*THINGS TO MAKE FROM CLAY* : Air Dry Clay Project Ideas EASY

[@Misteddreams]

I am new to your channel, and am so pleased I found you! 🙏🏻✨ My introduction to air-dry clay was a bit of an atypical and stressful one: I work as a veterinary nurse, and a pet owner requested that their furbaby's paw prints be taken after it sadly had to be put to sleep. 😔 Someone suggested using air-dry clay for the impressions, so I enthusiastically bought two blocks, thinking it would be as easy as ever to roll it out and quickly obtain the paw prints I needed. Well, my first attempt was 45 minutes of completely ignorant struggling; having never touched air-dry clay, I was first struck by how solid it is, and far more difficult to manipulate than I had expected. I knew one could use water to smooth down unwanted areas, but I didn't realise that soaking the clay would cause that rapid swelling then shrinkage while drying that you frequently talk about. Thirdly, I had made the slabs far too thin, something I also wasn't aware would be an issue. And finally, I live in a hot climate, so I had no idea that this would decrease drying time, further causing potential for cracking. Looking back, it was all the worst ways of handling clay rolled into one big disaster-in-the-making! The next day I returned to find my creations completely destroyed with cracks the size of canyons, such that when I picked them up they disintegrated in my hands like dust. It was about then that the anxiety and urgency set in; I had only one more chance to get it right, as after that there would be no little paws to work with and the owners would be without a final keepsake of their beloved pet. 💔 I lay awake for hours, determined to resolve it, and spent the next morning watching crash-course videos on the basic principles of working with clay. I finally managed to get four lovely paw prints in the clay that I had rolled into thicker spherical shapes, hoping its firmness and thickness would do the trick to prevent that ghastly cracking. Two days later they had dried far better, but three of them still had giant fissures snaking up from the base of the paw impression. My heart sank and a part of me felt defeated, but I wasn't going to give up and promptly made slip from the cracked clay pieces, patching together what I could. In the end, they turned out presentably and hopefully they remain a treasured part of the family. I am now determined to develop skills in this craft, as even though I wrestled with clay like it was my enemy, I actually enjoy the idea of being able to fashion whatever I want out of it using whatever tools I have on hand. When I wasn't stressing about disappointing people, it became rather therapeutic to roll and knead the clay, and I definitely felt like a toddler at the end of it when I looked down and saw my scrubs covered from top to toe in chalky clay-dust! If you made it through this whole essay, I shared it simply to say that I am thankful for your calm and reassuring tutorials on handling and dealing with this art medium, as they have made me excited to learn how to prevent these mistakes in the future. Your videos have given me inspiration through the positive outlook you convey in each instance things don't quite go to plan; which is certainly a representation of life itself! We can become despondent, or allow trials under pressure to fashion us from pieces of coal to diamonds. 💎 God bless and continue sharing your talents with the world!

[@RedRockingBird]

My heart goes to you. As I was reading this I was also thinking that if only you were creating for the first time in your leisure without the pressure of it turning out just right with no issues, this pressure for perfection alone is so much to deal with and very often things go wrong at these times even for tried and tested methods. A huge well done for persevering, many wouldn’t abs amazing that you had success in the end, hats off to you 😁 I’m so pleased that it has come full circle for you and you are now enjoying the clay. There are softer air dry clay for anyone wanting to make paw prints, like the air dry clay lights or soft, the ones that come in an array of colours, I don’t have much experience with these but worth experimenting with. Have a wonderful Christmas and happy crafting, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences with you all ☺️ Sarah ❤️✨

[@Misteddreams]

@RedRockingBird Thank you for taking the time to answer and be so encouraging, it means a lot. 🙏🏻 Yes, in hindsight I should have looked for softer clays made specifically for impression making, but I was also on a time-crunch and didn't have the foggiest idea what this particular clay actually felt like, haha. One would think I'd have been exposed to it growing up as I took art in school. Perhaps the brand I chose also wasn't the best for my purposes, though the clay itself was good quality. As always, we cannot blame the tools and materials but the one handling it! Your latest videos on Christmas decorations have made me so excited, I definitely want to try making something like it (but then again, I am working straight through until Christmas day, so where to find the time is another story!) Have a wonderful Christmas and New year, and I will definitely be back to marvel at your creations. 💕

[@RedRockingBird]

@ I like to dive into new things with two feet…very often, we learn a lot this way 😂 have a wonderful Christmas and thank you again ✨❤️

[@mistygeller3193]

For anyone that has not yet watched the individual videos on these awesome projects, I have to say it is sooooo much fun!! Your projects are so inspiring!! Thank you for sharing all of your tips, tricks, details and beautiful painting skills!!

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much, have a wonderful Christmas ✨❤️

[@alisonh890]

Thank you for all your vlogs this year. Lovely things! I hope your Christmas is peaceful and enjoyable.❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much for watching, you are very much appreciated, Merry Christmas ✨

[@SherieRodrigues]

Dear Sarah, I hope I have your name right, my dear girl, you’ve done it again. Made us happy with your craft. I LOVE your match stick birds, along with every other creation. Merry Christmas to you and your family from Australia ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Many many thanks Sherie for your valued support and positivity, have a wonderful Christmas, Sarah ✨❤️

[@SherieRodrigues]

@@RedRockingBird 🤗

[@ellenl5626]

The tall vases are so clever!

[@RedRockingBird]

They’re fun aren’t they, I hope you make some ❤️ thank you

[@chanalowenthal3897]

So inspiring. Love those bears. I’ll definitely try some of these projects. Thank you!

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much, happy to hear you are inspired, have fun crafting

[@dawnbuteau6140]

What a great video! You are so creative! I have tried air dry clay before, but none of my stuff came out half as good as yours. I will have to give it another try. Thank you for the inspiration. ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Definitely give another go, practice is key, thanks so much, happy holidays ✨

[@DianasYTChannel]

Your tree is beautiful. So cute. Thanks again for showing all the ideas. Sarah, I wish you and your family the happiest Christmas and a great 2025! 🎄

[@RedRockingBird]

Merry Christmas to you and yours Diana, many thanks ✨

[@L0U1SE]

You’re very creative with the clay❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you it’s great fun ✨

[@margaretdillinger5090]

Your tree only got second place!? 😅. #1 in my book. I love your teddy bears but then again I love your work period. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas full of joy and laughter. Blessings for the new year. I look forward to seeing what your wonderful talents brings to us all in upcoming videos. Lots hugs and warm wishes.😊❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Lots of love to you and yours Margaret, your love and support of my videos is so much appreciated on every single occasion, have a wonderful Christmas, bigs hugs from across the pond ❤️✨⭐️

[@RuaniCraft]

I admire your creativity. It's amazing what can be made with air-dry clay - absolutely beautiful! Keep it up, you're such an inspiration!

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much, it really is and I look forward to so much more in 2025 ✨❤️

[@jude1515]

Beautiful projects! I love the big dish and the Christmas ornaments.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much ✨

[@cynthiawall7073]

TFS ❤❤ Merry Christmas

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you for watching, Merry Christmas ❤️

[@gema3160]

Air dry clay vídeos are so marvellous! Watching yor creativity is a privilege! Thanks for sharing magnifique creations.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you very much, kind of you ☺️✨❤️

[@aparajitaxyz]

Congratulations on your Tree winning the Best Tree Award at Church 😊❤

[@RedRockingBird]

❤️🐻‍❄️❤️ 2nd place ❤️🐻‍❄️❤️ thank you

[@britzel71]

You make the best videos. Your speaking voice is so pleasant and soothing. You're extremely talented and creative 👏 ✨️

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much 🤗 so kind

[@charlotted6247]

This was great. I love this air dry clay. I'm impressed with each thing you made. Very talented ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much, too kind ❤️✨

[@carmenlheureux5435]

A great summary of your beautiful work. I love all of it! Merry Christmas and happy New Year Sarah!❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas Carmen and thank you so much for all your support and positivity, it’s always noticed and appreciated ❤️✨

[@lisapais4869]

I love your bears so much and made my own for gifts. ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

That's wonderful to hear, thanks so much ❤

[@destresswithyoga]

Love all of your videos ❤❤❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much ✨

[@emmasheppard2639]

Always lovely and relaxing to watch 💜

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much Emma ❤️✨

[@cherylflorek153]

You are amazing! I love everything that you make.

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much and for watching 😊 Merry Christmas

[@marijamagdalena7156]

Happy holidays! Thank you for the lovely video reminder ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much, happy holidays ❤️

[@lindasteger7207]

Ah. Merry holidays to you and yours!

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you 😊 have a wonderful holiday

[@22ERICSHELLY]

You do such amazing work. Merry Christmas. May Jesus continue to bless you and your family

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you so much, a Merry Christmas to you and yours ❤️✨

[@tudorrose3443]

That large bowl is stunning! ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thank you 😊✨

[@neilreeves5627]

Great projects, they all look fantastic!!

[@RedRockingBird]

Huge thank you, happy holidays ❤️

[@MarthaCurtis-u7y]

Love it all ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

Thanks so much ❤️✨

[@CHT420]

Thank you for sharing cute projects - just starting out on the air dry clay crafting have had supplies for over a year just bought the DAS brand as other brand I tried did not have much luck and thanks for the links for other projects and tips

[@RedRockingBird]

Have fun, just get stuck in ❤️ thanks for watching ✨ best of luck

[@CeC1370]

Wonderful ideas! I’ve been wanting to try using air dry clay for a while. May I ask if there is a difference between the type you use and say the “kid’s” colorful version? I literally have no clue. 🤦🏼‍♀️ was thinking of starting with the colors, but thought I’d ask first. Thanks and happy holidays! 🥰🎄

[@CeC1370]

Oh sorry, one more question…what is the glaze you use to finish off your projects? ☺️

[@RedRockingBird]

Yes there is a difference the colours are more plasticy, what I use is DAS air dry clay and it is far more like natural clay and leaves a chalky residue on hands etc, thanks for watching, I hope you enjoy creating ✨❤️

[@RedRockingBird]

VARNISH AIR DRY CLAY kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3XSopialJyGidU This is hopefully useful

[@IBeLieveInChrist07]

Love your ideas and how easy you make it look!❤❤❤❤

[@RedRockingBird]

❤ thanks so much ❤ happy crafting

[@karenbradley-p2g]

Wow, so creative and fun!! Unfortunately, I am not a painter and I also can barely draw stick people, lol....but I have some ideas I'd like to try with clay, but it would require the item to be outside. Do you have any tips on how to make the clay weatherproof? Or is it just not possible to keep it from breaking down outdoors in rain, snow, and sun?!! Thanks for your videos, and any advice you can give!! Happy crafting ❤

[@RedRockingBird]

How to Waterproof Air Dry Clay kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Koh4COe7Kai7M is worth taking a look at, anything would need to be sealed fully and then reseated again over time, thanks for watching and best of luck with your projects ✨

[@karenbradley-p2g]

@RedRockingBird I Will definitely watch this, thanks so much!

[@karenbradley-p2g]

That video was perfect!! I'm so glad it (finally) found your channel; you are a sweetheart!!

[@RedRockingBird]

@@karenbradley-p2g too kind thank you ❤️

[@katymoss8557]

What do you use to seal and varnish your pieces? They look amazing

[@RedRockingBird]

Various but this is a good one: amzn.to/3RO7ibV

[@katymoss8557]

@@RedRockingBird thank you I’ll try it ❤️

[@RedRockingBird]

@@katymoss8557 😍

[@mortiferburzum2451]

I came back to your video to ask where did you buy the large jump rings you showed in the necklace bit? I keep buying rings and they're just too small and can't seem to find the right size. Could you please share what size they are and from where?( the rings at the top) Thank you!

[@RedRockingBird]

Hi, these are 12mm, Google them and you should find something in your area, have fun with your print and thanks for watching ✨

[@jessicalaware]

🙏❤️

[@RedRockingBird]

☺️❤️✨

[@Taracinablue]

=)

[@RedRockingBird]

😁⭐️✨