Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

How to make Clay That looks like Polymer Clay

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You can actually make your own polymer-style clay at home, and the best part? You don’t need any fancy supplies. With just a couple of everyday household items—cornstarch and white PVA or Elmer’s glue—you can whip up a batch of soft, moldable clay that behaves a lot like store-bought polymer or Fimo clay.

This homemade clay recipe is budget-friendly, kid-safe, and perfect for crafters who want to experiment without investing in expensive packs of clay. Unlike some other DIY or air-dry clay recipes, this one dries to a smooth, pure white finish with minimal cracking, making it a great option for handmade ornaments, jewelry, small figurines, or keepsakes.

Think of it as the ultimate rainy-day project supply—you can mix it up in minutes, store it in the fridge for later, and then shape it into just about anything your imagination dreams up. Whether you’re crafting with kids, prepping for holiday decorations, or just want to test out clay sculpting without running to the craft store, this simple recipe has you covered.

homemade-polymerclay

This polymer clay tutorial shows you how to cook the glue and cornstarch to create a dough-like substance that will effectively dry in the air. So an air drying polymer clay.  Similar to white Airdrying clay but of course far more affordable!

You can also paint the clay and seal it with high gloss sealer. It is also referred to as cold porcelain for its smooth white finish.

You might be surprised to know that it also contains lemon juice.

The Etsy team at New York has put all the details and instructions together: Homemade Polymer Clay.

Have you tried making this Polymer / Fimo clay? Check out and let us know how it went in the comments below.

What did you make with your homemade clay?

Looking for air-drying clay? We highly recommend Das Air dry clay, we have been using this product for over 30 years. Check out their Das White Air drying clay and their Terracotta Air drying clay version for a natural pottery feel. For larger crafts we recommend buying your air drying clay in bulk

Comments

  2. Hi! You’re correct in that traditional plastics based polymer is heat cured but a lot of the air dry clays are lumped in with the polymer clay category in terms of tutorials, tools, their location at stores and their market. So my manager thought the recipe appropriate and posted it.

    It makes a nice air dry modeling material that has a texture similar but not quite like air dry “porcelain” clay. I imagine homemade polymer clay of the type I (and probably you!) work with would be more of a combination of heat set glues and pigments and binding powders rather than air dry glues and pigments and powders. One just polymerizes at a very different temperature / condition than the other.

  3. Just made a batch and only issue was food coloring isn’t bright enough so I hope to test one more batch with pure pigment

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building

Sometimes clay tools feel more like magic than equipment, and this Moth Pottery Template definitely falls into that category. One moment you’re working with a flat slab, and the next you’re holding a detailed, sculptural moth that looks like it could flutter right off your table.

Why This Template Caught My Eye

This design stands out because it combines structure with artistry. The template gives you the clean, symmetrical base of the moth form, but once you have that shape cut, the real fun begins—adding textures, underglazes, or even metallic accents to bring the wings to life.

It’s ideal for slab-builders who want to go beyond mugs and bowls and dive into more decorative or sculptural projects.

What Makes It Special

  • Unique Subject: How often do you see a pottery moth? It’s an instant conversation starter.

  • Sculptural Yet Simple: The template does the tricky work, leaving you free to decorate.

  • Wall Art or Table Décor: Finished moths look stunning hung on a wall, framed, or displayed on a shelf.

  • Room for Creativity: Paint with bright colors, earthy neutrals, or even metallics for different vibes.

Ideas for Makers

  • Use glossy glazes with shimmering metallic accents for a celestial-style moth.

  • Keep it natural and muted for a woodland-inspired look.

  • Make a series of moths in different colors and sizes for a gallery wall effect.

  • Turn smaller versions into pendants or ornaments.

Why Makers Will Love It

Templates like this are inspiring because they bridge the gap between functional pottery and decorative art. It’s not just about making something useful—it’s about making something memorable. And let’s be honest, it’s the kind of piece guests will immediately comment on when they spot it in your home.

You can grab it here: Moth Pottery Template for Slab Building on Etsy.

This spotlight is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I highlight clay templates and tools that push creativity beyond the basics. If you’re ready for a project that feels both bold and whimsical, this moth template will absolutely deliver.

Crochet Pattern – Adorable Fluttering Moth Sprite Doll [Crochet]

DIY Moth Embroidery Pattern And Kit [Needle Work]