25+ Cool Clay Ideas To Make
/Let's get creative with some super cool clay craft ideas! From funky jewellery to cute keychains, unique wall art to stylish lamps, the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafting with clay.
With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can make a beautiful and unique piece that will be treasured for years to come.
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DIY Clay Projects.
I'm so excited to share with you all the amazing things you can make with clay. All these crafts have been made with either polymer clay or air dry clay.
And the best part? Unlike traditional clay, it can be baked in the oven at home to harden and set the design.
Many people use these types of clay to make jewellery or small bowls but you can make so much more with it. It's a great way to make air dry clay bowls, rainbow cake toppers, cute cat coasters or even home decor projects like candle holders and clay planters.
Working with clay can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit intimidating if you're new to the craft. One of my favourite ways to use it is to use clay cutters or cookie cutters to create simple shapes and designs.
Another fun technique that I'd love to try is to create thin strands that can be twisted and braided like in the keychain DIY below.
Best Types Of Clays.
Although there are many different types of clay the two most popular clays used in crafting are air dry clay and polymer clay. Both air dry clay and polymer clay are fun and versatile materials that can be shaped and moulded into just about anything.
They are cheap to buy and can usually be found in your local craft store. This makes it an ideal choice for crafters of all skill levels. Plus you don't need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. All you need is your chosen clay and a few basic clay tools.
Related: Air Dry Clay Tips And Tricks
Supplies:
Air dry clay is a type of clay that dries and hardens when exposed to air. It is typically made from natural materials such as clay, and paper pulp. It's great for beginners as it's very easy to work with.
Air Dry Clay (or air hardening clay) - There are a few different brands available but the ones I've worked with and recommend are the Das Air Dry Clay and the Crayola Air Dry Clay.
Most air dry clay comes in either white or terracotta. The white clay is perfect for use with acrylic paint and can be used to create a variety of different crafts such as jewellery, planters, and home decor.
You can find 30+ of The Best Air Dry Clay Ideas here.
Polymer clay, on the other hand, is a synthetic clay that is made from a plastic material that is combined with a binding agent. It comes in a huge range of colours and is best used to make smaller, more detailed pieces.
Polymer Clay (or oven bake clay) - Premo Sculpey and Sculpey Souffle are both popular for polymer clay jewellery making.
This makes it great for making figurines, charms, and jewellery due to its ability to hold intricate details and its durability.
When choosing which type of clay to use for your project, it's important to consider the end result you're looking for. If you're making something that needs to be detailed, strong and durable, such as jewellery or figurines, polymer clay may be the better choice.
If you want something that is more organic and natural-looking, air dry clay may be the better choice.
Easy Clay Crafts.
If you're looking for a fun and affordable way to make someone a great gift or add some personality to your home, look no further than these 30+ Cool Clay Craft Ideas.
There is a selection of air dry clay projects (my personal favourite) as well as polymer clay crafts. If you're a beginner or want to craft with little kids I would start with easy clay craft projects like simple clay bead necklace or the cute sea shell clay creatures.
As you gain more experience try the cute monsters or the stylish black clay salt cellar or the DIY incense holder. They're the ideal project if you want more of a challenge and would make a perfect gift.
Check them all out below.
Sea Shell Clay Creatures
Have you ever wondered what to do with seashells? Well, these sea shell creatures are a super easy craft you and/or the kids can do, similar to these adorable sea shell fish.
DIY Polymer Clay Mermaid Box
This polymer clay mermaid box is easy and fun to make! Learn how to make a mermaid scale box using polymer clay and basic clay techniques.
Friendly Monster Earrings
These cute, friendly monster earrings (which you can make into charms, rings or even magnets) are a fun project for all the family.
Clay Kitty Coaster DIY
I’m usually alerted to any adorable cat-related cuteness, and recently someone showed me some precious ceramic cat face coasters that I just about died for. I thought I should recreate the kitty coaster idea and make them look like my personal favourite felines instead!
DIY Alphabet Magnets
These magnets are so easy and fun to make! My little guy is learning his letters and this is the perfect way to help him do that. Grab your supplies and get started! Your kids will thank you.
DIY Rainbow Cake Topper
This DIY rainbow cake topper is maybe my favourite DIY ever. It is so incredibly easy and probably the cutest cake topper to EVER exist… ever ha!
Clay Heart Pins
They’re also totally customizable; you could use a different shape of cookie cutter, or let your kids paint them, or even add some glitter if you’re a fan of sparkle. You really can’t go wrong.
DIY Colourful Clay Planters
Add a pop of colour to your greenery this summer with these DIY colourful clay planters! These little guys are so fun to make – and aren’t they just adorable, too? You can make these at a craft night with friends, give them as gifts, or keep them for yourself!
DIY Clay Ribbon Place Cards
Simple place card DIY using stamps to emboss the clay and create a 3D ribbon appearance using a cutter you can find in the clay aisle of your local craft store.
Modern DIY Candle Holder with Clay & Bamboo
Showcase your colourful candles with this handmade candle holder that’ll fit right in with your modern decor.
Glittery Good Luck Charms
Looking for a little extra luck? Make your own charms using air dry clay and Glitterific paint! We used the night sky and fortune tellers as our inspiration for these glittery blue and purple charms.
Terrazzo Style Clay Incense Holder
These have a lovely minimalist shape that make them easy to stack and store when not in use or to give to a friend as a housewarming present with your favourite type of incense.
Air Dry Clay Bowls
Learn how to make your own beautiful stamped clay bowls using air dry clay. Not only is it strong and durable but there is no firing or baking required.
DIY Rainbow Catch-All Dish
This rainbow catch-all dish with rolls of clay making a rainbow up the sides reminds me of Rainbow Brite’s outfit, and it’s officially my new favourite desk accessory for catching my random paper clips and push pins.
DIY Clay Magnets with Sculpey
Make the cutest clay magnets and pin your notes in style.
DIY Clay Bead Necklace
A simple polymer clay bead necklace that’s bound to impress.
DIY Strawberry Brooch
If you want a fun way to add some cuteness to your wardrobe, you’ll definitely want to make these strawberry brooches!
Black Clay Salt & Pepper Cellar
This Salt & Pepper Cellar is crafted from natural air-dry clay which is non-toxic. If you feel like it, you could also give the cellar holes a coating of food-safe varnish.
Easy Clay Letter Board Flair
See those little Thanksgiving goodies? They are made from clay and fit right into the slots of any letter board so that you can decorate with more than just words! Sweet right?
Faux Macaron Photo Holders
Use polymer clay to create cute little cookies that can hold a few photos and sit on my shelf all pretty like.
DIY Clay Drink Stirrers
These are so easy, look cool, and have some practicality to them as well for stirring drinks (or does everyone just use drink stirrers as decoration?).
Tangram Magnets DIY
These DIY tangram magnets can make a budget a gift or you for the kids. Alternatively, you could fall in love with them and keep them all to yourself.
DIY Clay Strawberries
Clay strawberries that you can use Christmas ornaments, gift toppers, jewellery, or just cute little figurines.
DIY Hand Dish
Use your own hand as a template to make unique bowls and dishes with air-dry clay. These are great for gifting or holding small trinkets!
DIY Polymer Clay Earrings
Polymer clay earrings are fun, easy, and fast to make. Make yourself a pair of these popular and trendy designs. Create custom colours and designs like modern marble, floral and botanical patterns, abstract landscapes, and arch shapes.
DIY Washi Tape Holder
Make these DIY Washi tape holders – a bit of leftover clay and a couple of wooden dowels is all you need.
Mini Coiled Clay Bowl
Learn how to create a coiled clay bowl using polymer clay in a marbled pattern! This simple technique makes the most beautiful coloured vessels.
DIY Tetris Magnets
Make a set of simple DIY Tetris magnets in various colours to arrange on the fridge with this clever tutorial.
Braided Clay DIY Keychain
Learn how to make a simple Braided Clay DIY Keychain to keep your keys organised and looking pretty at the same time. Win win.
Polymer Clay Patterned Forks
Learn how to make the cutest patterned forks ever! Follow along with my tutorial below to learn how to make patterned forks with clay for yourself.
DIY Polymer Clay Knot Paperweight
A DIY polymer clay knot paperweight tutorial. Who doesn’t love a beautifully styled shelf!? This paperweight would make the perfect edition to any shelf.
DIY Minimal 3d Wall Art
This abstract piece of 3D art which would work perfectly on its own in a minimal space or as part of a gallery wall that wows.
DIY Terracotta Lamp with Raffia Lampshade
Upcycle old glass bottles to create this DIY terracotta lamp with a raffia lampshade!
DIY Ombre Taper Candle Holders
The best thing about these DIY Ombre taper candle holders is that you can use the same technique to completely change up the colour scheme to match your decor. So if you love dark moody colours or earth tones, you can make these candle holders in those colours!
DIY Marbled Clay Bead Necklace
Find out how fun and easy it is to make beautiful patterned clay wooden bead necklaces with the kids!
