Whether you want to craft a thoughtful gift or simply enjoy a relaxing weekend activity, air dry clay is one of the best materials to spark your creativity.
It’s inexpensive, easy to mold, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. No kiln, no oven — just your imagination and a bit of patience as the clay hardens naturally.
From planters and jewelry holders to playful decorations, the possibilities are endless. Because it’s safe for all ages, both adults and kids can dive into these projects together.
Below, you’ll find some of the most clever and beautiful air dry clay projects to try out.
Air Dry Clay Decor and Holders
1 — Lacy Clay Containers
Photo by Design Mom
If you have an old lace fabric lying around, you can turn it into a beautiful clay design tool. By pressing lace into air dry clay, you’ll imprint delicate patterns that look almost like embroidery frozen in time. Once hardened, these containers carry an elegant, vintage charm that feels far more intricate than the effort it takes to make them.
The best part is how customizable they are. You can create small dishes for jewelry, larger vessels for storing brushes or pens, or simply decorative pieces that highlight the lace design. They make excellent gifts for anyone who loves romantic or shabby-chic décor.
2 — DIY Clay Decanter
Photo by Sugar & Cloth
Transforming an empty bottle into a chic clay decanter is easier than you think. By covering the glass with air dry clay and shaping it with cutters, you can create a bold statement piece for your bar cart. Add a touch of acrylic paint and suddenly you’ve got something that looks like it came from a designer store.
This project is not only eco-friendly, but it also gives you a chance to upcycle something that might otherwise be discarded. Whether you keep it plain white for a minimalist look or go colorful, the finished piece will stand out as a creative centerpiece for any gathering.
3 — Clay Rainbow Decoration
Photo by Paper & Stitch
Rainbows are cheerful symbols of hope and positivity, and air dry clay makes it easy to capture that in handmade décor. By rolling out strips of clay and shaping them into arches, you can create small rainbows that work as ornaments, gift tags, or wall hangings. Add a terracotta finish for a natural vibe, or experiment with nail polish or paint for bold colors.
These rainbows are versatile enough for year-round decorating. Hang them on your Christmas tree, attach them to wrapped gifts, or even use them as party favors. No matter how you style them, they add an instant touch of whimsy and warmth.
4 — Clay Mushroom Decoration
Photo by Paper & Stitch
Mushrooms have a magical quality to them, making them perfect for crafting projects. With a bit of shaping and painting, air dry clay mushrooms can become charming decorations for your home. You can keep them simple and natural, or go bold with whimsical, fairy-tale inspired colors.
Because mushrooms symbolize luck in many cultures, they’re also lovely as gifts or tokens of good fortune. Display them on shelves, use them in terrariums, or turn them into ornaments — their quirky look adds personality wherever they go.
5 — Yarn & Clay Wall Hanging
Photo by Fall for DIY
This project brings together clay and yarn to create a mixed-media wall hanging that’s full of texture. By cutting clay into small shapes — circles, arches, or triangles — and attaching them to strands of yarn, you can design a piece of art that feels handmade yet modern.
The beauty of this idea is how flexible it is. You can make a small accent piece for a cozy corner or go big for a statement wall hanging. Pairing the smooth clay with soft yarn creates a balanced contrast that makes any room feel more artistic and welcoming.
6 — DIY Brushstroke Coasters
Photo by Sugar & Cloth
Coasters are always useful, but these brushstroke clay coasters turn practicality into something stylish. After shaping and drying the clay, you can decorate them with colorful brushstrokes that look hand-painted and one-of-a-kind. Seal them to protect the finish, and you’ve got functional art for your table.
They also make wonderful housewarming gifts. Bundle a set together with ribbon, and you’ll have a present that feels both thoughtful and personal. Because you can change up the colors, you can match them to any décor style — from minimal neutrals to bold, artsy hues.
7 — Rainbow Photo Holder
Photo by Idle Hands Awake
Take the rainbow trend a step further by turning it into a photo holder. With a bit of shaping, you can create a sturdy clay rainbow that holds pictures or notes upright. It’s an adorable way to display memories on your desk or shelf.
Even though the original version used oven-bake clay, it works perfectly with air dry clay — just skip the baking step. You can keep it in plain white for a minimalist style or add colorful finishes for a more playful look. Either way, it’s a project that combines functionality with charm.
8 — Speckled Clay Arch Photo/Card Holder
Photo by Fall for DIY
This speckled clay arch is both simple and versatile. By shaping a smooth arch and adding subtle speckles with paint, you create a piece that works as a photo holder, business card stand, or even a place card holder for a dinner table.
It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover clay, and the design looks sleek enough to blend in with modern décor. Whether you make one for your desk or several for an event, these arches strike the perfect balance between minimalism and artistry.
9 — Cactus Ring Holder
Photo by Little Red Window
Jewelry storage gets a playful twist with this cactus-inspired ring holder. Sculpted from air dry clay, the “arms” of the cactus act as hooks where you can slide rings for safe keeping. It’s a clever and decorative alternative to traditional jewelry trays.
Even if you’re not a sculpting expert, the cactus shape is easy to achieve and forgiving in its design. Paint it green for a classic cactus look or experiment with other colors to match your style. It’s a fun, functional craft that doubles as a décor piece.
10 — DIY Napkin Rings
Photo by Sugar & Cloth
If you love hosting dinner parties, clay napkin rings add a personalized touch to your table setting. By pressing leaves or textured materials into the clay, you can create rustic patterns that look elegant when wrapped around napkins.
These are perfect for seasonal gatherings like Thanksgiving but versatile enough to use year-round. Handmade napkin rings show attention to detail and can even be customized for each guest, making them a thoughtful keepsake after the meal.
11 — Textured Succulent Planters
Photo by Burkatron
Small succulents always look better when displayed in unique planters, and this project brings out that charm effortlessly. By pressing simple household items like a pen or pencil into the clay, you can create fun patterns and textures before the clay hardens. The result is a quirky and handmade pot that feels far more personal than anything you could buy in a store.
Pair your finished planter with a striking succulent or cactus to complete the look. Because the design is totally customizable, you can create a whole set of planters that feel cohesive but not identical. They make wonderful gifts for plant lovers or cheerful accents for your windowsill.
12 — Painted Mosaic Pinch Pots
Photo by Handmade Charlotte
Pinch pots are one of the easiest clay projects to start with, and they’re great for kids because there’s no pressure to make them perfectly round or smooth. Once the clay hardens, you can decorate them with colorful paint in mosaic-like patterns. Each little pot ends up with its own character, making it a lovely piece to hold jewelry, coins, or other trinkets.
These pots also make for a fun family project since everyone can create their own design. Their irregular shapes and vibrant colors capture the playful spirit of DIY, reminding you that handmade items don’t need to be flawless to be beautiful.
13 — Pineapple Planter
Photo by Lines Across
If you love tropical décor, this pineapple-inspired planter will be right up your alley. The design is shaped like a pineapple, with a succulent planted at the top to mimic the leafy crown. It’s a clever way to bring a bit of summer fun into your space all year long.
This planter isn’t just adorable, it’s also a conversation starter. Whether you display it indoors or use it as a party favor for a tropical-themed gathering, it adds a whimsical touch. You could even make a whole row of them for a DIY centerpiece that guests won’t forget.
14 — Clay Salt Spoons
Photo by Gathered
Instead of buying measuring spoons, why not make your own with air dry clay? By pressing clay into real spoons to use as molds, you can quickly shape a matching set of mini salt spoons. Once dry, you can paint the handles with measurements or leave them natural for a more rustic vibe.
Not only are they practical, but they also make charming gifts for friends who love to cook. Tie them together with twine or tuck them into a spice jar for a thoughtful handmade touch that elevates any kitchen.
15 — Hanging Clay Planters
Photo by Paper & Stitch
For those who are short on shelf space, hanging planters are the perfect solution. With air dry clay, you can mold stylish containers that suspend from twine or rope, turning your greenery into floating pieces of art. The clay gives them a clean, modern look that suits almost any interior style.
They’re also surprisingly simple to make. Customize the shape and size to fit your favorite plants, and experiment with painting or leaving the clay raw for a minimalist finish. A cluster of these hanging together creates a stunning display in any corner of your home.
16 — Clay and Rope Pot
Photo by Fall for DIY
This project combines clay with rope to create a pot that feels both rustic and contemporary. The soft texture of the rope contrasts beautifully with the smooth clay, resulting in a piece that’s eye-catching and unique. It’s a great way to experiment with mixing materials in your crafts.
Because the rope acts as both decoration and support, it makes the pot sturdier while also giving it character. You can use it as a planter, a storage container, or even a stylish catchall for keys and small items.
17 — Pinch Pots
Photo by Think.Make.Share
Pinch pots are a classic beginner project that you can make in minutes. Simply roll a ball of clay and press your thumb into the center, pinching around the edges to form a bowl shape. The best part? You don’t need any tools — just your hands.
These little pots are perfect for holding air plants, small jewelry pieces, or even office supplies like paperclips. You can color them with permanent markers for a quick pop of personality, or leave them plain for a clean, natural look.
18 — Stamped Bowl
Photo by Gathering Beauty
A stamped bowl is a fun way to bring texture and design into your clay work. By pressing a stamp or even everyday objects like lace or leaves into the surface, you can create patterns that stand out beautifully once the clay dries.
These bowls work well as decorative pieces or small catchalls for trinkets. Because the stamping technique is so versatile, you can experiment endlessly with different designs — no two bowls ever need to look alike.
19 — Clay Leaf Bowls
Photo by Urban Comfort
Nature lovers will adore this project. By pressing real leaves into air dry clay, you can capture the intricate veins and details of the leaf, turning it into a one-of-a-kind bowl. Larger leaves like hosta or maple create dramatic pieces, while smaller ones are perfect for delicate dishes.
Once painted or sealed, these bowls make wonderful decorative accents. They’re also a great way to preserve a memory from a favorite hike or walk in the park by turning collected leaves into lasting works of art.
20 — DIY Cat Trinket Dish
Photo by Sugar & Cloth
For cat lovers, this trinket dish is equal parts practical and adorable. Shaped like a cat’s face, it’s the perfect size for keeping rings, earrings, or other tiny treasures organized. The design can be as simple or as detailed as you want, depending on whether you want to paint whiskers, eyes, or just leave it minimal.
This project makes a thoughtful handmade gift for anyone who adores their feline friends. It’s also quick enough to make a set, so you can have matching dishes by your nightstand, entryway, or bathroom counter.