Never used polymer clay before? Think of it as a kind of play dough for adults – a fun and tactile material that's easy to mould and comes in a variety of colours. Better still, once set (or hardened) in the oven, polymer clay is durable, water-resistant and will last for years!
Get ready for some fun crafting with these polymer clay ideas.
What is polymer clay?
Also known as oven-bake clay, polymer clay is a type of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) clay that's versatile and easy to use. It’s a brilliant material for creating your own stunning designs and can be used with many fascinating techniques and effects, such as marbling.
From jewellery and coasters to incense holders and planters, the sky's the limit when it comes to crafting with polymer clay. Once you've made your finished shapes you simply pop them in the oven to bake and hey-presto! You have your finished polymer clay craft ready to wear, pop on the shelf or in a gift bag for your bezzie!
We assure you that polymer clay is super simple to use but if you'd like some extra help, here's our guide to using polymer clay.
Ready to get crafting? Check out our favourite polymer clay crafts to choose your next project.
16 gorgeous polymer clay ideas
1. Polymer clay earrings
These statement earrings will add a playful handmade touch to any outfit, and would make great gifts for pals in their favourite colours.
With this project you get to break the rules a bit, mixing all the colours together to create marble style painterly patterns!
Try the craft with Gathered.
2. Incense holder
Burn your favourite fragrance in your home office or while you're soaking in the tub with these cute incense holders. We love the bold triangle shape, which you can decorate however you choose with watered-down acrylic paint.
Make the incense holders with Almost Makes Perfect.
3. Moon phase garland
Sophie Gibbons shows you how to turn plain polymer clay into a beautiful moon phase garland in just six easy steps! It's a super simple tutorial and is ideal for crafters wanting learn the art of marbling clay.
Try the craft with Gathered.
4. Hair clips
Accessorise your next hair style with one of these statement hair clips – the funky patterns go with everything! You'll need alligator clips and jewellery glue for this craft.
Try the craft with The House That Lars Built.
5. Garden markers
These sweet little markers for perfect for labelling your plants. The name of each plant is stamped into the clay so you don’t have to worry about them fading or washing off. Perfect for gifting to a green-fingered buddy.
Make garden markers with Sarah Hearts.
12 of the best polymer clay kits
We've rounded up the best polymer clay kits for kids and adults so you can choose your favourite and start creating!
6. Polymer clay crochet hooks
Upgrade your plain crochet hooks into these colourful creations with Chloe Blair’s tutorial. Not only will your hooks look pretty, the polymer clay also give the hooks a lovely soft grip. Perfect for gifting to a fellow crafter.
Try the polymer craft with Gathered.
7. Rainbow edged mirror
Brighten up your morning routine with this joyful rainbow mirror! With just a little rolling and coiling of the clay, you’ll create a super colourful mirror for your home.
Make a rainbow-edged mirror with Kahlo Chic Life.
8. Polymer clay necklace
With some rolling and twisting, you can create gorgeous marble effect jewellery with Dorothy Wood's step-by-step guide. We’ve given one example of a shape and design, but you can also try simple rectangles or shields in different colours too.
Try the polymer craft with Gathered.
9. Polymer clay coasters
Step aside marble, your speckled cousin terrazzo is taking the spotlight in homewares right now. Designer Sophie Gibbons (aka @junkandglitter on Instagram), shows you how to make these DIY coasters, which are bound to fancy up your next drinks gathering.
Make the coasters with Gathered.
10. Marbled polymer clay ring dish
Keep all your rings in one place with one of these trinket dishes. The marble-style painterly patterns add extra beauty to the finished piece. You'll need gold paint for the fancy edging, and glaze to seal.
Try the polymer craft with A Beautiful Mess.
11. Polymer clay petal planter
This polymer craft is a superbly simple way of brightening up a plain planter. The pretty petal effect is also ideal for using up leftover bits of polymer clay.
Try the craft with A Beautiful Mess.
How to make air-dry clay
Learn how to make your own air dry clay with our recipe using kitchen ingredients!
12. Ice cream cone wall planters
This fun polymer clay project is a great way of showing off your cacti – and it will definitely get you in the mood for ice cream! For this craft, you'll need a party hat for moulding the clay around.
Make the planters with Aww Sam.
13. Polymer clay cactus
Make your own mini terrarium with Afsaneh Tajvidi’s teeny weeny polymer clay cactus tutorials. They'll look wonderful in a terrarium bauble hanging from a shelf or in a jar to display on your bookshelf.
Try the polymer clay craft with Gathered.
14. Clay covered pens
A perfect project for beginner clay crafters. These clay-covered pens make wonderful gifts, and are a clever way of using up those clay scraps you have no idea what to do with.
Make clay-covered pens with DIY Candy.
15. Knot paperweight
This simple yet beautiful paperweight will add a touch of elegance to your shelf or desk. You'll need some fine sandpaper to work out any imperfections for a smooth finish.
Try the polymer clay craft with Fall For DIY.
16. Tabletop Tic Tac Toe
Keep guests entertained at the coffee table with this sweet little game! Have fun making whatever shapes you like for the pieces – we happen to love the funky eyes and lips shapes. You'll need a square piece of wood for the game's board.
Try the polymer clay craft with A Beautiful Mess.
Slow down and relax with these polymer clay ideas
Crafting with polymer clay is a wonderfully tactile and sensory activity. It’s the perfect craft for a rainy afternoon or a cosy evening in. Make yourself a hot drink and pop on your favourite music while you settle in for a few hours of mindful crafting.
Try crafting with air-dry clay
Like polymer clay, air-dry clay is an easy and versatile material to work with. Try our easy air-dry clay ideas for making a variety of items, from vases to trinket dishes.
