35 Air-Dry Clay Ideas For Beginners
If you're new to crafting, air-dry clay is the perfect medium to explore. It’s easy to shape, requires no kiln or oven, and is a fun way to make something beautiful with your hands. Whether you’re looking for cute home decor, thoughtful gifts, or just a relaxing project, these air-dry clay ideas are a great place to start. With endless possibilities, it’s ideal for both kids and adults.
Here are 35 air-dry clay projects that are creative, versatile, and perfect for beginners.
1. Clay leaf bowls
Create a leaf-style trinket from air-dry clay! Mold the clay into a leaf shape or press real leaves into air-dry clay to create textured bowls that capture natural patterns. These bowls make lovely decorative accents.
Check out: All-inclusive home pottery kit from air-dry clay for trinkets
2. Pinch pots
Form a small ball of clay, then pinch it into a bowl shape using just your fingers. It’s a classic air-dry clay craft for kids and adults alike.
Check out: How to make a pinch pot from A-Z
3. Succulent planters
Create mini pots in geometric or organic fun shapes for your plants. Paint them with soft tones or bright colours for a personalised look.
Check out: Petit plant charms - mini succulent pots kit
4. Earrings
Shape lightweight studs or dangles, then paint and attach jewelry findings. These air-dry clay creations make perfect handmade gifts.
Check out: Creations Earring Kit - Earring making kit
5. Cups
Decorative only, these dry clay cups are great for holding pens, brushes, or small supplies. Add texture and colour for a cool desk accessory.
6. Clay pendants or beads
Roll small pieces of clay into beads, pierce holes, and let them air-dry. Or better yet, create a unique pendant for the necklace. Once painted and strung, they become fun necklaces or bracelets.
Check out: Tiny Charms - Necklace making kit from air-dry clay
7. Diffuser necklace
Make a pendant from air-dry clay and leave it unsealed so it absorbs essential oils. It’s a fun and functional gift idea.
8. Keychain
Create miniature shapes, initials, or symbols and attach them to a keyring. A super simple, thoughtful air-dry clay project that adds a personal touch.
Check out: Bag Charm Buddies Pottery Kit
9. Incense holders
Mould a shallow dish with a small hole to hold an incense stick. These air-dry clay creations add calm and beauty to your space.
Check out: Texas Mold-Em - Incense holder clay kit
10. Candle holder
Craft a base that fits a tealight or small candle. Once dry, paint it to match your home decor.
Check out:
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Wildflower candle-making kit (with candle wax)
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Coffee cup candle-making kit (with candle wax)
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Ted the Turtle candle-making kit (with candle wax)
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Good Tweetings & Joy candle-making kit (with candle wax)
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Pastry pair candle-making kit (with candle wax)
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Eternal rose candle-making kit (with candle wax)
11. Fridge magnets
Shape small icons or letters and glue magnets to the back. They're great air-dry clay crafts for kids or personalised gifts.
Check out: Mini Munchies - Fridge magnets clay kit
12. Photo frame
Create a photo frame from air-dry clay elements and decorate it to your heart’s desire. This project is suitable for beginners who are more comfortable with molding simple geometric shapes from clay.
Check out: Paint-a-Frame pottery painting kit
13. Mugs (decorative)
Make chunky mugs for storing brushes or using as mini planters. These air-dry clay mugs are not food-safe, but definitely photo-worthy.
Check out: Paint-a-Mug pottery painting kit
14. Room signs
Design personalised signs for bedroom doors, desks, or playrooms. Use letter stamps or freeform writing in clay to make it your own.
15. Ring holder
Shape a cone or small dish to hold your rings while washing your hands or at night. These make adorable and practical air-dry clay creations.
16. Coasters
Roll out dry clay, cut into circles or hexagons, and let them air-dry. Add paint or pressed textures for extra charm.
Check out: Coaster-making pottery kit (with instructions)
17. Pendants
Cut out shapes like hearts, moons, or initials to wear as necklaces. These air-dry clay crafts make great Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts.
18. Paw prints
Press your pet’s paw into soft clay for a cute keepsake. You can hang it on the wall or use it as a Christmas tree ornament.
19. Small animals
Sculpt tiny animals like cats, turtles, or elephants. This creative idea is fun for both learning and decoration.
Check out:
20. Polaroid holder
Make a sturdy base with a slot to hold Polaroid prints upright. This is a cool way to display memories on your desk or shelf.
Check out: Photo stand, the Polaroid holder clay kit
21. A table clock
That’s right! You can create a clock from air-dry clay as a beginner! It’s simpler than you think. All you need is a display, a clock mechanism (hands and cogs, etc.), and battery.
Check out: Create-a-Clock air-dry clay kit
22. Garden markers
Shape small stakes and stamp the names of your herbs or veggies. Once dry, paint them with waterproof acrylic paint for outdoor use.
23. Soap dish
Create a dish with ridges or leaf imprints to hold soap. A simple, stylish addition to any bathroom.
Check out: Draped dish, pottery kit to make dishes
24. Sweater buttons
Make your own clay buttons for handmade clothing or accessories. Just remember to pierce the holes before letting them dry.
25. Bird water bowl
Craft a shallow bowl for birds to sip from on warm days. Place it on your balcony or in the garden for a natural touch.
26. Decorative flowers
Shape roses, daisies, or abstract blooms from air-dry clay. These can be used for vases, gifts, or festive table settings.
Check out: Bunches of Love - Make flowers from air-dry clay
27. Phone holder
Form a base with a groove to hold your phone upright. A handy and fun project for any workspace.
28. Keepsake box
Design a small box with a fitted lid to store mementoes or jewelry. Decorate it with patterns, initials, or pressed textures.
29. Key hider
Make a clay rock or hollow object that blends into your garden to hide a spare key. It’s clever, cool, and functional.
30. Tic-tac-toe board
Create a board and tiny game pieces from air-dry clay. A great project for families or rainy days.
Check out: 3-in-1 game kit from air-dry clay
31. Hairclips
Decorate plain clips with handmade clay embellishments. These are great for party favours or Mother’s Day gifts.
Check out: Heavenly hair clip kit from clay
32. Napkin ring
Form simple loops from dry clay and add pressed flowers or textures. These rings instantly dress up your dining table.
33. Collar pendant
Make a small, personalised tag for your pet’s collar. You can sign it with their name and a symbol.
34. Pencil toppers
Craft little characters, stars or Christmas trees to sit on top of pencils. This is a super fun idea for school-aged kids.
35. Bookmark pendants
Flatten small shapes and punch a hole at the top. Thread with ribbon or twine to make charming bookmarks for book lovers.
Why we love air-dry clay
There’s no need for a kiln, special tools, or fancy materials. You can create beautiful, functional, and meaningful items right at home. These dry clay ideas are perfect for kids, adults, and anyone looking to add a little more creativity to their lives. Whether you want to decorate, gift, or simply play with fun forms, you'll love air-dry clay as much as we do.
Ready to start making your first air-dry clay projects? Head over to Pott’d, where we have many all-inclusive pottery kits that will get you creating masterpieces in no time!
