Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Looking for air dry clay ideas to give as gifts this year? Make this adorable trinket dish or jewelry tray for the special person in your life.
Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Air dry clay is a fun and easy craft material. It’s cheap, easy to use, and you can make all kinds of things with it.
Table of Contents
Air Dry Clay Ideas
If you’re looking for a new craft idea, or just want something fun and easy to do with friends, this is the perfect project. It’s also great if you need an air dry clay gift idea.
This DIY jewelry trinket dish craft is really easy to make and only requires only a few materials: air dry clay, leaves, paint, and glaze.
This book has so many fantastic ways that you can use air dry clay. I really recommend you get a copy.
What is air dry clay?
Air dry clay is an air-drying modeling material that hardens without firing or baking. Air dry clay doesn’t require any oils to keep it moist. As the name suggests, this type of clay dries out on its own after being kneaded until soft.
There are two different kinds of air-dry clays: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based clays typically require fewer materials to produce shapes but can be harder to work with because of their stickier nature; water-based clays are softer but they will change shape over time if not sealed properly before being left to dry naturally in a humid environment which means they need more attention to detail.
What can you put on air dry clay to seal it?
You can use craft glue, like Mod Podge to seal your Air-Dry Clay but then the surface won’t be waterproof and it could fade in time if left out in direct sunlight. For a more durable option try varnish or acrylics for that pure shine you’re looking for!
What can I make with air dry clay?
There are lots of different air dry clay ideas you can try. This trinket dish is very simple. It makes a wonderful gift or put it on your bureau to hold your jewelry. Here are a few more ideas.
- Air Dry Candle Holder
- Clay Plant Pot
- Pine Cone Trees
- DIY Bottle Vase
- Worded Clay Ornaments
- Shooting Star Ornament
Materials needed
- Air dry clay
- Leaves
- Paint – color used was Spring Green
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Krylon clear glaze
- Newspaper to protect your work surface
- Knife
How to make a trinket dish
Learn how to make a trinket dish or jewelry tray with this simple tutorial.
- Lay the newspaper out.
- Grab a handful of clay and roll it into a ball in your hands.
- Set the ball on the newspaper and use your hands to flatten it to about ¼-½ inch thickness.
- Use a knife to cut out a rectangle shape.
- Lay the leaf on top of the clay shape, and press down with your hands, so that the leaf gets imprinted into the clay.
- Carefully lift up the leaf, and discard.
- Gently fold the sides and edges of the clay up slightly to form a slightly curved rim.
- Allow the clay to dry overnight or until hardened.
- Paint the dish on the front and back, allowing time to dry between each side.
- Once the paint is completely dry, spray with Krylon glaze, and allow it to dry for a couple of hours.
What to do with leftover clay?
Air-dry clay can be stored indefinitely when done right. To keep it from drying out, simply put the Ziploc bag or plastic wrap over the still-wet pieces of dough and then seal them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness for as long you want!
How to make air dry clay last longer
First, use wax paper when storing your projects for the day or night in order to prevent moisture from getting on other items in its container. And, remember to keep your hands moist when using your clay so they don’t dry the clay out. Finally, using an airtight container will help it stay good for as long as possible.
More DIY craft ideas
- How to make a Mala Necklace
- Mermaid Cricut Canvas Bag
- DIY Coin Purse Tutorial
- Teardrop Earrings
- Charm Bracelet DIY
- Friendship bracelets for 3
- Best earrings for short hair and a round face
Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish
Looking for air dry clay ideas to give as gifts this year? Make this adorable trinket dish or jewelry tray for the special person in your life.
Materials
- Air dry clay
- Leaves
- Paint - color used was Spring Green
- Paint brush
- Sandpaper
- Krylon clear glaze
- Newspaper to protect your work surface
- knife
Tools
- none
Instructions
- Lay the newspaper out.
- Grab a handful of clay and roll it into a ball in your hands.
- Set the ball on the newspaper and use your hands to flatten it to about ¼-½ inch thickness.
- Use a knife to cut out a rectangle shape.
- Lay the leaf on top of the clay shape, and press down with your hands, so that the leaf gets imprinted into the clay.
- Carefully lift up the leaf, and discard.
- Gently fold the sides and edges of the clay up slightly to form a slightly curved rim.
- Allow the clay to dry overnight or until hardened.
- Paint the dish on the front and back, allowing time to dry between each side.
- Once the paint is completely dry, spray with Krylon glaze, and allow to dry for a couple of hours.
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.