As someone who has worked with clay for many years, I can attest to the fact that it is a fun and rewarding craft. And while traditional ceramics can be a slow and expensive process, using air-drying clay to create a “faux” ceramic effect is a great alternative.
One of the best things about using air-drying clay is that it allows you to create beautiful ceramic-like objects without the need for a ceramic kiln. This means you can create your projects at home, without the need for specialized equipment.
There are many different brands of air-drying clay
on the market, each with its own unique properties. Some clays are softer and easier to work with, while others are more brittle and prone to cracking. It’s important to choose the right clay for your project to ensure that it turns out the way you want it to.
Before you start working with the clay, it’s a good idea to knead it to make it soft and pliable. This will make it easier to shape and mold. You can also use a clay conditioning machine or roll it out with a rolling pin to make the clay even softer and easier to work with.
When it comes to shaping and molding the clay, you can use a variety of tools, including your hands, clay sculpting tools, and cookie cutters. Just remember that the clay will harden as it dries, so it’s important to work quickly and get the shape you want before it becomes too stiff.
After the clay has dried completely, you can sand it,or paint it to finish your project. You can also use a sealant to protect the clay and give it a glossy finish.
I hope these tips are helpful as you get started on your ceramic-like clay projects. Happy crafting!
This roundup is for ceramic craft projects, that look like ceramic but are actually made from airdrying clay
to give a faux effect. the best thing is these ceramic tutorials do not require complex firing in a ceramic kiln.
Check out this tutorial on making your own white porcelain clay.
Ceramics are very popular but apart from it being a slow process (items needing to be fired several times), it can be an expensive project too. We have included over 60 variations of using clay to look like ceramics.
Clay Tree Christmas Ornaments — CraftBits.com
How to Make DIY Gift Tags with Cornstarch Clay
Air-Dry Clay Citrus Garland + Gift Tags DIY — Maritza Garcia
Use Mod Podge on Clay Gift Tags (So Easy!)
Try these Easy DIY Clay Decorations! — Clever Poppy
DIY Clay Diffuser Necklace for Essential Oils
Marbled Clay Statement Necklace
DIY Clay Thumbprint Heart Keychain
Easy Napkin Transfers for Polymer Clay
Minnie Mouse Polymer Clay Pendants
Valentine’s Clay Penguin Photo Holder
DIY Terrazzo Polymer Clay Ring Dish
Handmade Clay Birdhouse Bookmark
Polymer Clay Earrings Tutorial – Crafts Unleashed
Faux Granite Geometric Earrings – Tried and True
Marbled Clay Earrings – A Pumpkin and a Princess
Rainbow DIY Polymer Clay Earrings – Shrimp Salad Circus
DIY Polymer Clay Geometric Earrings Tutorial – Pink When
DIY Terracotta Air Dry Clay Earrings – Fall For DIY
Clay Faux Druzy Earrings – Dream a Little Bigger
Half Moon Clay DIY Earrings – Crafts Unleashed
DIY Air Dry Clay Earrings – Crafts Unleashed
Nail Polish Decorated Clay Earrings – The Crafted Sparrow
DIY Flower Earrings – Make and Tell
Spring Polymer Earrings – xoxo Jackie
Polymer Clay Succulent Earrings – Crystals and Clay
Terrazzo Clay Earrings – Bliss Makes
Two-Toned Clay Earrings – Paper n Stitch
Painted DIY Terracotta Rainbow Earrings – CTRL Curate
:Polymer Clay Slab Earrings – Crystals and Clay
Clay Lavender Feather Earrings – Imagine Crafts
Toppling Easter Bunny and Eggs
Here is my own DIY recipe for baked white clay – it is a cross between salt dough and Fimo Clay.
Ingredients:
1 cup of corn starch
2 cups of baking soda
1.25 cups of cold water
Equipment:
Non-stick pot
Wooden spoon
Medium to large bowl (not pictured)
Damp cloth, lid, or plate (not pictured)
Directions:
In a non-stick pot, combine the corn starch, baking soda, and cold water. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth.
Cook the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has a mashed potato-like consistency.
Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool in a separate container. You can cover it with a damp towel or mostly covered with a plate or lid.
Once the mixture is cool, you can start sculpting it. If needed, use a small amount of water to stick bits of the dough together. Keep in mind that the dough is soft and prone to dissolve, so be careful.
Allow your finished piece to dry for about 2 days, depending on its size and thickness. You can speed up the drying process by putting it in a 150 F oven, cracked open, or a 350 F oven that has been turned off (heat the oven to 350 F and then turn it off).
