This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Ky Tanella. Find them on Instagram at @ky.tanella. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you’re like me, you’ve been seeing a lot of air dry clay ideas popping up all over your TikTok FYP and Pinterest! The tutorials make it look simple, but if you’re also like me, you tend to get discouraged after a few tries, and the product is not coming out as you hoped. Well, fear not! I’ll take you through a few simple steps you might be missing, and some cute, simple inspiration!
Supplies
First, you’re going to need some clay! The most popular and budget-friendly is the Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and they’re normally found in the kid’s craft section – you can get a lot of use out of these tubs. Of course, there are also pre-colored versions of air-dry clay if you don’t want to paint freely, or if you’re a bit better with sculpting than the average person!
Next, tools! This isn’t a necessity, if all you want to use is your hands, then that’s totally fine! I find that sculpting tools give me just a bit more control over the smoothness and texture of the clay, and I tend to have sensory issues with the clay drying in my hands! Something small and basic like this works great, but if you want to get into it, I’d recommend a more comprehensive toolset.
Water is very helpful for the molding and smoothing out of the clay. Water re-activates the clay, and it tends to dry quickly, so if you’re feeling some resistance, spray it with some water and continue to move it how you see fit. If you’re not happy with how it’s drying, you can always spray it with some water and try again!
Next, you’ll need some paint! The best kind of paint to use on air-dry clay would be acrylic, definitely don’t use any water-based paint as it’ll cause the clay to soften and crack again. A multi-pack of cheap paint is great for this (and is usually what I use), but if you’re a bit more skilled with color theory you can get a couple of really good quality paints with just Red, Yellow, Blue, White, and Black!
A simple pack of brushes is also essential for ensuring smooth application. If you want to make smaller designs, I’d recommend a variety pack of paint brushes – some may even come with a few sculpting tools.
You’ll need some Mod Podge or Resin to seal in that paint! I recommend Mod Podge, there are a few different drying textures that you can choose from – Matte, Glossy, Satin – that are great depending on the finish you want, and it’s budget-friendly! Resin is a little harder to use, but if you want that extra protection from things like water or cracking, go for this option!
“Slip” is also very important, and often forgotten. It often acts as a glue to hold pieces together and make the process/textures a bit smoother! Simply break off little pieces of air-dry clay, add a tablespoon of water for about every tablespoon of clay, and mix it in a little ramekin/bowl. This will make your process a whole lot easier. However, if you tend to have sensitive hands, I’d recommend washing your hands frequently so the slip doesn’t dry on your palms or fingers.
Ease of Use
Air-dry clay can be super easy to use, but it can also be a pain! Set up your creative space by laying a towel or some old newspapers down, just so you don’t get any clay or paint on your carpet/floor. Start with your big tub of clay and just get a feel for it, how it moves, and how malleable it can be. Getting a sense of how to work the clay can be helpful before diving straight into a project.
After you’re done making the base of your masterpiece, you have to give it 72 hours to dry – once the clay turns completely white and is hard to the touch, that’s when you know it’s ready to paint. Of course, you could hit it with a blow dryer or wait less than 3 days, but it could lead to cracking and uneven drying in your project, and make it harder to paint! Of course, it’s up to you, I won’t judge!\
Once your paint is dry, that’s when you hit it with some Mod Podge or Resin, just to really seal in that paint and make sure it doesn’t budge. It gives me a sense of security, and can make your project look even more professionally made!
Inspiration
Now, let’s get into some Inspo!! Of course, the medium of air-dry clay is completely yours, so feel free to make something more complicated, more cutesy, or just plain messier! The clay is your oyster!
Ashtray
Ashtrays can also be cute centerpieces on your table, but you can have a lot of fun with this medium. If you use mod-podge, it’s also inflammable, so there are no worries there if you want to put out… your goods.
Trinket Dish
This is my favorite item to make, as it’s so versatile! And I can never have too many trinkets! I mostly use these for holding catch-all items, like my daily jewelry that I’m too lazy to put away, my crystals, coins, or even tea-light candles!
Incense Holder
These are also a fan-favorite! I love the wood-look of a lot of incense holders, but sometimes that just doesn’t fit your aesthetic, and you’d like something cuter! You can have a lot of fun with this, especially if you use incense cones, and want to make a little gnome house for your smoke!
Coasters
Coasters can be tricky as it’s not guaranteed that the clay will dry completely flat! I’d recommend carving your clay around one of your mugs or glasses and keeping it there for the duration of the drying process. It’ll be totally worth it, and you can even make a few of them stack together to make a cute pile!
Polaroid Picture Holders
Most of my Polaroids tend to stay in my memory box, I simply have nowhere to put them! But, cute little display items can be a great addition to your desk, dresser, or shelves! I just love the little mushrooms so much!
Charms/Earrings
Lastly, little “polymer-esque” charms can be a great and cute addition to charm bracelets, necklaces, and even homemade earrings!
I hope you enjoyed my little tutorial and hopefully, you’ve found some air dry clay ideas to take home with you! Let us know what your favorite thing to craft is in the comments down below!
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