DIY Polymer Clay Seashells & Starfish: A Quick & Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Love the ocean but don't have the time for a beach trip? Bring the seaside charm indoors with these adorable DIY polymer clay seashells and starfish! This simple craft project is perfect for beginners and requires minimal supplies, making it an ideal activity for a relaxing afternoon or a fun weekend project. Forget expensive, brittle store-bought decorations; you can create unique, personalized ocean-themed accents that will last for years. Imagine the possibilities – beautiful earrings, quirky keychains, charming ornaments, or even decorative accents for a coastal-themed room.

This quick and easy tutorial will guide you through each step of the process, from preparing your clay to achieving realistic textures and vibrant colours. Let's dive in and discover how to create your own stunning miniature seashells and starfish, ready to adorn your space with a touch of the ocean's magic.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Polymer clay
  • Rolling pin
  • Knife
  • Ball tool
  • Toothpick
  • Glue
  • Body lotion or Vaseline
  • Acrylic paints
  • Clear sealant
  • Optional: Stencils
Safety Guidelines
  • Polymer clay needs to be baked according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden. Improper baking can result in fragile or unusable pieces.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area as polymer clay fumes can be irritating. Avoid inhaling the fumes, especially during baking.
  • Always supervise children when working with polymer clay and baking it in the oven. The oven and clay can reach high temperatures.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Clay

    • Shape the clay into a triangle.
    • Make lines on the clay using tools; apply lotion/Vaseline to prevent sticking.
    • Cut away excess clay.
    Cut away excess clay.Cut away excess clay.Cut away excess clay.
    Prepare the Clay

  2. Create the Seashells

    • Create a shell shape, add glue, and shape it into a spiral.
    • Make marks on the shell using a knife.
    • Create a teardrop shape and wrap clay around it, applying glue.
    • Pinch and shape the clay using your fingers.
    Pinch and shape the clay using your fingers.Pinch and shape the clay using your fingers.Pinch and shape the clay using your fingers.Pinch and shape the clay using your fingers.
    Create the Seashells

  3. Make the Starfish

    • Roll clay to 8-10mm thickness and cut it into a starfish shape. Shape all 5 arms similarly.
    • Make small clay balls and stick them onto the starfish arms.
    • Make holes in the starfish.
    Make holes in the starfish.Make holes in the starfish.Make holes in the starfish.
    Make the Starfish

  4. Finishing Touches

    • Glue and shape a teardrop shape around a toothpick.
    • Make a hole at the end with a smaller ball tool.
    • Let the seashells and starfish dry for 24 hours.
    • Paint the seashells and starfish with desired colors (optional).
    Paint the seashells and starfish with desired colors (optional).Paint the seashells and starfish with desired colors (optional).Paint the seashells and starfish with desired colors (optional).Paint the seashells and starfish with desired colors (optional).
    Finishing Touches

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

Tips

  • Use body lotion or Vaseline to prevent the clay from sticking to your tools.
  • Apply glue to ensure the pieces hold together securely.
  • If using for mixed-media, painting may not be necessary.
  • Use a glossy clear sealant for a finished look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly Baked Clay

Reason: Inconsistent baking temperature or time can lead to some parts of the seashell or starfish being underbaked (soft and bendy) or overbaked (burnt and brittle).
Solution: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and bake for the recommended time, using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

2. Clay Cracking During Baking

Reason: This often happens due to air bubbles trapped in the clay or baking the clay at too high a temperature too quickly.
Solution: Condition your clay thoroughly to remove air bubbles and increase baking time gradually at a lower temperature.

FAQs

What kind of polymer clay is best for making seashells and starfish?
Most polymer clays work well, but Sculpey Premo or Fimo are popular choices due to their durability and ability to hold detail. Avoid softer clays as they may be too difficult to work with for fine details.