EASY AIR DRY CLAY WALL POCKET

Have you worked with air dry clay? Spring is the perfect time to get creative, I’m sharing an easy air dry clay wall pocket with a spring theme.

Hi and welcome to Saved From Salvage, I’m Regina and love to share DIY’s, furniture flips, tablescapes, and event inspiration. I’m so glad you are here.

Today is the 3rd collaboration of the Handcrafted Society, a group of bloggers who are assigned a medium each month and then get creative. This month is air dry clay with a spring theme. I can’t wait for you to see what everyone came up with.

If you are stopping by from Amy at AmySadler Designs, welcome! Didn’t you love her vintage and mossy pots?

AIR DRY CLAY WALL POCKET SUPPLIES

Creating is therapeutic for me. With clay, the sky is the limit when it comes to things you can make. I incorporate clay into several projects a year, but I’ve never made a wall pocket. I love the simplicity of these and the variety of uses it has. Above I have it holding some flower buds for spring.

• AIR DRY CLAY
• COOKIE CUTTERS
• STAMPS
• MOD PODGE
• ROLLING PIN
• TWINE

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH AIR DRY CLAY

Before we get started, I want to share some tips for working with air dry clay. I have worked with several different types but my preferred brand is DAS Air Dry Clay. I have used it in both white and terra cotta colors.

• To keep it soft, keep it in a air tight container. If it begins to harden, wet a paper towel and place it in a zip lock bag with the clay.
• To add two pieces together, wet some clay and make a paste then attach the two pieces together.
• You can also scratch both surfaces and then put them together to stick better.
• To add a coating, you can use Mod Podge.
• To paint it you can use any acrylic paint.
• To create a glaze look you can create a glaze with
• Use cookie cutters, stamps or add embellishments.
• Create items that are at least 1/4 inch thick for durability.
• Let dry at least 24 hours.
• You can wet your finger and smooth over rough edges while wet.
• To smooth rough edges when dry, you can use a fine grit sandpaper or emery board.

HOW TO MAKE A WALL POCKET

To create the wall pocket, I rolled out a large piece of clay. Next I trimmed it into a rectangle. I did this two ways, the first one I made the rectangle and the second one I just rolled out the clay and folded it over before I trimmed it. This way the pocket was larger and accounted for the opening. After I smashed it with the fork, then I cut around it.

I then used a round cookie cutter at the top to create a rounded edge. This will be my top.

I then used a metal straw to add the holes for my twine so I could hang the pocket on the wall.

For the next step I stamped my dragon fly upside down towards the bottom of the clay. Then I flipped the entire piece over.

Next I folded the bottom of the clay up onto itself. Now the dragon fly was just below the top of the pocket.

Next, just like when you are baking a pie, I used a fork to seal the edges. I pressed down and then smoothed out the sides with my finger and some water. I placed an ink pad in the space to keep it open while drying.

This took longer than 24 hours because it had the ink pad inside and the air wasn’t circulating. I also pushed it down a bit and it took awhile to get the ink pad back out without breaking my pocket.

The last step was to coat it with Mod Podge and add my twine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN YOU PAINT AIR DRY CLAY?

Yes, you can paint it. Acrylic paints work best, just make sure it’s completely dry before painting.

WHAT IS THE BEST AIR DRY CLAY?

Personally I prefer DAS. For me it dries the hardest and is the easiest to work with.

CAN YOU MIX PAINT WITH AIR DRY CLAY?

Yes, you can mix a small amount of acrylic paint to your air dry clay.

CAN YOU GET AIR DRY CLAY WET?

Unlike normal clay that is fired, this will continue to absorb water. You can make it water resistant by coating it, but it is not made to be immersed in water or wet.

AIR DRY CLAY PROJECT GALLERY

HANDCRAFTED SOCIETY

Be sure to check out all the creative ideas from our Handcrafted Society group this month. So many fun spring projects to add to your to do list.

WMDesignHouse

Thistle Key Lane

Amy Sadler Designs

Saved From Salvage

Cottage On Bunker Hill

Sonata Home Design

Tatertots and Jello

White Lilac Farmhouse

South House Designs

I hope you enjoyed all of this wonderful inspiration for working with air dry clay. Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried it? It’s crazy how many different ways you can create. Make sure to pin this for later.

Thanks so much for stopping by, make sure to go visit Jen from Cottage on Bunker Hill next, she created the sweetest coasters.

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