Welcome! Here on this blog, we talk a lot about art, crafts, trash to treasure, art Masters, art mediums and more. If you would like to check out any or all of our previous blog posts, you can do that here. In the mean time, let’s talk about clay.
Working with clay is one of those magical things that makes you feel like a kid again, no matter how old you are. There’s something so satisfying about taking a lump of clay and turning it into something beautiful—or at least something that makes you smile. If you’re just getting started, the key is to keep it simple and let yourself play. Here are five easy clay projects that are perfect for beginners and can be done right at your kitchen table.
Start with a little pinch pot. This is one of the oldest forms of pottery and honestly one of the most forgiving. You just roll a ball of clay, stick your thumb in the center, and gently pinch the sides to make a little bowl. They’re great for holding jewelry, loose change, or even a tiny succulent. Want to jazz it up? Press in textures using lace, leaves, or stamps, or paint it once it’s dry for a personal touch.
Try making a set of simple beads. Roll small pieces of clay into spheres, ovals, or funky shapes, and use a toothpick or skewer to poke a
hole through the center. Once they dry or bake (depending on your clay), you can string them into a necklace, bracelet, or even a keychain. It’s a great way to get used to handling clay and working on small details without feeling overwhelmed.
Create a mini animal sculpture—nothing fancy, just something cute like a chubby cat, sleepy dog, or even a tiny turtle. Focus on the basic shapes first, like round bodies and simple ears. A little toothpick or clay tool can help you add in eyes or texture. These make fun desk 
buddies or little gifts, and they’re a great way to practice shaping and proportion.
Make a clay dish using a cookie cutter. Roll out the clay like you’re making sugar cookies, press a large cookie cutter into it—think hearts, stars, or moons—and gently lift the shape. Place it over a bowl or upside-down cup to dry so it forms a slight curve. These make sweet catch-all dishes or decor pieces and are super satisfying to decorate with paints or metallic accents.
Try your hand at a decorative plaque. Roll out a slab of clay and cut it into a rectangle or oval, then carve in a word, name, or simple design using a pencil or stylus. You can even press a doily or fabric into the surface for some texture. Once it’s dry, add color with acrylics or watercolor, seal it, and hang it up. These make great handmade signs or gifts and feel more advanced than they really are.
The best part of working with clay is that there’s really no wrong way to do it. You’re learning as you go, and every piece is its own little adventure. Start small, enjoy the mess, and don’t worry about perfection—your creativity is what makes each piece special. If you try any of these, I’d love to hear how it goes or see pictures of your creations. Happy making!
If you are a visual learner, you might watch our companion YouTube video about this exact same topic.
