20 Creative Stuff To Make Out Of Clay

As a teenager, I found joy in the rhythm of the pottery wheel, molding the wheel into stuff to make out of clay with my own hands. But life got busy, and over the years, my creative outlet faded into a distant memory. Now, at 40, I feel the pull again and the need to create, to shape something from nothing. Since a full pottery studio isn’t an option, I have turned to polymer clay, a medium that fits my space and lifestyle. The only question is: where do I start?

With some research and advice from fellow creators, I built a simple starter kit: polymer clay in vibrant colors, a cheap set of molding tools, paper clips for shaping wire details, and a metal pan for baking in my oven. Liquid polymer allows me to put things together smoothly, and a little cornstarch keeps things from sticking. The options then become apparent. miniature sculptures, bookmarks, bracelets, and even personalized magnets. I have come to understand that this skill is about the joy of making itself as much as the finished product after watching tutorials and looking through inspiration books.

Additionally, there are always methods to recycle unused clay slices or abandoned projects. tiny pieces can be used as textural parts in mixed-media artwork, jewelry charms, or mosaic tiles. The possibilities are endless: decoden crafts, shaker charms, or even handmade specific sprinkles.

The best part? Unlike pottery, there’s no need for a studio or a kiln. Just a bit of time, imagination, and a ability to experiment. After all, creativity doesn’t require perfection just the courage to begin again and these 20 creative stuff to make out of clay are the best options to guide you through the creation process.

20. Personalized Clay Trinket Dishes

Create custom trinket dishes to hold jewelry or small items.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Bowl (to use as a template)
• Craft knife
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes
• Sealant

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Place the bowl upside down on the clay and cut around it to form a circle.
3. Gently press the clay circle into the bowl to shape it.
4. Allow the clay to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once dry, remove the dish and sand any rough edges.
6. Paint and decorate as desired.
7. Seal the finished piece to protect it.

19. Handmade Clay Jewelry

Design unique earrings, necklaces, or bracelets using polymer clay.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay in various colors
• Jewelry findings (e.g., earring hooks, jump rings)
• Clay tools or toothpicks
• Oven (for baking polymer clay)
• Pliers

Instructions:

1. Condition the polymer clay by kneading it until soft.
2. Shape the clay into desired designs (e.g., beads, pendants).
3. Use a toothpick to create holes for attaching jewelry findings.
4. Bake the pieces according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once cooled, assemble the jewelry using pliers and findings.

18. Decorative Clay Plant Markers

Label your garden plants with personalized clay markers.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Knife or clay cutter
• Alphabet stamps or a toothpick
• Acrylic paints
• Sealant

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Cut out rectangular or pointed shapes for the markers.
3. Use stamps or a toothpick to inscribe plant names.
4. Allow the markers to dry completely.
5. Paint and seal them for durability.

17. Clay Incense Holders

Craft stylish holders to burn incense sticks safely.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry or polymer clay
• Rolling pin
• Clay tools or toothpicks
• Acrylic paints
• Sealant

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to desired thickness.
2. Cut out a base shape (e.g., circle, leaf).
3. Create a small raised area with a hole to hold the incense stick.
4. Allow to dry or bake as per clay instructions.
5. Paint and seal the holder.

16. Customized Clay Coasters

Design coasters that add a personal touch to your home decor.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Round or square cookie cutters
• Textured materials (e.g., lace, leaves)
• Acrylic paints
• Sealant

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Press textured materials onto the clay to create patterns.
3. Cut out coaster shapes using cookie cutters.
4. Allow them to dry completely.
5. Paint and seal for a finished look.

15. Miniature Clay Succulent Planters

Make tiny planters perfect for small succulents or cacti.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay
• Clay tools or toothpicks
• Oven
• Acrylic paints (optional)

Instructions:

1. Shape the clay into small pots, ensuring to create a drainage hole at the bottom.
2. Add decorative elements as desired.
3. Bake according to the polymer clay instructions.
4. Once cooled, paint and seal if desired.
5. Fill with soil and plant your succulents.

14. Clay Candle Holders

Craft elegant candle holders that add a cozy ambiance to your space.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry or polymer clay
• Rolling pin
• Small glass votive (as a mold)
• Craft knife
• Acrylic paints
• Sealant

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Cut a strip long enough to wrap around the votive.
3. Create patterns or texture with stamps or sculpting tools.
4. Wrap the clay around the votive and smooth the seam.
5. Let dry or bake as per clay instructions.
6. Once hardened, paint and seal.

13. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Picture Frames

Make personalized picture frames for displaying cherished memories.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Craft knife
• Small wooden frame (optional for structure)
• Acrylic paints
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to match the frame’s size.
2. Cut an opening for the photo.
3. Add decorative details using stamps or small embellishments.
4. Let dry completely.
5. Paint and glue onto a sturdy backing if needed.

12. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Handmade Clay Magnets

Decorate your fridge with cute clay magnets.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay
• Rolling pin
• Magnet strips
• Glue
• Acrylic paints

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay and cut into small shapes (flowers, animals, initials).
2. Add texture or small details with sculpting tools.
3. Bake according to polymer clay instructions.
4. Paint, let dry, and glue magnets onto the back.

11. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: DIY Clay Keychains

Create custom keychains as gifts or personal accessories.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay
• Rolling pin
• Keychain rings
• Clay cutter
• Toothpick

Instructions:

1. Roll and flatten the clay.
2. Cut into preferred shapes (circles, hearts, initials).
3. Use a toothpick to make a hole for the keychain ring.
4. Bake, then attach to the keychain ring.

10. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Stamped Bowls

Create small decorative bowls with intricate patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Lace fabric or carved stamps
• Small bowl (as a mold)

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Press lace or stamps onto the clay to create a textured pattern.
3. Cut a circular shape and place it inside a bowl to form the shape.
4. Let dry, remove, and paint.

9. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Wall Hangings

Design stylish hanging ornaments for your walls.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Twine or string
• Beads (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay and cut various geometric shapes.
2. Punch small holes for hanging.
3. Let dry, paint, and string them together using twine.

8. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Handcrafted Clay Soap Dishes

Make stylish soap dishes for your bathroom.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Toothpick
• Craft knife

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay and cut a rectangle or oval shape.
2. Use a toothpick to create drainage holes.
3. Shape the edges upwards slightly.
4. Let dry and seal with waterproof varnish.

7. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Miniature Clay Food for Dollhouses

Craft tiny, realistic food items for dolls or collectibles.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay in different colors
• Sculpting tools
• Acrylic paints

Instructions:

1. Shape the clay into miniature food items (cakes, fruits, bread).
2. Use sculpting tools to add details.
3. Bake, paint, and seal for a realistic finish.

6. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Wind Chimes

Make hanging clay chimes that produce soothing sounds.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• String
• Wooden stick

Instructions:

1. Cut clay into different shapes (stars, circles, moons).
2. Punch a hole at the top of each shape.
3. Let dry and attach them to a wooden stick with string.

5. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Spoon Rests

Handcraft useful spoon rests for your kitchen.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Small dish as a mold

Instructions:

1. Roll and shape the clay into an oval or circle.
2. Slightly curve the edges to hold spoons.
3. Let dry, then paint and seal.

4. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Custom Clay Name Tags

Create personalized tags for gifts or events.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Alphabet stamps
• Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay and cut into tag shapes.
2. Stamp names or words onto them.
3. Punch a hole for stringing and let dry.

3. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Candle Jars

Make decorative clay sleeves for glass candles.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay
• Glass candle holders

Instructions:

1. Roll and flatten the clay.
2. Wrap around the glass jar, creating cutout designs if desired.
3. Bake and place a candle inside.

2. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Handmade Clay Buttons

Craft unique buttons for sewing projects.

Materials Needed:

• Polymer clay
• Rolling pin
• Toothpick

Instructions:

1. Roll out the clay and cut into circles.
2. Use a toothpick to make holes for sewing.
3. Bake, paint, and use as buttons.

1. Stuff To Make Out Of Clay: Clay Pencil Holders

Make custom pencil holders for desks.

Materials Needed:

• Air-dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Cylinder mold (such as a can)

Instructions:

1. Roll out clay and wrap around a cylindrical mold.
2. Let dry, remove, and smooth the edges.
3. Paint and use for pencils.

Conclusion

These 20 stuff to make out of clay ideas are perfect for beginners and advanced crafters alike. Try out different projects to develop your skills and create unique, personalized items!