I discovered polymer clay a couple of years ago. My life is now complete. But seriously, this moldable clay hardens when cooked in the oven. So here’s three easy polymer clay ideas for beginners.

I bought some polymer clay at Michael’s with a 50% off coupon. So it cost me just over $10 or so. You can also buy polymer clay here. There’s so many fun things you can make with it. So, I am going to give you my favorite three:

#1 Polymer clay ideas for beginners: Pins

My kids totally loved making these pins. All I needed was some tie tack pins and some hot glue. You can literally make whatever you want. We made a rainbow, bacon and eggs, lightning bolt, pizza, snail and emoji. My kids like to place their polymer clay creations on a cookie sheet one by one. When we’re all done we just throw it in the oven at 275 degrees for 20 minutes. Here’s a great website with some other ideas of what to make for your pins.

#2 Polymer clay little family

So, I made a cute little family out of polymer clay. Each little person somewhat resembles a certain member of our family. This project took a little bit of extra time and to be honest, I did it when my kids were in bed. I attached paperclips to the back of the heads. Now they are hanging as a cute display on our family home evening board in our kitchen. Our kids love looking at the miniature versions of themselves.

#3 Snow globes made out of polymer clay

This is one of my favorite polymer clay ideas for beginners. Although we did make these snow globes during Christmas time, you can make polymer clay snow globes any time of year. It’s so fun and a great idea for teacher or neighbor gifts. It’s best to use half-pint jars with lids and rings. Form your creations to fit on the lid. Cook your clay and them super glue them to the back of the lid. Fill your jar 3/4 full of water and add of pinch of glitter.  It’s  that easy!  It’s so cute and fun. 

Although the above picture shows a hot glue gun, I would recommend using super glue. The hot glue eventually came loose and the clay objects were just floating in the jar. If you’re really into snow globes check out this other fun idea that you can make with your kids.

Does Polymer clay need to be baked? And other tips and tricks

Here’s some things that I’ve learned while working with polymer clay that might help you as well:

1. Less is more. Your kids will want to take the entire chuck of clay at one time. That’s a great way to waste the clay. Just give you kids tiny pieces at a time. It will go further.
2. Attached firmly. Make sure the pieces of your creations are attached firmly. Otherwise, they will break right off after you cook them.
3. Super glue. Don’t give up if your polymer clay breaks, it’s easy to super glue them.
4. Oven friendly. Bake your polymer clay on a cookie sheet in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-30 minutes. 

I hope you have as much fun with these polymer clay craft ideas as we did! Let me know in the comments below. Happy creating!

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