Air Dry Clay is a fun and colorful crafting material for DIY sculptors of all ages and skill levels.
Additionally, it makes for an excellent product fundraising idea.
So, in this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about air dry clay, from how long it lasts to the best kinds to buy.
If you’re looking to raise money for your school or a good cause, we’ll also tell you how to start a fundraiser.
So, let’s jump in and explore this exciting craft material!
Table of Contents
- What Is Air Dry Clay?
- How To Start An Air Dry Clay Fundraiser
- Best Air Dry Clay
- Crayola Air Dry Clay
- DelsitBoutique Natural Molding Dough
What Is Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay is a type of clay that hardens when exposed to air, making it a convenient option for a wide range of DIY projects.
So, if you’re looking for a versatile crafting material that doesn’t require a kiln or oven, it may be just what you need!
When you work with it, you’ll notice it has a soft and pliable texture that makes it easy to mold and shape into any form.
Whether you’re making sculptures, jewelry, or home decor items, it’s a great choice because of its flexibility and ease of use.
One of the best things about air dry clay is that it doesn’t require any special equipment or tools to work with.
All you need is your hands and some creativity!
Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other types of clay, making it a budget-friendly option for crafters of all skill levels.
With its versatility, affordability, and ease of use, it’s the perfect choice for any DIY enthusiast looking to create something awesome.
How Long Does Air Dry Clay Take To Dry?
Air dry clay typically takes about one to three days to completely harden.
However, the amount of time it takes to dry depends on a few factors, including:
- Thickness of Clay: The thicker the clay is, the longer it takes to dry.
- Temperature/Humidity: Clay dries faster in warmer and drier environments.
- Airflow and Ventilation: The more ventilation the clay has, the quicker it will dry. Also, you need to expose all sides of the clay for it to dry completely.
How To Make Air Dry Clay Dry Faster
Using the factors we just discussed above, there are a few things you can do to make your air dry clay dry faster.
First, if you want your clay to dry quickly, you’ll want to use the thinnest amount of clay possible.
However, you can speed up the drying process for thick clay by turning it over throughout.
You can also help it dry quicker by placing it in a warm and dry room.
Finally, you may want to place your it near an open window to increase the amount of air it’s exposed to.
You should also consider drying it on a cooling rack to increase airflow. Remember, areas that are in contact with a surface will dry slower because moisture becomes trapped.
Can You Harden Air Dry Clay?
Generally, the only way to harden air dry clay is to let it dry on its own.
While you can use the advice above to shorten the time it takes to dry, taking other measures can ruin your design.
For example, really high temperatures can cause the clay to crack as it dries. It can also lead to warping and uneven drying.
Can You Bake Air Dry Clay?
You cannot bake your air dry clay in the oven.
Exposing your clay to extreme temperatures of a kiln or oven can cause your clay to crack, melt, or burn.
Your best option is to be patient and wait a day or so for it to dry naturally.
How Do You Seal and Store Air Dry Clay?
If you have leftover clay or want to continue working on your project later, you can seal and store it.
To do this, wrap your clay in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Then, keep it in a cool and dark place to help it retain its moisture and pliability.
How To Start An Air Dry Clay Fundraiser
Starting an air dry clay fundraiser is a great way to raise money for your school or a good cause.
Fortunately, Scentco Fundraising makes starting an Air Dough fundraiser simple.
To make money, you first buy Air Dough in bulk for a lower-than-retail price. Then, you sell them to supporters to earn a profit.
Additionally, you can add other fun and scented items to your fundraiser, like:
- Smencils (scented pencils)
- Smens (scented pen)
- Smickers (scented stickers)
- Smillows (scented pillows)
Finally, in addition to selling the clay itself, you might also consider selling your creations if you can make cute necklaces or charms!
Best Air Dry Clay
While air dry clay is a great fundraising product idea, it also makes a great gift for a child, craft lover, or even yourself!
Below, we discuss some of the best air dry clay.
Scentco Air Dough
Scentco Air Dough is available for purchase in bulk for fundraising, but you can also buy single packs on their non-fundraising site.
In fact, there are well over a dozen air dry clay products available.
Air Dough Go
First, you have the option to buy Air Dough Go packs featuring individual characters. They come with four colors and a wind-up base, and they each cost about $4.
The characters you can make include:
Air Dough World Kits
Scentco also offers their Air Dough World kits for about $12. Each kit contains six colors, five tools, and guides.
The following themes are available:
Air Dough Collectibles
You can also check out Scentco’s Air Dough Collectibles. The Collectibles kit costs about $10 and contains:
- Four colors of clay
- Two basic tools
- One stand
- One foam head and body
- Two googly eyes
- One dowel
- Instructions
You get all the materials you need to make one of the following characters:
- Eddie The Yeti
- Bongo The Monkey
- Callie The Cat
- Bowie The Bear
- Kingsley The Lion
- Artie The Penguin
- Eva The Monster
- Lulu The Poodle
Air Dough Bucket
One more option available is the Air Dough Bucket. It includes 56 bags of normal air dry clay, four bags of glow-in-the-dark clay, and three sculpting tools.
The Air Dough bucket is the most extensive option at Scentco and costs about $25.
There are a few additional products we haven’t mentioned here. However, you can view all of Scentco’s Air Dough options here.
Crayola Air Dry Clay
Another great option is Crayola Air Dry Clay.
Like Air Dough, Crayola’s product comes in lots of fun colors and is perfect for kids and DIY crafters.
The Model Magic 14-pack comes with two packs of each of the following colors:
- White
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Red
It also comes with one pack of each of the following colors:
- Black
- Brown
- Orange
- Purple
The Model Magic 14-pack costs about $18, but Crayola also offers other options.
For example, you can buy a six-pack for about $9 which includes the following colors:
- White (two)
- Orange
- Green
- Purple
- Brown
Finally, Crayola offers a nine-piece activity kit that allows you to create and paint two cute dog figures for about $7.
Overall, the Crayola air dry clay ideas are limitless!
DelsitBoutique Natural Molding Dough
The last item on our list of the best air dry clay products is DelsitBoutique’s Natural Molding Dough.
If you’re looking for clay that’s all-natural and eco-friendly, this is your best bet.
Better yet, DelsitBoutique clay is scented, adding an extra layer of sensory experience to your arts and crafts.
Each package comes with nine different colors of air dry clay, each with its own unique scent:
- White (Coconut)
- Pink (Fairy Floss)
- Red (Strawberry)
- Orange (Orange)
- Yellow (Pineapple)
- Green (Lime)
- Blue (Blueberry)
- Purple (Lavender)
- Black (Blackberry)
You can buy a package of DelsitBoutique’s Bio Dough for about $30.
Air Dry Clay Ideas and Projects
Wondering what you can make with air dry clay? Well, there are virtually endless possibilities.
We discuss some of our favorite ideas below.
1. Nintendo Characters
Nintendo characters are fantastic things to make with air dry clay. For example, you can sculpt:
- Kirby: Make the cute pink puffball with a simple round shape and add the expressive facial features, arms, and legs.
- Bowser: Craft the menacing King Koopa with his iconic spiked shell, horns, and reptilian features.
- Mario: Bring the iconic plumber to life with his signature hat, mustache, and outfit.
- Yoshi: Shape the lovable dinosaur-like character with his unique nose, shell, and saddle.
2. Superheroes
Unleash your inner hero with these superhero projects:
- Batman: Mold the Dark Knight with his iconic cape, bat symbol, and stern facial expression.
- Wolverine: Create the fierce mutant with his signature hairstyle, sideburns, and retractable claws.
- Spiderman: Capture the web-slinging hero by forming his distinctive mask, costume, and webbing details.
3. Cartoon Characters
Bring your favorite cartoon characters to life with these ideas:
- SpongeBob: Create the lovable sea sponge with his square pants, unique face, and gangly limbs.
- Powerpuff Girls: Shape the trio of Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup with their distinctive hairstyles, outfits, and big eyes.
- Goku: Mold the powerful Saiyan warrior from Dragon Ball Z with his spiky hair, fierce expression, and martial arts attire.
4. Pokemon
Gotta catch ’em all? Try making these popular Pokemon characters:
- Dragonite: Create the friendly dragon with its unique wings, horns, and cuddly features.
- Pichu: Mold the adorable pre-evolution of Pikachu with its small size, round cheeks, and pointy ears.
- Squirtle: Shape the water-type Pokemon with its turtle-like shell, big eyes, and tail.
- Bulbasaur: Bring the grass-type starter Pokemon to life with its bulbous back, four legs, and wide-set eyes.
5. Video Game Characters
Embrace your inner gamer by creating characters from these popular video games.
- Minecraft: Build the world of Minecraft by shaping the iconic Creeper, Steve, or even crafting blocks like grass, dirt, and ore.
- Among Us: Create the suspicious crewmates and impostors with their simple round bodies, backpacks, and visor helmets.
- Animal Crossing: Mold your favorite villagers, such as Tom Nook or Isabelle, with their distinctive features, outfits, and accessories.
6. Other Cute Characters
Finally, exploring your creative side by making these adorable animal and food characters:
- Elephant: Shape a friendly elephant with its characteristic large ears, long trunk, and sturdy legs. Add small tusks and a smiling face to make it even more endearing.
- Monkey: Create a playful monkey with its round head, expressive eyes, and furry features. Don’t forget the long tail, which can be curled around objects or held straight.
- Avocado: Craft a cute avocado character by molding a simple oval shape, then adding a smiling face and short limbs. For added detail, create a small pit for the center of the avocado and give it a pair of eyes and a smile.
- Penguin: Build a charming penguin with its distinct black and white plumage, round belly, and flippers. Add a beak, feet, and expressive eyes to complete the look.
Which Air Dry Clay Is Right For You?
There are lots of great Air Dry Clay products available, but the one that’s right for you depends on your own needs.
If you’re looking to organize a fundraiser, then Scentco Fundraising is the way to go.
Meanwhile, both Scentco and Crayola are great options for designing just about anything you can imagine.
Finally, if you’re looking for scented and eco-friendly clay, DelsitBoutique Natural Molding Dough is the best option.
Whichever one you choose, you’re in for an exciting DIY crafting experience!
