Fall in love with air dry clay with these Fun and Beautiful Projects and fill your home with your unique handcrafted creations.
Air dry clay is simple to use, fun and so versatile and my family loves using it because it’s great for kids and adults alike. And if you’re new to it and looking for ways to get started I have put together the most exciting beautiful projects in this round-up. You’ll find plenty of tutorials and air dry clay tips to make it easy and fun.
So, what makes air dry clay so awesome?
For one thing, you don’t need a kiln to use it. Air-dry clay is easy to work with, it dries without the use of a kiln or oven and can be made into many beautiful objects like pots, planters, trays and bowls, essential oil diffusers, home decor items and accessories. And, it’s a well-loved Craft for Tweens and Teens.
There are several different kinds of air-dry clay. Most of the projects below use either Crayola Model Magic or DAS Air Hardening Modeling Clay. Another option is Activa Plus Natural Self-Hardening Clay. You can use this one for projects that require natural clay and those that need to be porous for essential oils.
Get inspired below.
Things to Make with Air Dry Clay: Pots, Planters, and Bowls
1. Tiny Air Dry Clay Pots for Succulents
These adorable Tiny Air Dry Clay Pots for Succulents are a fun little project. Find out how to make them with this tutorial and give your tiny plant babies cute new pots to snuggle in.
Learn more: South House Designs
2. Neon Pineapple Airplant Holder
Brighten up your home with this gorgeous Neon Pineapple Airplant Holder. And if you need some happy pineapple decor in your life, check out this wonderful tutorial.
Learn more: I Spy DIY
3. DIY Air Dry Clay Pinch Pots
These cute DIY Air Dry Clay Pinch Pots take on a fresh look with the simple addition of paint. Try color blocking and adding geometric patterns for a modern style. This is a wonderful project for kids and adults alike.
Learn more: Think Make Share
4. DIY Air Dry Clay Jewelry Bowls
Learn how to make these pretty DIY Air Dry Clay Jewelry Bowls. They’re perfect for a girly bedroom to store jewellery, trinkets and little treasures.
Learn more: Alice & Lois
5. DIY Plaited Planter
I love this simple creative DIY Plaited Planter. It’s handcrafted with plaits made out of air dry clay and arranged around a plant pot. Simple and beautiful.
Learn more: Fall For DIY
6. DIY Mini Succulent Planters
The added texture on these DIY Mini Succulent Planters turns an ordinary pot into something much more interesting and tactile. Find out how to craft them with this fun tutorial.
Learn more: Burkatron
7. DIY Air Dry Clay Leaf Plate
If you love nature-inspired craft this beautiful DIY Air Dry Clay Leaf Plate is a wonderful project. This stylish leaf trinket dish is made with a large magnolia leaf imprint and finished with green and gold paint.
Learn more: Hometalk
8. Painted Clay Monstera Drop Dish
Here’s another stunning leaf dish tutorial to inspire your making. This gorgeous Painted Clay Monstera Drop Dish will look very stylish in your home or make a special gift for someone.
Learn more: Lia Griffith
Things to Make with Air Dry Clay: Essential Oil Diffusers
9. Handmade Clay Diffuser Necklace
Natural clay is porous enough to be an effective diffuser for essential oils. Have a go at making this lovely Handmade Clay Diffuser Necklace and use your favorite essential oils to experience the aromatherapy benefits.
Learn more: Mommypotamus
10. DIY Diffuser Keychains
Like the idea of a clay essential oil diffuser, but not into the look of a clay necklace? Check out these DIY Diffuser Keychains. They’re so cute on their own, but when you add the benefits of essential oils, they’re a sure winner.
Learn more: Lindsay Crafter
11. Essential Oil Car Diffuser
Here’s one more idea on how to incorporate the soothing benefits of essential oils into your life. Check out this tutorial and have a go at making this Essential Oil Car Diffuser to transform your daily commute into a stress-free experience.
Learn more: Hello Glow
Things to Make with Air Dry Clay: Decor and More
12. DIY Air Dry Clay Rainbow Decoration
Are you looking for a beautiful handcrafted piece for your child’s bedroom decor? This adorable DIY Air Dry Clay Rainbow Decoration will make a stylish addition. Find out how to make it with this tutorial.
Learn more: Fall For DIY
13. DIY Decorative Air Dry Clay Wall Bells
Decorate your home with these elegant DIY Decorative Air Dry Clay Wall Bells. They look like they’re made from fired clay by a professional not made with air dry clay on a coffee table!
Learn more: Dream Green DIY
14. DIY Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging
The simple combination of white air dry clay and black yarn in this DIY Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging gives it a modern feel. Play with different shapes to create your unique design. This easy craft project will create great results.
Learn more: Alice & Lois
15. DIY Clay Incense Holder
Do you enjoy burning incense in your home? Learn how to make this minimalistic DIY Clay Incense Holder with this lovely tutorial. It will also make a great handmade gift for incense lovers.
Learn more: Curbly
16. Air Dry Clay Botanical Tags
I adore these pretty Air Dry Clay Botanical Tags and the rustic look of them being wrapped around the potted plants. These pretty tags are handcrafted with pressed botanicals out of air dry clay and handpainted for watercolor effect.
Learn more: DIY Beautify
17. Dried Flower Ornaments
Enjoy yourself making these gorgeous Dried Flower Ornaments. These pretty ornaments are made with dried flowers and air dry clay and if you’re working on this project in summer you can collect and make your own dried flowers. They’re lovely to give as gifts and to display around your home.
Learn more: One Little Project
18. DIY Air Dry Clay Heart Keychains
These cute DIY Air Dry Clay Heart Keychains are a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for tweens. So get your friends over and have a fun afternoon with this project.
Learn more: Modern Glam
19. DIY Suncatcher with Air Dry Clay
Love a really good air dry clay project? This beautiful DIY Suncatcher not only makes a great air dry clay craft but also a unique piece of home decor. Follow this tutorial to learn how to make it.
Learn more: Entertain Idea
20. Air Dry Clay Paint Palette
You will love using your own custom Air Dry Clay Paint Palette for your painting projects. Get excited to craft one with this guide.
Learn more: Maria Louise Design
Which Air-Dry Clay is the best?
Deciding on which air-dry clay to buy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Do you need a natural or paper-based clay? Are you using it for kids’ crafts or are you hoping to make pieces that are somewhat more substantial?
The Artful Parent has some very useful reviews based on her experiences with the different types of clay. Also, it’s your best bet to follow the guidelines of the tutorial you are using.
In the end, much of this comes down to personal preference and how you will use your clay. So, try a few things and play around so that you can find the best air dry clay for your personal needs.
Have fun!