Modeling clay is a great craft supply to keep on hand for your kids. These modeling clay crafts are creative and easy to make at home.
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Modeling clay crafts are perfect for a summer boredom buster. Many just require one supply – the clay. Read through the instructions for each tutorial for details. Some types of clay are better for some projects than others, but here are the most popular:
- Air-dry clay is shaped, then left at room temperature to dry to a hard, solid shape. After it dries, you can paint it, but it must be completely dry, which can take up to a few days.
- Polymer clay like Sculpey is made from plastic. It needs to be baked to harden and can be more fragile than other types. It holds a lot of detail, so it’s great for older kids’ projects!
- Crayola Model Magic is a modeling clay that comes in lots of colors and air-dries. Because it’s made for kids, it’s also non-toxic.
- Salt dough can be made at home with a simple recipe, and usually has to be baked to harden. Once baked, it’s easy to paint.
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Nature impressions
Use items collected from your own backyard to make these simple nature impressions from Frugal Family Home. This would also be a fun activity to do after a nature walk.
Outer space jewelry
Using a variety of colors, your kids will love making outer space jewelry using modeling clay. See how to make each planet in the solar system at Pink Stripey Socks.
Fruit keychain
We’re all about colorful crafts here and the fruit keychains on Dream a Little Bigger are too cute! Learn how to make a polymer clay apple, orange, lemon, and pear to hang on your keys.
Paper clay pencil toppers
How cute are these paper clay pencil toppers from Red Ted Art? Get their recipe for paper clay and learn how to make these with your kids. They’re a cute activity to go along with summer journals or to get ready for back-to-school time.
Glittery handprint ornament
These glittery handprint ornaments are a kid-made craft from Arty Crafty Kids that makes a beautiful decoration year-round or a thoughtful handmade gift for family.
Snake jar
Kids who love rolling clay into a long “snake” will enjoy making this snake jar for holding pencils. This fun and practical idea is from The Madhouse Mummy.
Garden stakes
Add a few bugs to your indoor flower pots by making clay bug garden stakes with Me and My Inklings.
Dragon eggs
Adventure in a Box shares how to make dragon eggs, just like in Harry Potter and other fantasy stories. This would be a fun activity to along with a story or you could encourage kids to brainstorm different materials they could use.
Clay footprint bowl
If you’re looking for a clay craft you can make with your baby or toddler, Messy Little Monster shares the cutest clay footprint bowl. This is easier to make than you might think but looks professionally made.
Miniature food
The only limit is your child’s imagination when you see how to make miniature food from Simplify Create Inspire. They’re the perfect accessory for Barbies, Littlest Pet Shop, and other figures.
Snails
The design for this model magic snail might be simple, but it’s really cute! See how to make it at Art Projects for Kids. They also have a worm.
Polymer clay popsicles
It’s not quite summer until you’ve had a popsicle. But don’t worry, these polymer clay popsicle charms from Make Life Lovely can be enjoyed any time!
Tic tac toe
Make your own pieces to play tic tac toe at Artsy Craftsy Mom. This version is bumblebees vs. flowers.
Fairy garden house
Start a fairy garden that you kids can enjoy for a long time. Start with a fairy garden house, via Happiness is Homemade.
Rainbow necklace
This rainbow necklace made with polymer clay was designed by The Artisan Life for St. Patrick’s Day, but we’ll bet your kids will want to wear it all the time.
Stamped name bracelets
When you’ve got a group of kids together, making a craft like these stamped name bracelets is the perfect activity. Set out the supplies and let each kid customize it with their name and favorite colors. Tutorial via Happy Hour Projects.
Sunflower bowl
Clay is great for shaping into dishes. These sunflower bowls are made using air-dry clay, via Emma Owl.
3D graphic mugs
If you think you don’t need another coffee mug, you’ll change your mind when you see these 3D graphic mugs. Studio DIY attached bananas, doughnuts and other clay creations to the outside.
Unicorn
This easy clay unicorn face from Stylish Cravings is easy to customize with your child’s favorite colors.
Pygmy puffs
Harry Potter fans will recognize the pygmy puff as a cuddly cute pet that belongs to Ginny in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Kids can make their very own pet with this tutorial from Housewife Eclectic.
Bottle pig
An empty plastic bottle is the trick to making this adorable clay pig at Fave Crafts.
Pinch pots
Pinch pots are made by pinching the clay with your fingers, so kids of all ages can try this technique from Think Make Share.
Diffuser necklace
This diffuser necklace from Mommypottamus is a great craft for kids to make with an adult. In the summertime, use essential oils to repel mosquitos!
Strawberry earrings
Mod Podge Rocks shares a beginner tutorial to make strawberry earrings with a mold. If your kiddo doesn’t have pierced ears, you could easily swap out the parts to make them clip-on.
Alphabet magnets
These DIY alphabet magnets are a cute way for your little ones to practice their letters. Learn how to make them from Handmade Charlotte.
Award metals
Kids will love making these award medals at Meri Cherry Art Studio. They’re cute for a summer camp activity or for playing Olympic games.
Bookmarks
Summer reading will be even more fun if your kids make these cute clay bookmarks with paper clips. See four styles from Crayola.
Emoji keychains
These bright yellow emoji keychains would be a fun activity for older kids to make using their favorites. See how at Craft Shack Chronicles.
Unicorn headband
Make this unicorn headband by using modeling clay for the horn. Tutorial at Michaels.
Rainbow mobile
A rainbow mobile is the perfect home decor for summertime. Make this simple one from Collective Gen in any color combination.
Pocket panda
Pandas are super cute and this pocket panda made by Ruffles and Rainboots is the perfect craft for little hands.
Polymer clay pens
Make sure your kids’ school supplies stand out differently from everyone else by making their own polymer clay pens. Kit Kraft shares how to make a variety of patterns.
Butter slime
Have you ever made butter slime? Learn how to make this super-smooth recipe at Joann.
Modeling clay crafts are the perfect summer kids’ activity. Save this post so you have plenty of easy ideas the next time your kids are bored or want to make something fun.
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