Hey there, fellow parents! Are you looking for some fun and engaging activities to do with your kids that also help with their development? With spring break just around the corner, we thought now would be the perfect time to share five fantastic clay projects to do with your kids. Not only are these projects enjoyable and easy to complete in just one sitting, but they’re also educational and great bonding activities for you and your child.

Working with clay is a wonderful way to help your child develop their creativity and improve their fine motor skills. Plus, the sensory aspect of building with their hands can be incredibly therapeutic for both kids and adults alike. And the best part? You don’t even need a kiln or any fancy equipment! We’ll be using air-dry clay for all of our projects today.

So gather your supplies, and get ready to have fun and make memories with your little ones. Let’s dive into these five fantastic ceramics projects for kids!

Tools and Materials

Before we dive into these exciting ceramics projects, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to get started. Don’t worry! You won’t need any expensive or hard-to-find equipment! In fact, you probably have most of these items in your kitchen already.

We’ve provided links to some of these tools below, so you can easily purchase them online if you prefer. However, we highly recommend visiting your local craft store and supporting small businesses in your community. Plus, it’s always fun to browse the aisles and get inspired by all the creative possibilities!

Materials:

• Air-Dry Clay
  • We recommend AMACO’s Air Dry Terracotta Clay and Crayola’s No Bake Clay
• Gesso
  • Before you begin painting, you’ll want to prime your piece with gesso. Gesso helps paints stick to surfaces better by creating a slight texture (called tooth). Smooth surfaces can be tricky because the paint only sticks well with something to grip onto. That’s why gesso is essential – it provides the perfect surface for your paint to hold onto and avoids the risk of peeling off later.
• Acrylic Paint
  • If you’re working with air-dry clay, acrylic paint is the way to go. It works better than other paints and lasts longer too. Plus, the item we recommend is non-toxic, which means it’s safe and perfect for both adults and kids!
• Acrylic Sealer
  • Want your clay creation to be water-resistant? No problem! Just seal it with varnish, acrylic sealer, or liquid epoxy resin.

Tools:

• Paint Brushes
• Rolling Pin
• Fork
• Butter Knife

Let’s Get Started!

1. Fossils with Flowers and Leaves

Here’s a great tutorial from The Artful Parent. You’re in for a real treat because this activity is super fun and easy to do! All you need to do is gather some flowers and leaves from your backyard and use them to create clay fossils! It’s a fantastic way to bring a little nature into your home while also getting creative.

2. Hand Dishes

Check out this super clever tutorial from Simple As That! It’s an awesome way to capture the size of your child’s hands and create a special keepsake that you’ll treasure for years to come. Plus, your child will have a blast getting creative with this activity while showing off their unique handprint.

3. Animal Pinch Pots

We all know how much kids adore animals, right? So, how about creating some fun and adorable animal-themed crafts with your little ones? One of the coolest projects you can do together is make animal pinch pots out of clay. And the best part? You can create any animal you want! In this tutorial, the awesome Lexi Bakkar from Sonoma Community Center will show you how to make a fantastic giraffe pinch pot. But trust us, once you get the hang of it, you and your kids can let your imagination run wild and make any animal you like! Imagine your child’s excitement when they get to sculpt their favorite animal out of clay and turn it into a super cute bowl to keep all their little treasures in.

4. Snake Coil Pot

Are you ready to enjoy more animal-themed crafty goodness with your little ones? We’re thrilled to share an amazing tutorial on how to make a super cool snake coil pot! The talented Pamela Smader will guide you step-by-step through the entire process. You’ll learn everything you need to know to create a stunning snake-inspired pot that will impress everyone who sees it! Get ready to have fun with your kids as you coil, shape, and mold the clay into a mesmerizing serpent masterpiece. 

5. Ice Cream Fridge Magnets

We all know how much kids love animals, but do you know what else they love? You guessed it – ice cream! And that’s why we’re excited to share this super fun tutorial from Gathered! Although this project is a little more advanced than our previous ones, it’s perfect for slightly older kids ready to take their crafting skills to the next level. And don’t worry, all the materials you’ll need, including magnets and popsicle sticks, can be easily found at your local craft store. Plus, the end result will be a fabulous masterpiece that not only showcases your child’s creativity but can also hold up all their other art projects on the fridge!

Crafting with your kids can be a wonderful bonding experience, and what better way to get creative than with clay? We’ve shared some of the best clay projects you and your little ones can enjoy together. From pinch pots to snake coil pots and even ice cream magnets, there’s something for everyone to have fun with. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to clay, so let your imagination run wild! Not only will you create treasured memories with your children, but you’ll also end up with some unique and unforgettable pieces of art that you’ll cherish for years to come. So, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for clay-tastic fun!

If you’ve tried any of these awesome clay projects with your kids, please let us know in the comments below. We’d be thrilled to hear about your experiences and see your fabulous creations! And if you are looking for more ideas, be sure to read our other blog post Ceramics for Kids: Easy and Fun Projects for Young Makers!