DIY Air Dry Clay - Easy, Fun & Oh-So-Satisfying to Make!

If you love getting creative with your hands (and maybe making a bit of a mess along the way), then this DIY air-dry clay recipe is about to become your new favourite thing. It’s ridiculously easy to make, super smooth to work with, and best of all—no baking required! Just mix it up, shape it, and let it dry. Whether you're sculpting cute little trinkets, hand-made ornaments, or personalized keepsakes, this clay is a crafter’s dream!  

Let’s get started!  

WHAT YOU NEED
250g cornstarch (this keeps your clay silky smooth!)  
500g baking soda (this helps give it a lightweight, soft texture)  
375ml water (to bring everything together)  
(Optional) A few drops of food colouring or acrylic paint to add a splash of colour to your masterpiece!  

How to Make Your Own Air-Dry Clay  

Mix It Up! First things first—measure out all your ingredients. Precision is key to getting that perfect clay texture! In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and baking soda until they’re nicely combined.  

Add Water & Stir Like a Pro. Slowly pour in the water while stirring constantly. This helps prevent any lumps (because lumpy clay is no fun!). You should end up with a smooth, milky mixture.  

Time to Heat Things Up! Place the saucepan over medium heat and keep stirring—seriously, don’t stop! After a few minutes, you’ll notice the mixture thickening, almost like mashed potatoes. Keep going until it forms a soft dough. Once it’s thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan, it’s time to remove it from the heat.  

Let It Cool Before You Dive In. Transfer the dough onto a plate or clean surface and let it cool for a few minutes. It’ll be hot at first, so give it some time before handling it.  

Knead, Knead, Knead! Once it’s cool enough to touch, start kneading! This part is oddly satisfying—you’ll feel the clay transform into a smooth, pliable dough. If it’s a little sticky, sprinkle in a touch of cornstarch and keep kneading until it reaches the perfect consistency. 

Add a Pop of Colour (Optional but Fun!). Want colourful clay? Now’s the time to add a few drops of food colouring or acrylic paint and knead it in until the colour is evenly distributed. Pastel shades? Bright and bold? The choice is yours!  

Store It Right. Not using your clay right away? Wrap it up in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out before you're ready to create!  

Time to Get Crafty!  

Now that you have your homemade clay, it’s time to bring your ideas to life! Roll it, shape it, stamp it—get creative! Once you’ve finished sculpting, simply leave your clay creations out to air-dry. Depending on the thickness, they’ll be fully dry in 1-2 days.  

If you want a smooth finish on your dried creations, lightly sand them and seal them with Mod Podge or clear varnish.  

So, what are you making first? Let me know in the comments! Happy crafting!