Clay is one medium that I just love using. I love watching my children literally mold their creativity into the clay. The same thing happens when we play with play dough, but the difference is that with clay we can save their creations. If we’re working with an air dry clay craft, we let it sit out to dry and then we are left with a beautiful masterpiece that we can save forever. Clay craft ideas have zoomed quickly to the top of my crafting list. Check out my comprehensive list of cute clay crafts below and choose your next creation!
Recommended Grade Level:
10+ Clay Crafts for Kids Supplies:
- Crafting Clay
- Various Tools
- Acrylic Paint
- Molds/Cutters
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Learning to Make Clay Crafts is Easy
WORKING WITH CLAY AND KIDS
WORKING WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLAY IS A FUN EXPERIENCE. TRADITIONAL CLAY WILL FEEL AND ACT DIFFERENTLY THAN MODELING CLAY OR POLYMER CLAY.
I also like making things out of clay. I have made things to give as gifts and other times I have made things for home decor. I especially like to make holiday decorations out of clay.
In addition to turning out beautiful items we can save forever, working with young hands and minds is an opportunity for questions and conversation:
- What colors will you choose for your design? Why?
- What shape are you molding the clay into?
- Will you use the flower pot/tray/bowl for something special?
- Who could you give your clay creation to?
What Can Children Learn While Working With Clay?
CRAYOLA AIR DRY CLAY
CLAY POTS CRAFTS AND OTHER CREATIONS ARE A GREAT WAY TO TEACH A VARIETY OF IMPORTANT SKILLS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND BEYOND.
Clay is so much fun to create with. The options are basically endless! I love the way it holds texture when you stamp something into it. I also love to watch how my daughters use their creativity to create something absolutely beautiful.
- Fine Motor
- Creativity
- Problem-Solving
- Language
- Colors/Shapes
Why Is It Important For Kids To Make Crafts?
Children learn and stimulate the brain with creative tasks. Crafting is an important part of early childhood education. Air dry clay projects, like terra cotta pots, are beautiful reminders of kids’ growth and progress.
Fine Motor Skills
Crafting strengthens coordination and fine motor skills. These muscles are important as we go through life in everything from writing our name to turning a screwdriver.
Oral Language
Oral language is a key component of early literacy instruction. It’s a really important piece to have in place before learning to read. Art projects of all kinds promote vocabulary and talking.
Creativity
Giving kids opportunities to create with various mediums is a chance to exercise creativity. Practice using your own imagination and expressions helps kids be open-minded.
Basic Math
Many art projects teach a lot of basic math concepts and vocabulary, like shapes and textures. Working with clay in particular offers opportunities to play with a variety of textures and molds.
Clay Crafts Round-Up
ABC Magnets:
These DIY Alphabet Magnets are adorable! These would make practicing letter and word with hands on activities so much fun!
Sunflower Bowls:
If you are looking for a great gift that kids can make, these DIY Sunflower Clay Bowls are beautiful. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love to receive one of these!
Footprint Bowl:
This Clay Footprint Bowl is another bowl that is so sweet it almost brings tears to my eyes and they aren’t even my child’s feet.
Phone Holder:
Some clay projects show you just how fun clay can be. These Mobile Phone Holders have such great texture beautifully molded right into the pieces.
Candle Holder:
Using cookie cutters with clay can help you make beautiful pieces like these Daffodil Candle Holders. With a cookie cutter and a little paint you can have one beautiful piece!
Pin Bowl:
This clay bowl has a magnet molded inside to create a Magnetic Pin Bowl for sewing pins. What a fabulous creation for the seamstress in your life!
More Clay Crafts Ideas
Dragon Eggs
My daughter has recently become fascinated with fairy gardens. These Fantasy Dragon Eggs will probably be right up her alley, they look like treasures!
Pinch Pots:
These Pinch Pots are amazing. I can see having a few of them scattered around my house. They are perfect for plants or holding small odds and ends!
Stamped Bowl:
Here is more proof that clay is fabulous at accepting textures pressed into it. These DIY Stamped Clay Bowls are beautiful and would look fabulous on a coffee table!
Earrings:
Clay is also fabulous for creating fashion accessories. These Angel Wing Earrings are gorgeous and a gorgeous use for clay!
Gift Tags:
Class up your gift wrapping skills with these Clay Gift Tags. After the great gift is opened, it could easily be transformed into a necklace or broach!
Lantern:
These Clay Lanterns are beautiful with or without the lights on. These would be perfect on an outdoor patio on a warm summer night!
Pencil Stand:
I guarantee as soon as I show my girls this idea, this will be their next project. This Geometric DIY Air Dry Clay Colored Pencil Stand is the perfect addition to a homework table or craft room!
Our Favorite Craft Books for Kids:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources:
Boxitects
Creating Really Awesome Free Things: 100 Seriously Fun, Super Easy Projects for KidsBook Art: Creative ideas to transform your books into decorations, stationery, display scenes, and moreThe Upcycled T-Shirt: 28 Easy-to-Make Projects That Save the Planet • Clothing, Accessories, Home Decor & GiftsUpcycling Crafts: A Compilation of 197 Popular Upcycling Crafts for Beginners
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