Which Hobby Starter plans

Clay for beginners: your starter plan

You like working in 3D with your hands and making small things to keep or give. Polymer or air-dry clay needs no kiln, just a table and an afternoon.

Start cost
$20-35
First project
A trinket dish
First finished piece
1-2 days
Start with this course Ceramics at Home for Beginners Domestika, covers oven-bake and air-dry clay without a kiln View course on Domestika

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What you actually need

Polymer clay (home oven) or air-dry clay
An acrylic roller and a craft blade
A ceramic tile or glass board
Small cutters, or a bottle cap
Oven thermometer (polymer) or varnish (air-dry)

Your first project: a trinket dish

  1. Condition the clay until soft.
  2. Roll a slab about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thick.
  3. Cut a circle and lift the edges.
  4. Bake or dry it slowly, then seal.

Beginner mistakes

Guessing the ovenCheck the real temperature with a thermometer.
Fast dryingAir-dry clay cracks when it dries too quickly.
Lint and dustWipe hands and tools before you start.

Ready to start clay?

Our course pick Ceramics at Home for Beginners Domestika, covers oven-bake and air-dry clay without a kiln View course on Domestika

For jewelry: Creating Jewelry with Polymer Clay English audio available.

We earn a commission if you buy through these links. Your price stays the same.

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