Easy DIY Clay Coasters & Dish: Fun Kids' Craft Project

Updated at: 13/05/2025

Rainy days and long afternoons can sometimes feel endless for kids, but boredom need not be the enemy! Transform those idle hours into creative fun with this simple and satisfying DIY project: making adorable clay coasters and dishes. This craft is perfect for unleashing your little ones' inner artists, allowing them to personalize their creations with vibrant colors and unique designs. Using readily available materials, you can guide your children through the entire process, fostering their creativity and leaving them with practical, handmade items they can proudly display. They’ll be amazed at what they can achieve with a little imagination and some playful experimentation.

Creating these charming clay pieces is easier than you think! From preparing the clay to adding personal touches and finishing the pieces, this guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process. So gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and the satisfaction of making something beautiful together. Let’s get crafting!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Air-dry clay
  • Rolling pin (or hands)
  • Glass chopping board
  • Pastry cutters (circle and square)
  • Ink pads
  • Stamps
  • Water
  • Acrylic paint (optional)
  • Mod Podge or varnish
  • Felt
  • PVA glue
  • Clay tools (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times. Air-dry clay can be dusty and potentially harmful if inhaled.
  • Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated to minimize dust inhalation and ensure proper drying of the clay.
  • Keep clay and finished products away from small children who might put them in their mouths.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Clay

    • Soften the air-dry clay.
    • Roll out the clay to desired thickness (approx. 1cm).

  2. Cut and Shape the Coasters

    • Use a pastry cutter to cut out circles or squares.
    • Smooth the edges of the shapes using your fingers or a sponge.
    Smooth the edges of the shapes using your fingers or a sponge.
    Cut and Shape the Coasters

  3. Decorate the Coasters

    • Apply ink to the clay using stamps.
    • Let the ink dry completely.
    • Fill in stamped images with acrylic paint for better visibility.
    Optional: Fill in stamped images with acrylic paint for better visibility.Optional: Fill in stamped images with acrylic paint for better visibility.Optional: Fill in stamped images with acrylic paint for better visibility.
    Decorate the Coasters

  4. Seal and Finish

    • Apply Mod Podge or varnish once the paint is dry for a finished look.
    Apply Mod Podge or varnish once the paint is dry for a finished look.
    Seal and Finish

  5. Add Felt Backing

    • Cut and glue a piece of felt to the back of each coaster.
    Cut and glue a piece of felt to the back of each coaster.
    Add Felt Backing

Read more: Easy Clay Heart Sculpting: From Charm to Button

Tips

  • Using a glass chopping board makes removing the clay easier.
  • A little water on your fingers helps smooth the clay edges.
  • Don't worry about slightly rough edges; they can be smoothed later.
  • Store leftover clay in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
  • A sponge can be used to smooth edges more effectively than fingers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Clay Thickness

Reason: Rolling the clay inconsistently results in coasters and dishes of varying thicknesses, leading to uneven drying and potential cracking.
Solution: Use a rolling pin and a ruler to ensure consistent clay thickness throughout the project.

2. Cracking During Drying

Reason: Drying the clay too quickly or unevenly can cause cracks to form in the finished product.
Solution: Dry the clay slowly and evenly, turning the pieces periodically to avoid rapid drying on one side.

3. Imprecise Cutouts/Shapes

Reason: Using a freehand method for cutting shapes can lead to wobbly or uneven edges.
Solution: Use cookie cutters or templates to ensure clean and accurate shapes for the coasters and dish.

FAQs

What kind of clay is best for this project?
Air-dry clay is ideal for kids. It's non-toxic, doesn't require firing in a kiln, and is easy to work with. Polymer clay is another option, but requires baking in an oven.