DYI ideas with air-drying clay

You have bought air-drying clay, cleared the kitchen table and rolled up your sleeves. But what now? We have gathered six inspiring and beginner-friendly projects to create with air-drying clay. Sometimes it is the ideas that are missing, and we hope this article sparks your creativity and inspires a creative moment with this magical material.

Vases and pots made from air-drying clay

The DIY trend with air-drying clay is here to stay. Right now, vases are particularly trendy to make, with organic shapes and earthy, pastel tones being the go-to style. Since the clay is not waterproof, you can cover a glass jar or plastic container to create a functional vase or pot. You can also breathe new life into old pots you find at home or second-hand by covering them with air-drying clay.

Shape soft lines, add texture with patterns or experiment with sculptural details. Let your creations dry and paint them in beautiful colours (use acrylic paint), or experiment with decoupage (more on decoupage later in the article). For extra durability, finish with varnish and enjoy your unique handmade decorations.

Air dry clay ornaments to hang

Let your imagination run wild and create unique hanging ornaments with air-drying clay. Perfect for decorating the Christmas tree, Easter twigs or as a beautiful mobile for a christening gift. The shape and decoration can be adapted to the season and occasion. Hearts for Valentine’s Day, snowflakes for winter or flowers for a summery feel.

For lighter ornaments, we recommend Fimo Air Light, which dries to a very light weight and works well with thin strings. Other clays may become heavier, which is worth considering when hanging. Decorate your ornaments by pressing in plants, painting lovely motifs or adding gold leaf for a luxurious touch. Simple to make and full of personal charm.

Decorating clay with decoupage

Decoupage is a fantastic technique for decorating air-drying clay and creating unique, detailed patterns without having to paint by hand. With the help of thin papers or other materials such as tissue paper, dried flowers, gold leaf or newspaper cuttings, you can easily give your clay creations a personal and stylish touch.

How to Use Decoupage:

1. Prepare the surface: Make sure your clay piece is completely dry and lightly sand it for a smooth surface.
   
   
2. Apply glue: Use a thin layer of decoupage glue or diluted school glue on the area where you want to place your design.
   
   
3. Attach the paper: Carefully place the paper onto the clay and smooth it out with a soft brush to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.
   
   
4. Seal the surface: Once the paper has dried, apply another layer of glue or varnish on top to protect and seal the design.

Shop everything for decoupage here →

Create jewellery dishes from air-drying clay

Jewellery dishes are a perfect beginner project using air-drying clay. They are easy to shape, fun to decorate and make fantastic gifts. Since the clay is not suitable for water or food, jewellery dishes are a better choice than tableware. Shape a round, wavy or patterned dish, let it dry and paint with acrylic paint or gold leaf for a personal touch. Add varnish for extra durability and enjoy your handmade creation.

While you are at it, why not try making a piece of jewellery to complete the gift? We have everything you need and more for jewellery making.

Letter Stamps for clay

With the Staedtler FIMO Stamp Kit, you can easily create unique messages on clay. Perfect for gift tags, magnets, place cards or other creative projects.

The set includes 88 letters, 19 numbers and special characters that stick to different types of clay. The included guide rail makes it easy to position the letters straight, and the stamps are easy to clean with soap and water. A handy way to add a personal touch to your DIY projects.

Painting on air-drying clay

It is no secret that we at Pen Store love pens. That is why we are extra excited about this tip: painting your clay creations with colours and pens in lovely colour combinations. Choose acrylic or gouache paints to cover larger areas and create bold colour transitions with sponges and brushes.

If you enjoy the stability and creative freedom that pens offer, you can choose from all the acrylic markers in our range. By playing around with colours and patterns on your creations, you can create expressive and unique vases, bowls, sculptures and much, much more. Remember to finish with a varnish to seal your artwork.

Frequently asked questions about air-drying clay

What is air-drying clay?

Air-drying clay is a type of clay that hardens and sets through contact with air, without the need for firing in a kiln. It is perfect for DIY projects, sculptures and crafts. To learn more about the material, check out our guide All About Air-Drying Clay.

How long does air-drying clay take to dry?

Drying time varies depending on thickness and humidity, but generally takes between 24 and 48 hours for the clay to fully harden. You can slightly speed up the drying time by using heat or cold air. However, be cautious as temperature changes and uneven drying can cause blemishes.
 

Can I paint air-drying clay?

Yes. Once the clay is completely dry, you can paint it with various types of paints and pens. In our guide How to Create with Air-Drying Clay, we go through everything about painting and varnishing.

What tools do I need to work with air-drying clay?

Basic tools include knives, rolling pins, moulds and water to smooth the surface. You can also use stamps and textures to create unique details and engravings. You will find everything you need under Clay Tools.

Can air-drying clay be made waterproof?

Air-drying clay is not naturally waterproof, but you can use a water-resistant varnish or sealant to protect it from moisture.

Can I make jewellery with air-drying clay?

Absolutely. Air-drying clay works excellently for making jewellery such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Remember to varnish for extra protection and durability. For pendants, we recommend the clay Fimo Air Light, which is lighter than standard air-drying clays and ideal for jewellery.

How do I store air-drying clay?

Store the clay in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. For extra safety, wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. If the clay becomes dry, you can try softening it with a little water. We share more storage tips, as well as how to revive dried clay, in the guide How to Store Air-Drying Clay.

Can I use air-drying clay to create functional items?

Yes, but as it is not waterproof, it is not recommended for use with food and drink. However, it works perfectly for decorative items, candle holders and pots.

Which is the best air-drying clay?

All the clays we sell are of high quality for creating the items mentioned in this article. However, depending on exactly what you plan to make and what characteristics you are looking for, some brands may suit you better than others. In our Buyer's Guide for Air-Drying Clay, we present different brands and types to help you find the right one.