Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Sand Clay Keepsakes

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This is a homemade clay project from Anna of The Imagination Tree. You can absolutely do the same thing with regular oven bake or air dry clays from the craft store. The sand texture of this appealed though and the recipe sounds like regular reliable flour dough clay. In my experience these aren’t the sturdiest, most reliable products but you can’t beat the price and if you’re careful with the item’s thickness and edges you should get a good, lasting piece.

Little handprints would make a great gift for mom’s and grandma’s for Mother’s Day. You can embed a sturdy length of hanging wire in the project so that it could be hung somewhere out of the way.

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

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Review: ThaLan Pottery Kit for Beginners (Adjustable Pottery Wheel Set)

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying pottery but didn’t want to invest in a full-size wheel and studio setup, the ThaLan Pottery Kit for Beginners might just be your new favorite craft toy. I grabbed this for my teens (and myself, let’s be honest) as a rainy-day project, and we’ve had so much fun with it.

First things first—the wheel itself is adjustable and surprisingly sturdy for a tabletop kit. It’s not professional-grade (don’t expect to throw giant bowls or vases), but for small projects like little trinket dishes, mini planters, or decorative keepsakes, it works beautifully. The speed settings are easy to control, and it doesn’t wobble around like some of the cheaper kids’ pottery wheels I’ve seen.

The kit comes with tools, carving sticks, and shaping accessories that actually make a difference when you’re trying to smooth or decorate your clay. I loved that it included air-dry clay—no kiln needed—which makes it truly beginner-friendly. The clay is soft and easy to work with, though I’d recommend having extra on hand if you plan on making more than a couple of pieces.

One thing I really appreciate is how accessible it is. My daughter was able to use it right away without frustration, and I found it oddly therapeutic to sit and spin out little bowls while listening to a podcast. It’s a fantastic way to dip your toes into pottery without a big financial commitment.

Pros:

  • Adjustable speed wheel that feels stable

  • Comes with tools, brushes, and clay—ready to use right out of the box

  • Perfect for beginners, kids, and casual crafters

  • Great for stress relief and creativity

Cons:

  • Not strong enough for larger or heavier clay projects

  • You’ll want extra clay (the included amount is good for starters but goes quickly)

The ThaLan Pottery Kit is a fun, beginner-friendly set that makes pottery feel approachable. It’s not going to replace a studio setup, but it’s absolutely perfect for kids, families, or anyone who wants to explore pottery at home. Think of it as a gateway into the world of clay crafting—it sparks creativity without overwhelming you with technical skill.

If you’ve got crafty kids or you’re looking for a mindful hobby for yourself, I’d recommend giving this kit a try.