air dry clay kit instructions

make it. let it dry. paint it. no oven, no kiln, no experience needed.

time: about 90 minutes of making, plus 24 to 48 hours of drying before you paint.

what's in your box

  • air dry clay
  • stamp cutter, makes the earring shape, the leaf pattern and the loop hole
  • wooden shaping tools
  • plastic square work sheet, so clay never sticks to your table
  • rolling pin with thickness bands
  • acrylic paints
  • paintbrushes
  • magnets for the fridge magnet option

before you start

  1. set up. pop the plastic square on a table you don't mind getting messy. it's your work surface, so clay won't stick.
  2. keep water close. a small cup of water and a tissue or cloth. a damp fingertip smooths almost anything.
  3. wrap what you're not using. air dry clay starts drying the moment it's open. keep spare clay wrapped tightly while you work.
  4. clean hands. wash and dry them first so dust and crumbs don't end up in your clay.

project 1: stamped earrings

makes one pair. you'll use the stamp cutter, rolling pin and plastic square.

  1. take a small piece of clay. about the size of a walnut is plenty for a pair. knead it for a minute until it's soft and smooth.
  2. roll it out. pop it on the plastic square. slide the bands onto each end of the rolling pin and roll until the pin rests on the bands. a thinner band setting keeps earrings light, aim for around 3 to 4mm.
  3. cut your shape. press the stamp cutter straight down into the clay, wiggle it gently and lift. the little tube makes the hole your earring loop goes through, so keep it clear of the edge.
  4. add the pattern. use the stamp piece to press the leaf design in firmly and release your shape. press once, straight down, don't twist.
  5. tidy up. smooth any rough edges with a damp fingertip. if the hole is blocked, clear it with the pointed end of a wooden tool.
  6. make the second one. repeat so you have a matching pair. you'll have clay left over for the flower.
  7. let them dry flat. leave them on the plastic square, away from radiators and direct sun. flip them after about 12 hours so they dry flat on both sides. they need 24 to 48 hours.

tip: hairline crack? mix a tiny bit of clay with water into a paste, smooth it into the crack and let it dry again.

project 2: clay flower on a dish or magnet

make the flower first, then choose: a trinket dish or a fridge magnet.

the flower

  1. roll your petals. pinch off 5 or 6 small balls of clay, roughly the size of a grape. keep them all the same size so the flower looks even.
  2. flatten each one. press each ball into a teardrop shape with your thumb. they should be thin at the edges and a little thicker at the base.
  3. build the flower. overlap the petals in a circle, bases in the middle, each one sitting slightly over the last. press the centre together gently.
  4. add a centre and detail. roll one more small ball for the middle and press it in. use a wooden tool to draw lines on the petals or make little dots in the centre.

how to stick clay to clay: scratch both surfaces with the tip of a wooden tool, dab on a little water, then press together firmly. smooth the join with a damp fingertip. this stops pieces falling apart as they dry.

option a: trinket dish

  • roll a piece of clay out to around 5mm on the plastic square.
  • cut a rough circle with a wooden tool, or press a small round lid in and lift it away.
  • pinch and lift the edges up gently to make a shallow dish. smooth with a damp fingertip.
  • attach your flower to the rim or the middle using scratch and water.
  • dry on the plastic square for 24 to 48 hours, then paint.

option b: fridge magnet

  • roll a small piece of clay out to around 5mm.
  • cut a circle or any shape you like with a wooden tool.
  • attach your flower with scratch and water, and smooth the edges.
  • dry flat on the plastic square for 24 to 48 hours.
  • paint it, let the paint dry, then stick a magnet to the back with strong craft glue.

paint your pieces

the fun bit. use the acrylic paints and brushes once everything is fully dry.

  1. check it's bone dry. dry clay is hard, lighter in colour and no longer cool to the touch. if in doubt, wait another day. painting damp clay can crack or stay soft.
  2. start with a base coat. use a thin, even layer. thin coats dry quicker and look smoother than one thick one. paint the edges too.
  3. let it dry, then add colour. wait for each coat to dry before adding the next. try petals in one colour, centres in another, and a border on your dish.
  4. add the detail. use the tip of a clean brush for dots, lines and the leaf pattern on your earrings. mix colours on a spare bit of the plastic square.
  5. paint the back. give the backs of your earrings, dish and magnet a coat too, then leave everything to dry completely.
  6. finish off. thread your earring loops through the holes and glue your magnet on if you made one. all done.

brush care: rinse your brushes in water straight after painting. acrylic dries hard and won't wash out of the bristles.

looking after your pieces: air dry clay isn't waterproof. keep it dry and don't submerge it. wipe clean with a dry cloth.

safety and care

  • adults only. this kit is for adults aged 18 and over and is not suitable for children.
  • small parts and pointed tools. choking hazard. keep the kit, tools and finished pieces out of reach of children and pets.
  • use tools carefully. use the wooden tools only as shown, and point them away from your body and anyone nearby.
  • not edible. clay and paint are not food. do not eat or taste them. wash your hands after use.
  • magnets. keep magnets away from children and pets. swallowing more than one magnet can cause serious harm and needs urgent medical attention. keep them away from pacemakers, bank cards and electronic devices.
  • not for food. your trinket dish is decorative only. do not use it for food or drink.
  • paint. work on a covered surface and wash paint off skin with soap and water. rinse brushes straight away. keep paint away from your eyes and mouth.
  • storing leftovers. wrap leftover clay tightly in cling film or a sealed bag so it stays soft for next time.

made something you love? tag us on instagram or facebook and tell us how you got on. any questions or a missing piece, email hello@beniaho.com and we'll sort it.