The Best Clay and Dough for Budding Young Artists
Clay and dough are classic arts and crafts materials that allow kids to explore their creativity in a tactile, hands-on way. The right clay or dough can open up a world of fun projects for children of all ages. Here is an overview of the top clays and doughs to consider for your little sculptor or jewelry maker.
Clay
Clay is an excellent medium for beginning artists. It can be shaped, sculpted, rolled, squished, stamped, and more. Clay hardens either by air drying or baking in the oven, allowing finished pieces to be preserved.
Air Dry Clay
- Modeling clay
- Pottery clay
- Polymer clay
Air dry clays are a good choice for young kids and beginners. They don't require any baking and harden by being left out to dry. Modeling clays are soft and easy to shape. Pottery clays can be painted after drying. Polymer clays harden more smoothly than other air dry clays.
Baking Clay
- Pottery clay
- Sculpting clay
Clays that require baking result in more durable, solid finished pieces. Pottery clays need to be fired at high temperatures, so they require adult supervision. Sculpting clays bake at lower temperatures, making them safer for kids to use.
Dough
Like clay, dough is soft and pliable. It's great for making 3D shapes and imprinting designs. Dough hardens through drying rather than baking.
Play Dough
- Homemade salt dough
- Store-bought play dough
Both homemade and commercial play doughs are fun to squish, roll, and shape. Salt dough made from flour, salt, and water air dries into a hard finish. Store-bought play dough doesn't harden completely but holds its shape while kids play.
Modeling Dough
- Clay-based
- Bread-based
Modeling doughs are designed to dry into finished pieces. Clay-based doughs like Crayola's Model Magic are light and airy. Bread-based doughs have a smooth texture. Both can be shaped and detailed with tools once dried.
With the variety of clays and doughs available, kids can create an endless array of arts and crafts. Give your budding artist the chance to explore their creativity!
Types of Clay and Dough for Different Crafting Needs
Clay and dough are extremely versatile arts and crafts materials. There are many types to choose from, each with their own properties that make them better suited for certain projects. Here is an overview of the best clays and doughs to use based on what you want to make.
Jewelry
Delicate jewelry pieces require clays and doughs that can be finely shaped and hold small details.
- Polymer clay
- Air-dry pottery clay
- Modeling clay
Polymer clays like Sculpey and Fimo are lightweight and easy to sculpt intricate designs with. Air-dry pottery clays can be sanded and painted once dry. Modeling clays like Crayola's Model Magic are smooth and pliable.
Figurines and Miniatures
Sculpting tiny figures and objects requires a sturdy material that holds its shape well.
- Oil-based pottery clay
- Polymer clay
- Modeling clay
Oil-based clays remain flexible and strong when thin. Polymer clays bake up rock solid. Modeling clays won't be as durable but are quick to work with.
Marionettes and Dolls
Posable projects need a lightweight, carve-able clay that doesn't crack easily.
- Papier mâché clay
- Lightweight polymer clay
Papier mâché clay is extremely light. Polymer clays like Sculpey III are designed to be flexible after baking.
Home Décor
Sturdy home items require strong, durable clays and doughs.
- Stoneware clay
- Porcelain clay
- Salt dough
High-fire stoneware and porcelain clays create hard, permanent finishes. Salt dough is inexpensive and easily hardens into decorative objects.
Outdoor Pieces
Outdoor pieces need water-resistant clays that can withstand the elements.
- Polymer clay
- Air-dry pottery clay
- Concrete clay
Polymer clays and some air-dry pottery clays hold up well outdoors. Concrete clays are very durable and don't need sealing.
With so many types of clay and dough, there's a material perfect for any arts and crafts project you want to create. Get creative with clay!
Must-Have Clay and Dough Tools and Accessories
Clay and dough are such fun, tactile materials for kids to create with. Having the right tools and accessories makes sculpting and shaping even easier. Here are some clay and dough tool essentials for any young artisan.
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Tools
- Rolling pin
- Clay cutters
- Clay sculpting tools
- Stamps and molds
- Brushes
A rolling pin evenly flattens clay and dough to a desired thickness. Clay cutters make shaped cut-outs and pieces. Sculpting tools like loop tools and ribbon tools imprint textures and details. Stamps and molds quickly add designs. Brushes apply paints and glazes.
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Work Surfaces
- Clay or dough mat
- Canvas
- Wood board
Dedicated clay and dough mats provide a smooth, nonstick surface to work on. Canvas keeps pieces from sticking. Wood boards like woodcutting boards offer a durable workspace.
Storage
- Plastic containers or bags
- Airtight ceramic containers
Plastic containers or bags keep clay and dough fresh and soft. Airtight ceramic containers are great for clay tools.
Display
- Pedestals
- Risers
- Acrylic cases
Pedestals and risers neatly show off sculpted pieces. Acrylic display cases protect special creations.
Equipping your young artist with appropriate tools will give them endless ways to explore their creativity with clay and dough!
How to Store and Care for Clay and Dough Creations
Kids pour so much creativity and effort into their clay and dough masterpieces. Preserving their handmade treasures is important. Here are some tips for properly storing clay and dough artworks and keeping them looking their best.
Storing Unbaked Clay
- Keep clay moist by storing in an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Lightly coat clay in vegetable oil if it will be stored for more than a few days.
- Always seal air-drying clay tightly or it will harden.
Unbaked clay stays fresh and workable when stored away from air. A thin layer of oil helps retain moisture longer.
Storing Baked Clay
- Wrap larger pieces in plastic wrap or store in resealable bags.
- Place small items in compartment containers to prevent scratches.
- Avoid stacking clay pieces as they can chip and crack.
Baked clay is durable but can still be damaged if unprotected. Use soft wrapping and protective barriers between pieces.
Storing Dough
- Tightly seal dough in an airtight container or bag.
- If storing homemade dough, place a damp paper towel over the dough to prevent hardening.
- Refrigerate any dough containing perishable ingredients like flour or salt.
Keeping dough sealed and, if needed, chilled prevents it from drying out. An added damp towel gives an extra moisture boost.
Displaying Creations
- Avoid direct sunlight which can cause fading.
- Use acrylic cases or glass domes to protect special pieces.
- Keep clay and dough art out of humid environments.
Display pieces in indoor indirectly lit areas. Protective domes or cases guard against dust buildup and accidental nicks and breaks.
With the proper storage and care, you can preserve your child's clay and dough keepsakes to cherish for years to come!
Fun Clay and Dough Projects for Kids of All Ages
Clay and dough are such creative, open-ended materials that inspire imagination in kids of all ages. Here are some fun clay and dough projects for toddlers through tweens.
Toddlers
- Play dough mats with cutters
- Clay or dough snakes
- Simple clay pinch pots
- Clay or dough balls
Toddlers enjoy the sensory experience of squishing and shaping basic clay and dough creations. Mats with themes like zoo animals along with coordinating cutters stimulate their budding minds.
Preschoolers
- Salt dough ornaments
- DIY play dough
- Clay beads
- Clay imprint tiles
Preschoolers can follow simple clay and dough recipes to make their own materials. Shaping salt dough ornaments, beads, tiles teaches fine motor skills.
Grade School
- Polymer clay charms
- Clay pots
- Clay relief tiles
- Dough geography maps
School-aged kids gain confidence creating more intricate clay and dough artworks like miniature food charms, coiled pots, patterned tiles, and modeled map shapes.
Tweens
- Polymer clay jewelry
- Sculpted clay figurines
- Clay bowls made on a pottery wheel
- Dough architectural models
Tweens enjoy challenging themselves with more advanced clay techniques like jewelry-making, pottery wheels, and sculpting detailed figurines, houses or landscapes from dough.
With so many possibilities, clay and dough are the perfect way for kids of any age to unleash their creativity!
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Mastering Clay and Dough Techniques: Tips and Tricks
Clay and dough allow for all kinds of creative expression through sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more. Here are some tips and tricks for mastering clay and dough art techniques.
Clay
- Knead clay well before starting to remove air bubbles.
- Lightly dust work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Use wood or clay tools to sculpt details and textures.
- Allow extra drying time for thicker pieces to prevent cracking.
Thoroughly kneading clay and allowing time for drying are key to preventing cracks and breakage. Dusting flour over the clay surface will also help objects come out smoothly.
Sculpting
- Begin with basic shapes like balls or coils before sculpting details.
- Use loop, ribbon, and wedge tools to carve lines and patterns.
- Refrigerate clay while working to keep it firm and pliable.
Starting simple forms the core of figures and builds confidence before sculpting finer features. Refrigeration keeps clay at the right consistency for shaping.
Pottery
- Wedge clay before throwing to remove air pockets.
- Apply pressure evenly when pulling up vessel walls.
- Use a needle tool to refine thicker rim edges.
- Smooth finger marks with a wet sponge before drying.
Proper wedging prevents air bubbles in finished pieces. Pulling the clay gently and smoothing seams creates even pottery forms. Finished wares look more polished when sponged before drying.
Jewelry
- Condition polymer clay by kneading before shaping jewelry pieces.
- Roll clay out evenly and cut uniform shapes for a professional look.
- Brush on liquid clay to adhere clay elements like beads or charms.
Conditioning makes clay more flexible to work with. Evenly rolled clay keeps thickness consistent. Liquid clay makes jewelry components stick together securely.
With practice and creativity, clay and dough can be used to make professional-looking artworks!
Unleash Your Creativity With Our Clay & Dough Products
If you're looking to unleash your creativity with clay and dough products, there are plenty of options available. Here are some ideas to get you started:
What Are Some Popular Brands Of Modeling Clay And Dough?
Here are some popular brands of modeling clay and dough:
These brands offer a variety of options for kids to explore their creativity through tactile, exploratory play. Most of these doughs are nontoxic and made out of a flour-based mixture that is soft and easy for small hands to shape. They are meant for temporary creations and are meant to be reused and reformed for hours of play. Some of these brands come in an assortment of bright-colored modeling dough that can be shaped and reshaped for endless hours of imaginative play. Others come in primary and secondary colors in 1-pound tubs of modeling dough. Additionally, some brands offer an extra dimension of creativity as students add arms, legs, eyes, and more to their dough or clay sculptures.
What Are The Differences Between Play-Doh And Other Modeling Dough Brands?
Here are the differences between Play-Doh and other modeling dough brands:
Play-Doh:
Modeling Clay:
Crayola Dough:
Softee Dough:
Mad Mattr Modeling Dough:
Overall, the main differences between Play-Doh and other modeling dough brands are the ingredients used, the texture, and the colors available. Play-Doh is made from flour and water, while other brands like modeling clay are made from wax and oil-based ingredients. Play-Doh comes in a wide variety of colors, while other brands may only offer primary and secondary colors. Additionally, Play-Doh tends to crumble more during clean-up, while other brands like modeling clay do not.
