We can all agree that The Great Pottery Throwdown has inspired each and every one of else to start playing with clay.
However, the clay creations they make on the show are complex and take years of practice (not to mention an entire pottery wheel!) which is why air dry clay and polymer clay are our new BFFs.
Both air dry and polymer clay are super easy to use and relatively cheap. They also don't require any tools or machinery - all you need is your hands, some water and clay and you can create some incredible pieces. We have a tutorial here on Gathered for how to use air dry clay as well as lots of projects but we thought it's time we give polymer clay so love.
Polymer clay is so easy to use, completely safe (making it great for kids), and comes in every colour you can imagine! The sheer number of polymer clay colours out there can be a little overwhelming (check our our introduction to polymer clay for more beginner advice) especially if you're new to the craft which is why we love kits.
There's a huge range of polymer clay kits out there all aimed at different ages and abilities. You can get kits as cheap as £7 which includes the very basics or you can get bumper kits which come with all the colours, tools, and accessories you could ever need
We've rounded up the best polymer clay kits on the market so you can choose your favourite and start creating. No matter your budget or skill level, polymer clay crafts are for you. Pick a kit below and you'll be on the Pottery Throwdown before you know it!
The best polymer clay kits for beginners
1. FIMO kids 'Form & Play' polymer clay kit
FIMO is the king of polymer clay and it's a brand recognised for its great quality and fun designs. Have some fun with clay and involve your kids in the creative process using this kit from FIMO.
There's plenty of different FIMO kids kits including a pet kit, a unicorn kit, monster kit, and more. It comes with child-friendly instructions, four blocks of clay, and a game backdrop for them to play with their creations after.
2. Polymer clay leather effect jewellery kit
This polymer clay kit is perfect for beginners because it comes with all the instructions and guidance you need to make your own leather-effect jewellery. It comes with four stylish shades of clay half-blocks and all the fittings needed to make a necklace and set of earrings.
This leather-effect FIMO is a brand-new material that will appeal to craft-lovers who want to try their hand at polymer clay makes. It's also available as a glasses case or tassel set, and of course you can buy individual blocks of the leather-effect clay if you just fancy getting creative yourself!
3. Polymer clay Christmas decoration kit
The Katrilee Christmas polymer clay kit comes with everything you need to make three adorable ornaments. Everything you need to make lots of ornaments is inside including three cutters. The cutters you'll get will be a surprise but they could be gingerbread, Christmas tree, candy cane, bell, mitten and more! This kit would make a super cute gift all year round.
4. CiaraQ polymer clay kit
This polymer kit from CiaraQ has all the essentials inside. There are 600 grams of polymer clay inside in 24 different colours, a range of mini tools to carve with, and accessories to turn your designs into wearable items.
You simply knead the dough until it's soft, mold then pop in the microwave or oven to set hard.
5. LCHM's bumper polymer clay kit
If you want to play with every colour of the rainbow then this is the polymer clay kit for you! It includes 46 non-toxic, eco-friendly clays, tools, accessories, and project tutorials. We love the sturdy box it comes in which makes it easy to pack away neatly and will stop your clays from drying out. You could even use this kit to make our polymer clay necklace.
6. Polymer clay earring kit
Wear your creativity with Katrilee's polymer clay kit. Every kit comes beautifully packaged and has everything you need to start making your own earrings. 2 cutters are included which you can reuse once you've finished the kit on your other projects. You can even choose your clays colour pallette from her selection so you earrings suit your style.
7. YILAIDA's polymer clay kit for beginners
This is another bumper polymer clay kit that is great for those wanting to experiment. There's 50 clay packs in 50 different colours, eight tools, an accessory pack which includes everything from earring shooks to beads to decorate with. It also comes with a project booklet which has lots of different ideas. The reviews are great for this polymer clay kit too!
8. FIMO polymer clay decoration kit
Make your own Fimo decorations with Made by Sarahx Boutique's polymer clay kit. You can choose which cutter you'd like in the box (1 or 2) and there's a range of fun shapes to choose from including a fairy, dog, crocodile, cupcake and more. The kit is great for newbies and even kids (with adult supervision) as it comes with comprehensive step by step instructions.
9. Polymer clay trinket bowl kit
If Katrilee's jewellery polymer clay kit isn't for you then why not try their trinket bowl version? Craft your own mini bowls to store all your new jewellery in with this kit. The kit has everything you need inside as well as instructions on how to create the iconic marbled effect.
10. Aztec polymer clay kit
Give your jewellery an Aztec edge with this polymer clay kit from Strange Boxez. There's two clay blocks, six cutters, gold mica powder, paint pens and plenty of jewellery making supplies. You'll be able to make several peices using this kit so you can give your creations to your loved ones for Christmas.
11. Polymer clay planter kit
How fun are these funky plant pots! Sun Sprinkles Shop has several polymer clay kits for sale but we couldn't resist this colourful kit. The kit comes with a ceramic planter, assorted clay, glue, glaze, paintbrush, blade and some instructions. Your plants will love sitting in these colourful planters.
12. Finny Lou Co polymer clay kit
This mini polymer clay kit would make a lovely gift or stocking filler. The bundle has everything you need to make five sets of earrings and you can choose the three colours of clay you'd like included. You'll also be able to use all the tools for future projects.
Quick creativity with polymer clay
The huge range of colours available and the low price tag means that polymer clay is perfect for fun creative play. It is generally reserved for making smaller items as large amounts of polymer clay can crack while baking, and while you can layer or mix colours for a marbled effect, you may need to move beyond polymer clay to achieve more detailed designs.
Can't stand the heat? Try air dry clay!
If you fancy making some bigger projects that have a little more in common with traditional ceramic clay (just without the need for a kiln), then check out the wide range of amazing air dry clay kits with Gathered.
