DIY clay crafts have become one of my favorite creative hobbies this year. I really got into clay crafting earlier this year, when I started going to ceramic workshops several times a month. I loved trying out new projects and making useful, everyday pieces with my own hands.
But clay is such an endless topic that you definitely don’t need a ceramic workshop to enjoy it. There are so many things you can make at home using either air-dry or oven-bake clay, from adorable little animal figurines to personalised fridge magnets and practical decorative pieces. And the best part? Clay crafting often looks much more complicated than it actually is. This post contains affiliate links.
Choosing Your Clay
The first step in any DIY clay crafts project is choosing the right type of clay. There are two main options — air dry clay and polymer clay — and they work slightly differently.
Air dry clay hardens naturally without an oven, which makes it easy and accessible for beginners. Also, it is great for larger pieces and anything that needs to dry slowly. The DAS Air Hardening Modeling Clay in White has a smooth, even texture and is one of the most popular choices for home crafting. The Crayola Air Dry Clay 5lb in White is a larger resealable bucket — great for longer projects or group crafting. And the Crayola Air Dry Clay Bulk Pack is ideal for anyone who wants to stock up for multiple projects.
For colored clay kits that are ready to use straight away, the JUPITEARTH 36 Colors Air Dry Clay Kit includes 8 cutters, art cards, a work mat, and 4 sculpting tools — perfect for kids and beginners. The MuseLuxe 32 Colors Air Dry Clay Kit is non-toxic, odorless, and dries within 24 hours without baking.
Polymer clay needs to be baked in an oven to harden, but it gives a more durable and detailed result. So it is better for small, intricate pieces like figurines and jewelry. The Polymer Clay Kit 50 Colors comes with 20 sculpting tools and a storage box — a great starter kit. And the CiaraQ 50-Color Polymer Clay Oven Bake Kit includes 14 sculpting tools and a 2-layer storage box.
Tools You Will Need
Good tools make a real difference in how your DIY clay crafts turn out. Also, having the right set from the start saves a lot of frustration.
The Amrules 27-Piece Polymer Clay Sculpting Tools Kit is a multi-functional set for carving, dotting, and molding — comes with a zipper storage bag. The 14-Piece Clay Tools and Pottery Tools Kit includes an acrylic clay roller, thickness rings, and clay cutters — ideal for jewelry and smaller pieces. The SmashAce 30-Piece Professional Clay Tools Kit includes a wire cutter, ribbon tool, potter’s rib, and carving set. The 12-Piece Polymer Clay Cutter Tools Set includes an acrylic roller, rectangle press board, and shaping knives. And the HOKKIEAM 10-Piece Clay Texture Rollers are perfect for creating patterned surfaces on both polymer and air dry clay.
Acrylic Paints for Coloring White Clay
If you’re using white clay and want to add your own colors, acrylic paints can be useful for painting your finished pieces. The Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint Set 15 x 12ml Tubes is non-toxic and rich in pigment — a great starter set for adding color to clay, with plenty of shades to choose from. For a larger variety of colors, the Shuttle Art 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set in 2oz Bottles offers waterproof acrylic paints with rich pigments, making it a good option for more detailed or colorful clay projects. Let your clay fully dry or cure before painting, and allow the paint to dry completely before applying a glaze or sealant.
Sealing and Glazing Your Finished Pieces
Once your DIY clay crafts are dry or baked, a good glaze protects the surface and gives a beautiful finish. Also, it makes painted details look richer and more polished.
For a complete kit that includes tools and glaze together, the EIGTWEN Air Dry Clay Glaze with 29-Piece Tools Kit is a great all-in-one option.
The Air Dry Clay Glaze High Gloss Varnish is non-toxic and non-yellowing — it gives a clear glass-like shine and helps prevent cracking. The Mod Podge Gloss Sealer 16oz is a classic all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish that works on clay, paper, wood, and more. And the Air Dry Clay Glaze High Gloss Varnish is a protective sealant that also prevents scratching.
For an extra layer of crystal-clear coating — especially beautiful on fridge magnets — the KISREL UV Resin Hard Type cures in 1-3 minutes under a UV lamp and gives a stunning transparent finish.
Making Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are one of the most satisfying DIY clay crafts to make. They are small, quick to complete, and make wonderful personalised gifts. Also, the variety of shapes and styles you can create is endless.
What You Need for Magnets
The 60-Piece Small Round Cylinder Magnets and this alternative magnet set are both ideal for attaching to the back of finished clay pieces. Always glue the magnet onto fully dried or cooled clay — never before. The B7000 Jewelry Glue Clear Adhesive 50ml is a strong multipurpose adhesive that bonds magnets securely to clay surfaces. And the SMARTAKE 45-Piece Neodymium Fridge Magnets are premium silver magnets that work beautifully on fridges and whiteboards.
Fridge Magnet Video Inspiration
One thing I’ve been especially hooked on lately is making cute, quirky fridge magnets. So far, I’ve made a fried egg, a croissant, a loaf of bread, and even a tiny vase that can actually hold a little flower. I absolutely love spending time on these little projects — they’re so much fun to make and I can’t seem to stop coming up with new ideas!
You can find tons of inspiration in the videos below:
These little pieces are just too cute! Personally, I love working with cheerful, bright colors and creating summery designs, so things like the watermelon and ice cream are right up my alley. You can also spot the little vase here that I made myself earlier. And don’t even get me started on those mouth-watering little pastries… they’re definitely a favorite!
And of course, when it comes to cuteness, we have to bring the animals into the picture. My best friend is a huge cat lover, so I might just surprise her with a few cute cat-themed accessories this year. 🙂
Making Animal Figurines
Animal figurines are one of the most popular DIY clay crafts on Pinterest right now. They are charming, creative, and once you get the hang of the basic shapes, you can create almost any animal you like. Also, they look beautiful displayed on a shelf or windowsill.
Animal Figurine Video Inspiration
Capybaras have been everywhere this year, so of course I had to include one! There’s also a video here showing you how to make this adorable little cutie yourself.
Even though making cute little animals is something adults can enjoy just as much, I think kids can definitely join in too when it comes to simpler clay projects. It can be a fun little creative activity to do together, and they’ll love seeing their own creations come to life!
Ready to Start?
DIY clay crafts are one of those hobbies that reward you immediately. So pick up a pack of clay, gather a few tools, and start small. A tiny bread loaf magnet or a little frog figurine is all it takes to get hooked. And once you do, the ideas never stop coming.
If you’re enjoying the creative side of working with clay, you might also love these DIY textured painting ideas for adding a little more texture and personality to your home decor. And if you enjoy working with your hands and creating unique little pieces, you might also want to check out this guide to DIY pebble mosaic ideas — from stepping stones and plant pots to charming mosaic coasters.
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