It’s so strange that I was even drawn to air dry clay because sculpting is probably my least favorite art form (but only because I’m horrible at it!). However, the beauty of air dry clay is that a little water can smooth things out, and if all else fails, you can sand it after it’s dry. Air dry clay is light weight, paintable, can be glued on, it’s pretty amazing and forgiving. I have created several awesome air dry clay gift ideas that I created during one creative moment. Once you start working with the clay it’s easy to keep at it and complete several projects at once. Check out the instructions on the container, but plan for 2-3 days of dry time. I have included a list of tools and supplies that can help you get started with any or all of these fun air dry clay gift ideas. Kids love this stuff too, so get them involved!

Succulent planter

This succulent planter is just a small terracotta planter with air dry clay rolled out and wrapped around the terracotta. I used a knife to trim around the top – leaving the orange beauty of the top ridge of the terracotta, and then I added a fleur de lis cut out to the front. The cut out is a fondant cutter from Hobby Lobby. I also gently pressed arborvitae leaves into the clay to leave a unique impression. Once dry, I dry brushed some craft paint into the leave impressions and around the fleur de lis cut out. The possibilities are endless to add decoration to the clay once it’s wrapped around the planter. Once dry, you can seal it with a clear matte spray paint.

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Herb plant stakes

These herb plant stakes were inspired by baked clay ones created by Magnolia. While she used ink stamps to label the herb markers, I used alphabet fondant stamps that left impressions into my air dry clay. To get the marker shape, you can cut pieces freehand, or you can use a paper creaser as your guide. I have had my paper creaser for years and still find it handy to have around. I just rolled out the air dry clay, and cut around the paper creaser. Then I used my fondant alphabet stamps to spell our the herb names I wanted stakes for. This gift can be customized for whatever herbs the recipient uses the most. Once dry, you can sand rough edges and add paint or sharpie pen into the letter impressions – you can leave it all white too. I wanted to create something a little different with a modern edge, so I taped off the top using painters tape and then sprayed matte black spray paint to the bottom of each marker. To prepare these markers for gift giving, you can stack them up and tie them together with some jute twine or ribbon. I punched some holes at the bottom of these soup cans, spray painted them, and added herb plants to get my recipient started with her new herb plant stakes.

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Boho wall pocket

Isn’t this planter too cute?! Have you seen air plants around? They literally don’t need to live in dirt or water to survive. They will pull moisture from the air, and if you live in a dry climate you can mist your air plant once a week. I think air plants are so cool and I love the low maintenance. This boho wall pocket is the perfect touch for the person in your family who loves the boho style. You can set a little air plant (or faux succulent) in the pocket and hang anywhere. To make this boho wall pocket, print and cut out the pattern I created, and then once you roll out the air dry clay, just use a knife to cut around the pattern. I cut the hole with a plastic straw, but you can also glue magnets to the backside and put it on your fridge or file cabinet. To keep the top piece of clay shaped, I carefully added some cosmetic cotton rounds (cotton balls or toilet paper would also work). I finally dry brushed some gold paint to the inside to give it a little boho color!

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Candle with match holder

I just made this up as I went – sorry, no pattern, but it’s really just cutting out a rectangle and a half circle. I used the center cardboard roll from twine to form the curve of the rectangle and cut the half circle shape. This design proved to be a little more tricky, but it’s so fun and with just a little water I was able to smooth out the seams really well. Once dry, I glued it directly to my Dollar Store candle, and then reinforced it with a pretty ribbon. I filled the holder with matches from the Dollar Store and even cut out one of the striking strips to glue under the match holder. I used a hair rubber band to hold it on while it dried. I think this is a fun gift for candle lovers or to give to a neighbor, teacher, or as a simple hostess gift.

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Tools for air dry clay gifts

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There are so many things you can create with air dry clay. Air dry clay ornaments and gift tags are another favorite. Have fun, get crafty, and tag me on Instagram (@804_Sycamore) if you try your own air dry clay crafts!