Fun Polymer Clay Ideas

Polymer clay is likely one of the most versatile crafting media available; its uses and applications are practically endless. From handmade jewelry to chic wall art, polymer clay is an easy-to-use, readily available option. While it may take a little practice to expertly sculpt using clay, the skill-building itself is meditative and enjoyable.

No matter where you choose to begin your work with polymer clay, be sure you have a sharp craft knife (or clay cutter) available, aluminum foil to create molds and forms, and that you preheat your oven before baking your projects to eliminate cracking. Peruse the ideas below to find the perfect starter project for your entry into the world of polymer clay.

01 of 15

Fruit Trinket Boxes

Damask Love

While these adorable trinket boxes use a plain wooden bangle bracelet to get things started, it’s the clay accents that really set them apart from other simple crafts. Nervous to free-hand each of the fruits’ texture? Use a bit of washi tape to stencil off your design before applying the painted pattern work.

Fruit Trinket Boxes from Damask Love
02 of 15

Modern Earrings

The Spruce Crafts

Add a touch of homemade flair to any outfit with a set of geometric earrings. A duo of neutral and pastel colors keeps these designs relatively subtle, and therefore, absolutely wearable. Finish with a polymer-safe clear coat to add a layer of shine or leave them matte for a softer effect.

Modern Earrings from The Spruce Crafts
03 of 15

Geometric Wall Hanging

Alice and Lois

For a little mid-century modern-inspired decor, create a set of geometric wall hangings. Brass and peach work perfectly together, but don’t hesitate to experiment with pastel blue and silver hardware as well. Either way, add string tassels to finish each piece with style.

Geometric Wall Hanging from Alice and Lois
04 of 15

Rainbow Magnets

Crafts Unleashed

Brighten up your day-to-day with a set of colorful, handmade rainbow magnets for your refrigerator. Be sure to hot glue each magnet to the baked polymer clay really well before popping these on the fridge to ensure their longevity.

Rainbow Magnets from Crafts Unleashed

Continue to 5 of 15 below
05 of 15

Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters

Aww Sam

For a fresh way to add a bit of life to your walls, consider sculpting planters from polymer clay and filling with succulents. Ice cream cone shapes are not only especially whimsical, but they’re also easy to make—just roll a circle of clay, score it with a dull clay tool, and secure it around a cone of aluminum foil before baking into shape. It’s best to fill these clay potters with faux plants; they don’t stand up well to daily watering.

Ice Cream Cone Wall Planters from Aww Sam
06 of 15

Cactus Ring Holder

The Spruce Crafts

A chic jewelry storage solution can be tricky to work into your bedroom’s decor, so opt instead for a whimsical, do-it-yourself display. This cactus-shaped ring holder can be made in any color, and it holds quite a few of your prettiest pieces, so make a few to gift to your friends as well.

Cactus Ring Holder from The Spruce Crafts
07 of 15

Standing Bud Vase

A Beautiful Mess

Fresh flowers can add a delicate beauty to your home, and a simple, single bud vase can stretch your bouquet to multiple spaces. Take your cue from A Beautiful Mess and create a modern, neutral stand vase, then fill with a single tulip.

Tip

Hide a metal wire in the stem of your vase to give it a strong structure.

Standing Bud Vase from A Beautiful Mess
08 of 15

Emoji Heart Best Friends Necklaces

Aww Sam

Capitalize on the popularity of emojis with this tech-inspired jewelry design. While these cute necklaces are simple enough to create, they come together much quicker with the help of a sharp craft knife and a small heart-shaped cookie cutter. Don't forget to gift one half of the heart pendant to your BFF once the clay is set.

Emoji Heart Best Friends Necklaces from Aww Sam

Continue to 9 of 15 below
09 of 15

Stamped Clay Succulent Pots

Damask Love

While you could use professional clay-stamping tools to create a set of subtly-patterned planters, a piece of strategically-edged cardboard or etched glass will work just as well. Create three or four of these planters at a time in the same color to display together—they look best in clusters.

Stamped Clay Succulent Pots from Damask Love
10 of 15

Stamped Clay Garden Markers

Sarah Hearts

For a simple solution to keep your garden vegetables organized, turn your scraps of polymer clay into easy stick-shaped labels. To help these DIYed markers stay readable, paint each one thoroughly with a weather-proof clear coat once it’s stamped and baked.

Stamped Clay Garden Markers from Sarah Hearts
11 of 15

Tabletop Tic-Tac-Toe

A Beautiful Mess

A great way to add a fun pop of color to your coffee table, this handmade tic-tac-toe set is also a practical piece for entertaining. Set it out before guests arrive to encourage spontaneous tic-tac-toe matches (or just admiration of your handiwork).

Tabletop Tic-Tac-Toe from A Beautiful Mess
12 of 15

Monogrammed Book Mark

Your DIY Family

There are few things in life better than curling up with a good book, but adding a personalized, handmade bookmark to your story session just might up the ante. You can definitely source leather-effect clay from a craft store easily, but adding a simple pebble texture to regular polymer (try pressing with a heavyweight drawing paper) works just as well.

Monogrammed Book Mark from Your DIY Family

Continue to 13 of 15 below
13 of 15

Beaded Necklace

The Crafted Life

Get your feet wet with polymer clay with a super simple jewelry craft. Try your hand at a couple of different bead shapes and sizes, and aim for consistency to ensure a professional-looking project. This is an especially great starter project for kid-crafters—no sharp tools or painstaking sculpting required.

Beaded Necklace from The Crafted Life
14 of 15

Marble Coasters

The Spruce Crafts

A gold leaf edge really helps these faux marble coasters pop, so don’t skip that metallic finishing touch. This comprehensive tutorial guides you through creating the swirling, faux-marble clay effect, which is surprisingly simple to achieve, so don’t hesitate to get started.

Marble Coasters from The Spruce Crafts
15 of 15

Clay-Covered Pens

DIY Candy

If your office supplies seem a bit tired lately, give a few plain pens a makeover with a handful of polymer clay. Try rolling a few complementary colors together for a more interesting finish, and be sure to remove the ink well before baking each pen to set. A couple of these and a little notepad would make a wonderful teacher’s gift too.

Clay-Covered Pens from DIY Candy