All of the fun, none of the mess

9/9
 

Colour mixing • Easy shapes • Fun clay projects for children

Easy Air Dry Clay Ideas for Kids

Discover simple, colourful air dry clay projects children will love to make. Learn basic colour mixing, practise easy starter shapes, and explore fun ideas for decorations, creatures, keepsakes and seasonal crafts.

Explore Project Ideas Learn the Basics
Air dry clay Christmas tree ornament
Air dry clay snowman ornament
Air dry clay project ideas for kids
🎨

Colour Mixing

Mix simple colours to create bright new shades for your clay projects.

Red + Yellow
Makes Orange
+
=
Yellow + Blue
Makes Green
+
=
Blue + Red
Makes Purple
+
=
Red + White
Makes Pink
+
=
✋

Basic Skills & Shapes

Start with simple shapes and use them to build bigger projects.

Ball
Cube
Swirl
Droplet
Long Droplet
Double Droplet
Oval
Egg
Top tip: Air dry clay projects usually harden in around 24 hours. Keep your clay tub sealed when not in use to help it stay soft and ready for your next make.
Project Inspiration

Fun Clay Project Ideas for Children

Browse simple themed ideas and choose a project that matches the season, a favourite animal, or a fun keepsake to make and keep.

Christmas Makes

Festive clay ideas children can make for decorating, gifting and seasonal fun.

Perfect for handmade ornaments, classroom activities, family crafting and Christmas keepsakes.

Air dry clay Christmas tree ornament
Easy Project

Christmas Tree Ornament

  1. 1Flatten green clay and shape it into a Christmas tree.
  2. 2Add a small brown trunk and a yellow star at the top.
  3. 3Roll tiny red balls for decorations and thin white clay for garland.
  4. 4Make a small hole at the top before drying if you want to add ribbon and hang it up.
Air dry clay snowman ornament
Kids' Favourite

Snowman

  1. 1Roll one larger white ball and one smaller white ball for the body and head.
  2. 2Add tiny black balls for buttons and eyes, plus a small orange nose.
  3. 3Wrap a thin strip of coloured clay around the neck for a scarf.
  4. 4Finish with a hat, smile or extra details before leaving it to dry.

Cute Creatures

Fun animal and bug ideas children can shape, decorate and personalise.

A great section for playful makes using simple shapes and bright colours.

Air dry clay ladybird
Beginner Friendly

Ladybird

  1. 1Make a rounded body shape and flatten it gently.
  2. 2Add a small black head and mark a line down the centre of the wings.
  3. 3Roll tiny black spots and press them into place.
  4. 4Finish with small eyes or a smile for extra character.
Air dry clay turtle
Fun Character

Turtle

  1. 1Roll one oval for the shell and a smaller shape for the body.
  2. 2Add four little legs, a tail and a rounded head.
  3. 3Decorate the shell with small balls, swirls or pressed patterns.
  4. 4Smooth the joins gently so the turtle keeps its shape while drying.

Gift & Keepsake Ideas

Personal clay projects children can keep, display, hang up or give as gifts.

Ideal for birthdays, classrooms, handmade presents and simple family craft sessions.

Air dry clay name tag
Personalised

Name Tag

  1. 1Flatten clay and cut out a tag shape.
  2. 2Press in a name using letter stamps, a pencil tip or a modelling tool.
  3. 3Make a small hole before drying for ribbon or string.
  4. 4Paint or decorate once fully dry to create a finished keepsake.
Air dry clay hanging star
Quick Make

Mini Hanging Star

  1. 1Cut or shape clay into a simple star.
  2. 2Add a face, dots, patterns or extra decoration while the clay is soft.
  3. 3Make a hanging hole at the top before drying.
  4. 4Thread ribbon through when dry to create a decoration or gift tag.