Polymer clay is likely one of the most versatile crafting media available; its uses and applications are practically endless. From handmade jewelry to chic wall art, polymer clay is an easy-to-use, readily available option. While it may take a little practice to expertly sculpt using clay, the skill-building itself is meditative and enjoyable.
No matter where you choose to begin your work with polymer clay, be sure you have a sharp craft knife (or clay cutter) available, aluminum foil to create molds and forms, and that you preheat your oven before baking your projects to eliminate cracking. Peruse the ideas below to find the perfect starter project for your entry into the world of polymer clay.
Damask Love
While these adorable trinket boxes use a plain wooden bangle bracelet to get things started, it’s the clay accents that really set them apart from other simple crafts. Nervous to free-hand each of the fruits’ texture? Use a bit of washi tape to stencil off your design before applying the painted pattern work. Fruit Trinket Boxes from Damask Love
- Modern Earrings
The Spruce Crafts
Add a touch of homemade flair to any outfit with a set of geometric earrings. A duo of neutral and pastel colors keeps these designs relatively subtle, and therefore, absolutely wearable. Finish with a polymer-safe clear coat to add a layer of shine or leave them matte for a softer effect. Modern Earrings from The Spruce Crafts - Geometric Wall Hanging
Alice and Lois
For a little mid-century modern-inspired decor, create a set of geometric wall hangings. Brass and peach work perfectly together, but don’t hesitate to experiment with pastel blue and silver hardware as well. Either way, add string tassels to finish each piece with style. Geometric Wall Hanging from Alice and Lois
- Rainbow Magnets
Crafts Unleashed
Brighten up your day-to-day with a set of colorful, handmade rainbow magnets for your refrigerator. Be sure to hot glue each magnet to the baked polymer clay really well before popping these on the fridge to ensure their longevity.Rainbow Magnets from Crafts Unleashed
- Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters
Aww Sam
For a fresh way to add a bit of life to your walls, consider sculpting planters from polymer clay and filling with succulents. Ice cream cone shapes are not only especially whimsical, but they’re also easy to make—just roll a circle of clay, score it with a dull clay tool, and secure it around a cone of aluminum foil before baking into shape. It’s best to fill these clay potters with faux plants; they don’t stand up well to daily watering. Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters from Aww Sam
- Cactus Ring Holder
The Spruce CraftsA chic jewelry storage solution can be tricky to work into your bedroom’s decor, so opt instead for a whimsical, do-it-yourself display. This cactus-shaped ring holder can be made in any color, and it holds quite a few of your prettiest pieces, so make a few to gift to your friends as well. Cactus Ring Holder from The Spruce Crafts
- Standing Bud Vase
A Beautiful Mess
Fresh flowers can add a delicate beauty to your home, and a simple, single bud vase can stretch your bouquet to multiple spaces. Take your cue from A Beautiful Mess and create a modern, neutral stand vase, then fill with a single tulip.TipHide a metal wire in the stem of your vase to give it a strong structure.Standing Bud Vase from A Beautiful Mess
- Emoji Heart Best Friends Necklaces
Aww SamCapitalize on the popularity of emojis with this tech-inspired jewelry design. While these cute necklaces are simple enough to create, they come together much quicker with the help of a sharp craft knife and a small heart-shaped cookie cutter. Don’t forget to gift one half of the heart pendant to your BFF once the clay is set.Emoji Heart Best Friends Necklaces from Aww Sam
- Stamped Clay Succulent Pots
Damask LoveWhile you could use professional clay-stamping tools to create a set of subtly-patterned planters, a piece of strategically-edged cardboard or etched glass will work just as well. Create three or four of these planters at a time in the same color to display together—they look best in clusters. Stamped Clay Succulent Pots from Damask Love