Time to Make Some Clay Models
Create small clay models like animals, flowers, or mini figures using non toxic air dry clay, simple tools, then paint after drying for practice.
Step-by-step guide to create small clay models
Step 1
Clear a flat workspace and cover it with wax paper or a plastic placemat.
Step 2
Gather all the materials from the list and place them within easy reach.
Step 3
Tear off a piece of clay about the size of a ping pong ball.
Step 4
Knead the clay by squishing and rolling it in your hands until it feels soft and smooth.
Step 5
Roll the clay into a ball or shape it into a simple body form for your animal flower or mini figure.
Step 6
Pinch off tiny bits of clay to make heads ears legs petals or other small details.
Step 7
Press each small piece gently onto the main body to attach it.
Step 8
Use a toothpick or clay tool to add eyes mouth fur lines or petal veins for texture.
Step 9
Smooth any seams or rough spots with a damp fingertip and a little water.
Step 10
Let your clay model air dry on the wax paper for at least 24 hours or until it feels hard all the way through.
Step 11
Paint your dry model with non toxic paints using brushes and let the colors dry.
Step 12
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving your model.
Step 13
Share a photo of your finished clay creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I can't find air-dry clay or wax paper?
Substitute oven-bake polymer clay or a homemade salt-dough (note salt-dough may need baking) for air-dry clay, and use a clean plastic bag, silicone baking mat, or laminated placemat instead of wax paper or a plastic placemat.
My tiny ears/legs keep falling off or seams are visible—what should I do?
Score both attaching surfaces with a toothpick, add a tiny bit of water as slip, press the small piece onto the main body and smooth the seam with a damp fingertip before letting the model air dry for at least 24 hours as instructed.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages?
For toddlers, use larger palm-sized pieces instead of a ping-pong-sized ball, skip very small pinched details and have an adult handle toothpicks and painting, while older kids can make finer details, use clay tools for texture, and add wire armatures before drying.
How can we extend or personalize our clay models after making them?
Knead in small amounts of colored clay to marbleize during the 'knead the clay' step, press leaves or forks with your toothpick or clay tool for texture, paint with non-toxic paints after the model dries, and seal with a child-safe varnish before photographing for DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to create small clay models
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Facts about clay modeling for kids
✅ Many air-dry clays are labeled non-toxic and kid-friendly, but it's always smart to check the package and wash hands after play.
🎨 Air-dry clay hardens without a kiln — small pieces usually dry in 24–72 hours depending on thickness.
🐚 People have been shaping clay for thousands of years; tiny clay figurines from ancient times still survive today.
🧸 Sealing painted clay models with a clear varnish, school glue, or mod podge can make them stronger and more water-resistant.
🌈 You can tint air-dry clay by mixing in a little acrylic paint or powdered pigment, but too much liquid makes it mushy.
How do you make small clay models with air-dry clay?
What materials and tools do I need to make air-dry clay models at home?
What ages is air-dry clay modeling suitable for, and how do I adapt it for different ages?
What are the benefits of making clay models with kids?
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