What Can I Make With Clay That I Bake?
Clay is a versatile material that can be molded into endless creative projects. When clay is baked or “fired” in a kiln, the high heat makes chemical changes that harden and set the clay, creating a durable finished piece. Crafting with clay that you can bake opens up many possibilities for homemade art, decoration, jewelry, and more.
From simple shapes like beads and pins to intricate sculptures, baked clay allows beginners and experts alike to shape their artistic vision. The baking process transforms soft, pliable clay into permanent pottery and objects. With just a few basic tools and materials, you can create custom clay crafts that make wonderful handmade gifts or unique items for your home.
Types of Clay
There are several types of clay that are commonly used for baking crafts and creations:
Polymer Clay – This is an extremely versatile, pliable clay that air-dries but can also be hardened in the oven. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Popular brands include Sculpey and Fimo.
Air-Dry Clay – As the name suggests, this type of clay dries and hardens at room temperature. It’s an accessible, budget-friendly option. Model Magic and Crayola Model Magic are well-known air-dry clays.
Terracotta – This natural clay has an earthy red-orange color. Terracotta can be used for both sculpting and functional ware like pots and dishes. It’s an affordable, readily available choice.
Earthenware – This porous clay requires a glaze for waterproofing. It’s flexible and can be easily shaped by hand. Earthenware works well for pottery and sculpture.
Stoneware – Denser and less porous than earthenware, stoneware clay requires higher firing temperatures. It’s commonly used for dishes, mugs, vases and other decorative objects.
Porcelain – The most refined clay, porcelain is white, translucent and very delicate. It’s often used for sculptures, dolls, jewelry and fine china tableware.
Tools and Supplies
To make clay crafts at home, you’ll need some basic tools and supplies:
- Clay sculpting tools – These include items like clay loop tools, clay shapers, clay cutters, clay rollers, modeling tools, ribs and needles, sponges, etc. Having a variety shapes and textures allows you to sculpt, smooth, cut, imprint designs, and create different effects in the clay.
- Acrylic paints and glazes – Acrylic paint can be used to add color before baking. Glazes are used after baking for shine and color. Having a variety gives you lots of options for finishing the look.
- Baking sheets – Any regular baking/cookie sheets will work. Line them with parchment paper for easy clay removal.
- Oven – You’ll need access to a standard kitchen oven that reaches the proper baking temperature for polymer clay (usually around 130°C/275°F). Check your clay packaging for specifics.
- Optional: clay roller, clay extruder gun, texture sheets/stamps, sandpaper, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, etc. These help with shaping, texturing, and detailing.
Start with the basics and build up your supply stash as you progress in your clay crafting. Having the right tools makes sculpting easier and expands what you can create.
Making Simple Shapes
Clay can be shaped into a variety of basic forms that can then be turned into sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more. Here are some simple techniques for shaping clay:
Coils
Roll the clay into long, snake-like coils. Coils can be stacked or shaped into rings, bowls, vases, and more. Pinch the coils together and smooth to blend.
Balls
Roll pieces of clay between your palms to form smooth balls. Balls can be squished into thick bases for items or stacked to make round shapes.
Slabs
Roll out slabs of even thickness using a rolling pin on a flat surface. Cut slabs into shapes with cookie cutters or a knife. Or drape slabs over molds to make bowls, cups, and plates.
Rolling Pins
Use a rolling pin on a nonstick surface to roll clay into flat, even slabs. Varying thicknesses can be achieved. Clay can also be rolled into logs or coils.
Basic Sculpture
Combine basic shapes like coils, slabs, and balls to create simple 3D sculptures. Attach pieces together by blending and smoothing clay. Shape clay around armatures for support.
Baking Instructions
Properly baking your clay creations is essential for ensuring they come out strong, durable, and retain their shape. Follow these tips for success:
Temperature – Bake clay at the temperature recommended on the packaging, usually between 275°F to 325°F. If unsure, start on the lower end. Overbaking can cause burning or cracking.
Baking Time – Thinner pieces may only need 15 minutes while thicker sculpts may require over an hour. Check packages for guidelines and test pieces for doneness before baking your final work.
Prevent Cracking – Let thicker pieces cool completely before handling to prevent cracking from temperature changes. Avoid sudden drops in temperature by preheating the oven and leaving the door closed after baking. Let pieces cool slowly.
Test small pieces to determine the ideal time and temperature for your clay. Record your findings as a reference. With trial and error, you’ll learn how to perfectly bake your clay creations.
Sculptures
Clay is a versatile material that allows you to sculpt detailed works of art. From miniature figurines to life-size busts, clay sculptures make great decorative pieces or thoughtful gifts. Here are some ideas for clay sculptures you can make and bake at home:
Figurines
Sculpt miniature people, animals, or fictional characters to display around your home. Pay close attention to proportions and details when shaping your figurine out of clay. Add textures like fur, scales, clothing, or armor before baking.
Animals
Clay is perfect for sculpting lifelike animals. Recreate your pet cat or dog, or sculpt your favorite animal from the zoo. Focus on capturing the animal’s unique physical characteristics and facial expressions.
Busts
For a more advanced project, sculpt a bust of a person. Work to accurately portray their facial features and head shape. Busts make meaningful gifts and look great displayed on a shelf.
Pots and bowls
Don’t overlook functional vessels – sculpting pots, vases, bowls, and dishes out of clay is very rewarding. Add carved designs or decorative handles before baking them.
Jewelry
Clay is a versatile material that allows you to make beautiful jewelry pieces that you can customize. Here are some of the jewelry items you can create with clay:
Beads
Making clay beads is easy by shaping the clay into round balls and poking a hole through them before baking. You can make beads in any size, color, and pattern. String multiple beads together into a necklace or bracelet.
Pendants
Craft meaningful pendants such as initials, symbols, animals, or freeform shapes. Make a hole before baking so you can string the pendant onto a cord. Adding a polymer clay glaze or paint creates interesting effects.
Earrings
Use cookie cutters, nature impressions, or hand molding techniques to design unique earring shapes. Pierce holes for the posts or hangers before baking. Apply glaze or acrylic paints for color.
Rings
Roll ropes of clay and connect into rings. Smooth and fuse the joints together. For adjustable rings, insert a bead into an open section. Rings can also be made by molding the clay into bands.
Charms
Craft charms in any shape and theme you can imagine. Attach them to chains, cords, or keyrings. You can make themed collections as gifts. Charm bracelets are especially popular.
Home Décor
Clay is a versatile material that can be used to create beautiful decorative objects for your home. Here are some ideas for home décor pieces you can make with clay:
Coasters
Coasters make for easy beginner clay projects. Roll out slabs of clay and cut into circles or fun shapes. Add texture by pressing designs into the clay. Bake until hard, then seal with glaze or polymer clay finish.
Knick Knacks
Make clay bowls, vases, boxes, candles, and figurines for displaying around your home. Sculpt items by hand or use molds. Intricately designed pieces work well for knick knacks to showcase on shelves.
Plant Pots
Get creative with your plant pots! Hand build or throw clay pots on a wheel, then bake them. Paint them or use natural clay colors. Add interest by imprinting designs, attaching figures, or giving pots unique shapes like animals.
Wall Art
Clay wall art makes for a DIY project with lots of possibilities. Try sculpting wall plaques, mobiles, or framed art pieces. Or roll out clay slabs and cut into geometric designs to hang. Fire clay pieces and seal for long-lasting wall art.
Painting and Finishing
Acrylic paints are a common and versatile choice for painting polymer clay projects before baking. Make sure to use paint labeled “non-toxic” and “for bakeable polymer clay”. Acrylics come in an endless array of colors and can be thinned with water for translucent effects.
A glaze is a thin, transparent layer of color that can add shine and brightness over clay. Glazes made for polymer clay are water-based and may require baking again after application. They range from matte finishes to high gloss. Specialty glazes have textures like crackle or metallic sheen. Multiple layers can emphasize depth and glow.
Certain finishing techniques give polymer clay a polished, professional look. Sanding with very fine grit sandpaper smooths any bumps. Using a sealant finishes the baked clay surface. Polish with a wax or cloth gives the clay a subtle sheen. Rubbing alcohol removes light scuffs or dirt. Clay can be molded around a metal rod or wire to embed jewelry findings.
Conclusion
Creating clay crafts that you can bake and harden opens up a fun and creative hobby that anyone can enjoy. With just a few basic supplies like clay, tools, and paint, you can make beautiful sculptures, decorative items for your home, personalized jewelry, and so much more. The best part is seeing your artistic creations come to life once baked. Beyond just the final product, the process of sculpting and designing with clay is relaxing, fulfilling and helps relieve stress. There are many types of baking clay available to experiment with, from air-dry varieties to polymer clays that require oven time. As you learn techniques for sculpting, smoothing, baking, and painting clay, you’ll be able to make increasingly impressive works of art.
Clay crafts make wonderful handmade gifts for any occasion. Or you can create pieces just for yourself to display in your home. Either way, you’ll have fun tapping into your creativity while producing lasting keepsakes. So get your hands dirty and dive into the limitless possibilities of baking with clay!
