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?

DIY Air Dry Clay Magnets – Easy Stamped Clay Craft

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about clay crafts, isn’t there? The cool, smooth texture in your hands, the way it slowly transforms with just a little pressure and imagination—it’s both soothing and creative. Today, we’re making DIY air dry clay magnets that are stamped, painted, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your fridge or craft room.

This project is simple, relaxing, and looks far more “designer” than it really is. Think of it as pottery without the kiln—no fancy equipment needed!

Why You’ll Love This Project

  • Uses air dry clay – no oven or kiln.

  • Great for leftover clay scraps.

  • Endless possibilities with different stamps, textures, and paints.

  • Makes thoughtful handmade gifts (great for teachers, neighbors, or stocking stuffers).

  • Works as a fun craft session with teens or grandkids.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Air dry clay (white works best for stamping)

  • Rubber stamps or textured items (lace, doilies, leaves, even buttons!)

  • Acrylic paint or ink pads

  • Rolling pin (or just grab a glass bottle)

  • Circle cookie cutter (or jar lid)

  • Magnets (strong flat-backed ones work best)

  • Strong craft glue or hot glue gun

  • Sealer (optional: Mod Podge or matte varnish)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Roll Out Your Clay

Start with a small ball of clay and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick. Not too thin, or it’ll crack while drying, and not too chunky, or your magnets will be too heavy.

Step 2 – Stamp and Texture

Press your chosen rubber stamp or textured object firmly into the clay. Don’t worry about perfection—slight variations give that handmade charm.

Tip: If you’re using an ink pad, you can ink the stamp before pressing to add instant color to the impression.

Step 3 – Cut Out Shapes

Use a cookie cutter, jar lid, or knife to cut neat circles (or any shape you like—hearts, squares, even freeform ovals).

Step 4 – Smooth Edges

Gently smooth the edges with damp fingers or a bit of water. This gives a polished finish.

Step 5 – Dry

Place your pieces on baking paper and allow them to dry for 24–48 hours. Flip halfway through to prevent curling.

Step 6 – Paint or Highlight

Once dry, you can leave them natural or lightly brush paint over the raised designs to highlight the texture. Metallics (gold, silver, copper) look stunning, but even soft pastels give a pretty effect.

Step 7 – Seal (Optional)

If you want extra durability, brush on a thin coat of Mod Podge or varnish.

Step 8 – Attach Magnets

Finally, glue a magnet to the back of each piece. Let the glue cure fully before sticking them on your fridge.

Variations to Try

  • Rustic farmhouse look: Use lace or burlap for stamping and paint with a whitewash effect.

  • Modern boho: Try geometric stamps and metallic paint accents.

  • Seasonal magnets: Use themed stamps (snowflakes, flowers, leaves) for year-round sets.

  • Kids’ art version: Let the kids press buttons, Lego bricks, or small toys into the clay for fun patterns.

Tips

These don’t just work as magnets—you can glue them onto gift tags, turn them into brooches, or even make them into pendants for necklaces. Once you start, you’ll be stamping everything in sight (don’t say I didn’t warn you!).

Handmade doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These DIY air dry clay magnets prove just that—simple materials, a little creativity, and you’ve got a set of unique, functional mini artworks. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or just adding a bit of joy to the everyday.