10 cute polymer clay tutorials for kids

Crafting with polymer clay

If you are looking for a fun hobby to take on with your kids on the weekends, try your hand at polymer clay. You can experiment with cute and fun designs together, and even turn your hobby into a business.

Here are a few polymer clay basics and polymer clay tutorials that you can start with.

What is polymer clay?

Polymer clay is a modeling material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is non-toxic and certified safe to use.

This synthetic clay is essentially soft plastic that needs to be baked once it is formed. After it has hardened through heat processing, the clay no longer goes back to being malleable.

You can create many different things out of polymer clay, including beads, buttons and charms. Intermediate crafters can even make ornaments, figurines and sculptures out of this material.

To find polymer clay in Manila, you can check out art stores like Deovir, and online shops like Purple Nook Clay Shop and Three Smitten Kittens.

Stuff you need to get started

Here are a few recommended items for you to have to get started on your polymer clay hobby: Blocks of polymer clay in assorted colors Acrylic or plastic roller – used to flatten the clay Liquid clay – used as an adhesive to bind clay pieces together An oven that can heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit Sculpting and modelling tools like X-acto knives, plastic shaping tools,cookie cutters and pliers. You can also use pins and toothpicks for finer details. Superglue – used to attach hooks and other metal settings to your clay projects Markers, acrylic paint, colored chalk or eye shadow – used to color details and designs onto your clay project

Cookie cutter ornaments

One of the simplest ways to shape polymer clay is through the use of cookie cutters. You simply roll some clay into a ball, flatten and punch out a shape. Check out this tutorial on SheKnows.com for more ideas.

So that nothing goes to waste, you can use both the punched-out shape and its left behind frame as charms or ornaments.

Image source: SheKnows.com

Bracelet

Another great beginner project idea is a polymer clay bracelet. In this tutorial on BabbleDabbleDo.com, six different ways to make bracelets are shared.

She makes use of different molds and clay colors, and even has a freehand molding option.

Image source: BabbleDabbleDo.com

Pretzel charm or ornament

Using only two different colors of clay, this project is an easy one that even smaller kids can complete.

A long rope of clay is twisted to form a pretzel shape. You then finish it off with clay dots or candy sprinkles, as shown in this tutorial on Guidecentral.

Popsicle charms

These tiny popsicles may be used as charms or as doll popsicles for little girls. This SimpleKidsCrafts tutorial shows how they are molded easily by hand and finished off with a toothpick at the bottom to serve as a stick.

Image source: SimpleKidsCrafts YouTube Channel

Donuts

Polymer clay donuts are another cute crafting option for kids. These are easily shaped using just a knife and a pointed edge, as seen in SugarCharmShop's YouTube tutorial.

Kids are sure to enjoy decorating their clay donuts with fun things like sprinkles and syrup swirls in different colors.

Image source: SugarCharmShop YouTube Channel

Polymer clay roses

Cute to use as pendants, earrings or rings, these clay roses require a bit more skill, but are easy to learn with some practice.

SoCraftastic shares an easy to follow video on how to create these pretty charms.

Image source: SoCraftastic YouTube Channel

Snowman Ornament

Great as holiday gifts or decor options on your own tree, this cute polymer clay snowman is a simple yet eye catching project to work on.

This is made through cutting and sticking together several pieces of clay. A soft blush is also added to the snowman's cheeks using eyeshadow in this tutorial on the Memory Crafters blog.

Image source: MemoryCrafters.com

Bow necklace

Inspired by the anime character Sailor Moon, this clay bow can be made in different colors, then attached to cord to make a necklace.

A step-by-step video tutorial on how to make this can be found on YouTube.

Image source: Makoccino YouTube Channel

Baymax Charm

If you feel like you are ready for more advanced sculpting, try creating this Baymax charm.

You will see in the video by JoyGodwinArts that the figurine is molded by hand and assembled piece by piece. It is then finished off with a glaze after baking to give it a shiny finish.

Image source: JoyGodwinArts YouTube Channel

My Litte Pony figurine

For a more challenging project that you can work on with your kids, work on this My Little Pony figurine.

Found on the LetsClay WithEwa YouTube page, this Fluttershy design is only one of several pony tutorials you can use.

Image Source: LetsClay WithEwa YouTube Channel

Which polymer clay project are you excited to try making?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan
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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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