Self-hardening clay

With this kind of clay, you can make anything from fun figures to Christmas decorations and mosaics. It is easy to work with and soft to shape and doesn’t fall apart during drying. It is great if you want to have fun with the kids, make nice Christmas presents or just like to try it out for yourself. We have a selection of self-cured clay in different colours so you can find the colour you like best. Below you can read much more about this type of modelling material and get inspiration for what you can use it for.

What is self-curing clay?

In short, self-curing clay is clay that doesn’t need firing. Normally, when working with clay, it must first air dry and then burn in an oven that reaches well above 1000 degrees for the clay to achieve the proper hardness and firmness. With self-drying clay, firing is not necessary because the clay dries by itself.

You can shape and work with this kind of clay in the same way as ordinary clay, but it cannot be used for cups, vases and other things that require water, because it dissolves the clay.

How long should self-curing clay dry?

It is important that you allow the clay to dry completely before using it if it’s not dry it will be fragile. This means that there is a greater risk that it will break or be damaged.

Simply put, it can be said that the larger the creation, the longer the drying time of the self-curing clay will be. Basically, the drying time will be between 1 and 2 days - and, as I said, rather too long than too short before you start using it. 

Self-drying clay - paint

You can easily paint on self-curing clay if you want to give your creations a little more life and glow. It is also fun to do with the kids and it can end up being some really fun and colourful gifts or memories.

Always make sure the figures are completely dry before you start painting and preferably use a lot of pigment, such as acrylic paint or the like, which binds well on the surface.

Self-Drying Clay Ideas

When working with self-curing clay, there are no limits to what you can do, but we have put together a few of the best ideas so you can be inspired by the fun and cute projects on your own or with the kids.

Hand and footprint

It is the most beautiful and touching gift you can get as a parent or grandparent when new little humans join the family. Self-curing clay is not optimal for the very small, soft and new hands and feet, but as soon as the children reach kindergarten age, it is great fun to make small round plates for hanging with little footprints or hands.

Here’s how you do it: 

Roll out the clay to a thickness of approx. 0.5 cm.

Gently press hand/foot into clay to make an impression

Cut out the clay in the desired shape and make a hole for hanging

Write the name and year on the clay

Let it dry (you can place a book or similar over it so it doesn't bend - not too heavy though)

Paint if you’d like 

Christmas decorations with lace print

You can make the most beautiful Christmas ornaments with self-curing clay – white clay is especially popular for these projects. It is very easy and nice to make and the finished ornaments are really pretty to have hanging in the tree or in the window.

Here’s how you do it: 

Roll out the clay (use film/baking paper if necessary so that the clay doesn’t stick to the table or roller)

Find old lace, ribbons or similar that can make a pattern in your clay.

Lay them out over the rolled out clay and roll over it so it makes an impression in the clay

Remove the lace

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes 

Insert holes for hanging the ornament 

Let them dry

You can choose to paint or draw on the finished ornaments, but they are also beautiful just the way they are.

Easter Decorations

Small, pretty Easter eggs to hang on a bouquet of fresh branches are really sweet and, if you make them yourself, they can also become a lovely hostess gift for Easter lunch instead of the classic bouquet. In order to make these Easter eggs, you need different pressed flowers that you can put on your eggs.

Here’s how you do it: 

Roll out the clay (use film/baking paper if necessary so that the clay doesn’t stick to the table or roller)

Cut out different shapes and remove excess clay – it’s good if you have round and egg-shaped cutters 

Let your shapes dry.

Distribute the dried flowers on the figures and attach them with glue

Let it dry

Repeat the process on the other side of the shapes.

If you want a more shiny surface, you can paint them with hobby paint on both sides. It also makes the flowers last longer and sticks better.

If you want more good ideas or air-dry clay DIY inspiration, then the web is filled with good ideas, so give your imagination free play. Air-drying clay is both fun to play with as an adult, but certainly with children of all ages too. 

Worth knowing about air-dry clay

In our range, you will find several different colours of clay that are air-dried, and all of them can be used individually or together, depending on what you want to create.

When you involve your children in this hobby, many times they will have a fantasy full of great ideas that produce results you might not have even considered. And with this particular kind of clay, you can calmly let them create. Don't worry about whether the kids are mixing the clay correctly for the firing process, or whether it will stand the test of time, if it doesn’t hold, glue can do miracles! 

Use everything from Hama beads to glitter and screws as you create your own art with self-curing clay and see what fun, cute and absolutely amazing animals, characters and stories you’ll get. 

Why you should buy your self-curing clay from us

We always strive to have a wide selection not just of clay, but also tools and other items you may need when making figurines or ornaments for Christmas and Easter. This means that you only have to shop once when you want to buy your hobby equipment from us.

In addition, you can be sure that we always have cheap self-curing clay in the assortment, so you don't have to scroll the web to find the best self-curing clay offer.

When you shop with us, you are always more than welcome to contact one of our talented staff if in doubt. They are ready to help and guide you so that you can be sure that you’re ordering exactly what you need when shop with us.