrote a whole post about tips and tricks for air dry clay, you might find it helpful!
Should u add something to keep the clay from molding ?
Do you mean before or after you use the clay? It’s air dry, so in a day or so it completely dries out and becomes hard. There is no possibility of mold at that point. Great question.
If you cover somthing you want to mold when its dry can you cut it off the item?
Unless you are completely wrapping the clay around the mold, yes you should be able to lift up the clay once it’s dry – no problem. Thanks for asking!
If I do Mugs or plates with Air Dry Clay, they can be washed and put into microwave within troubles? Thank u!
Great question, Mariaz! I would imagine if you glazed the air dry clay, then they would be washed but just as they are, adding water will turn them back into clay… so I would recommend against using them for plates or mugs to be eaten and washed with. 😉
Have you tried home printed waterslide decals, if so wondered how you got on, im trying to use on air dry clay only I have a glossy film around the image and wondered how to prevent this?
I’ve not tried decals on air dry clay. Sorry I can’t be more of a help. Good luck!
These are beautiful. I am going to try some! I am in love with the stamped bowls, the letters that are little containers and the knobs. Very cool!
I know, Michelle! Those stamped bowls are going to need to happen sometime soon, I love them so!
I love the idea for the leaf-shaped clay idea, I want to make those but round them into some cute little bowls.I already have some Crayola Air Dry Clay and I want to do something with it so I love these ideas-anything D.I.Y is me!Thanks for the ideas!
-p.s I’m only ten.?
Glad to be inspiring people of all ages to get creative! 😉
Hi Amy, thanks so much for including me in the round-up. I love your geometric clay rings, such a clever idea!
Thanks for the comment, Emma! I was in love with all your clay projects, as well!!
I so love air dry clay for all the same reasons! I think I may need to get some more though cause mine dried out. I’ve used air dry clay for gift tags (http://www.bravenewhome.com/gold-ornaments/), an essential oil storage box (http://www.bravenewhome.com/diy-essential-oils-storage-box/) and a ring holder (http://www.bravenewhome.com/knock-knock-offs-urban/). The possibilities are endless! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next : ]
AH! How could I have forgotten about your ring holder!! I’m totally going to update the post and add! =)
I love all of your clay projects! I’m smitten with those animal heads to this day!
Aw, thanks Gwen!!