I bring you another crafty post today on Aimsy’s Antics, using air-dry clay to do so. This week we are looking at how to make clay coasters using air-dry clay and acrylic paint to decorate them.

This week we are getting a little bit artsier on Aimsy’s Antics and trying a craft that I haven’t had lots of experience with. I have had this packet of air-dry clay since way before Christmas, as I was planning on making some clay ornaments. Alas, I had other projects that took precedent at that time and didn’t get around to making anything with the clay. That is until this week. Inspiration struck and I knew I had to have a go at making my own set of coasters using the air dry clay.

Air-Dry Clay:

What is air-dry clay? It is basically what it states on the tin. Clay that dries and hardens when left exposed to the air. This is a really great way to get into using clay, as there is no complicated kiln to use to ‘bake them’. What is great, is that you still get a great high-quality finish as you would with using a kiln. Any craft that can be made simpler, and more accessible is a winner in my book!

How to Make Clay Coasters:

So, this project is going to be split into two designs for the finish. The base of the coasters remains the same, it is just the decoration that differs. The first finishing is going to be a more Art Deco style, with the second being more tropical vibes. Both decors that I love, and think can be mixed up due to the rich colours used.
To further change up the design, these clay coasters are in a hexagonal shape as opposed to the more traditional circle or square shape that you may see. I will show you how to make the temple for this, but the technique can be applied for any shape or size coaster you want to make.

If you fancy giving this diy craft project a go, then let’s get crafting!

Be sure to check out the video at the end of the post too, especially if you find it easier to watch it in action rather than still images.

What You Need:

*Please note that some items on this list are affiliate links and will be marked with an asterisk (*). This means that I may earn a small amount of commission should you make a purchase through the link This is at no extra cost to you but does put towards the running of Aimsy’s Antics*.

To make the clay coasters you are going to need:

• White Air-Dry Clay *
• Rolling Pin
• Craft knife or cutting object
• Template
• Metallic Acrylic Paint *
• Various size paint brushes
• 150 grit sandpaper / fine-grit sandpaper
• Greaseproof paper
• Felt
• Mod Podge or Varnish/sealer

Step 1 – Make the Template

Before starting anything with the clay, it is time to make the template for the design. As I said, I chose the hexagon shape. Head onto your computer/laptop and open whatever programme you use that allows you to draw shapes. I used Microsoft Word for this as it was the easiest option for me. Drag the shape to whatever size and dimension you want your clay coaster to be and print it off.

Then, cut this out and stick into onto a piece of cardboard (I knew all those Amazon deliveries would be worth it😂). Then cut this out. By attaching the paper to the cardboard, it gives a bit more depth and durability to your template. This is important and the clay could wet the paper, and you can easily slice through with the craft knife. Set aside until the template is needed.

Step 2 – Prepare the clay

Remove a small amount of the clay from the larger block. It is important to work in small batches with the clay, as it is designed to react with air and the drying process will start from the moment it is removed. You want to keep the rest of the clay sealed in the package to reduce this risk.

Knead the clay to make it pliable and easier to work with. Then, use a rolling pin to roll out the clay, as you would with the dough until you get it to the thickness you prefer. Remember that the thicker the clay the longer it will take to dry but will be more durable to thinner clay. It can be quite a balancing act in getting the thickness even and is something that I didn’t achieve in all of my coasters. I think it adds to the charm, and they are still perfectly fine to use as coasters.

Step 3 – Cut out template

Grab the template that has just been made, and place this on top of the newly rolled out clay. Then use a craft knife or even a butter knife (the clay is soft enough for this) to cut around the template. Be careful to keep the lines you are cutting even and along the edge of the template.

Once cut around, remove the clay from around the cut-out piece. This will help that piece keep its shape better than if trying to pick it up from the middle. Smooth any lumps or uneven bits the new piece, before placing it somewhere to dry. I chose to use my windowsill as the sun shines through for a lot of the day, and is perfect for drying the clay out.
Place the cut-out clay coasters onto greaseproof paper as this helps stop the clay sticking. Allow to dry out for 24 – 48hrs, turning throughout for even drying. The clay will harden and turn from grey to white when it is dry.

If you have any leftover clay (i did), then you want to make sure it is as sealed as possible if you want to use it again. Seal the packet the clay came in as best as you can, folding this tightly. Then wrap this in cling film. I know this isn’t environmentally friendly, but it does reduce the amount of air that can get into the remaining clay. Then place this into an airtight container, again to reduce the amount of air that can access the clay.

Step 4 – Prep for painting

As with most projects requiring painting, you need to prep them. This allows for a smoother application and better finish to the item in the end. It is no different for the clay coasters. To prep them for painting, you are best to head outside, or to a well-ventilated area. It is advisable to wear a dust mask, especially if you suffer from chest complaints as a lot of dust is going to come off the coasters. Use fine-grit sandpaper, and sand out all the lumps, bumps and rough edges of the newly dried coaster. This can also help even out the coaster if it has dried a bit wonky too.
Dust off all of the dust that has come from the sanding.

Step 5 – Base Paint –

When all of the coasters have been sanded it is time to add on a few layers of the base paint. For my coasters, I wanted a white background, with the more intricate designs on top for that pop of colour. Use acrylic paint to paint onto the clay coasters as even though is water-based, does leave a nice finish.

Apply two coats of your base paint, allowing drying between each coat. You may find that you have to apply the paint liberally as the clay soaks it in.
If you want a finish like mine, use metallic acrylic paint. This gives a nice pearl sheen to the clay coaster, and I absolutely love how this looks. Use a pearl white to give the sheen. At times it can appear more silver, but it definitely does have the pearl white colour rather than silver when dried. I applied two layers of this also, so 4 layers of base paint in total.

Allow to fully dry before attempting to paint further.

How to make clay coasters – Art Deco Design:

So, now this tutorial sort of splits into the two designs that I chose to create. The first being Art Deco-inspired. I absolutely love that 1920’s look of geometric shapes, with the gold to make it pop and the other rich colours of this time. A truly classic luxury look (if you ask me). So, I really wanted to incorporate that style into at least half of the coasters (3 of them, as the batch I did, makes 6).

To make this design, I first thought of using painter’s tape to really get those neat straight edges. However, I hit a snag with this plan, as the tape appeared to be pulling off the base layer (even though it had 1 day worth of drying time) and the clay looked to be bubbling. I’m not sure if this is due to the stickiness of the tape being too strong, or if it was reacting to the clay, but I quickly nipped it in the bud. As a problem solve, I decided to pencil draw out the design and follow this with the paintbrush. Not the best method for neat, but all I had to hand at the time.

If you are thinking of trying this design, I would highly recommend trying a paint pen. I think you will get so much more control with this than with a paintbrush, to really keep those lines straight and sharp.

Drawing out the design:

So, measure to the middle of the coaster at the top and bottom and draw a line up the middle of the coaster. From this, then measure outwards of the line 2cm each side and draw a line. Connect these lines by drawing a diagonal from the ends down to the first starting point of the middle line. Continue doing this down the middle line until you feel you have enough shape.
Finish the design by drawing a diamond at the top and bottom of the first horizontal line (if that makes sense). This looks like the diamond is sitting at the top.

Follow the pencil markings with a shimmering gold-copper acrylic paint. The one I used was called Aztec Gold and just looks stunning. Apply a second coat if this appears patchy. Again remembering to let the first layer dry.
Follow this by painting the edges/sides of the coaster in the same colour to tie in the design. Again, two coats may be needed with this. Allow to fully dry.

How to Make Clay Coasters – Tropical Design:

Another design I like is tropical, there is just something about it that brings summer all year round, isn’t there? I knew I wanted to incorporate this design as well to the clay coasters, so the remaining three got the tropical treatment. Now, as you can see, I am not the neatest when it comes to drawing/painting or even hand sewing (see my sleep mask). So, I really wanted to keep this simple but effective. Drawing a Monstera leaf was totally out of the question, so I opted for a tropical palm leaf or a feather. It is whatever you see it to be.

Again, start by drawing out the design in pencil. Draw a curved line from one bottom corner of the clay coaster towards the top of the coaster. This will be the stem of the leaf. The sketch outlines from this to denote the leaves coming from the stem.

I used the metallic acrylic paints again, using a mixture of green, grey and yellow to change the shades of the leaves up. Mix up the paint to whichever shade you feel, ideally, the stem will be darker, and paint away. Paint over the pencil lines to conceal them, until you have something that resembles a leaf or feather. For a finishing touch, add in a bit of the Aztec gold from the previous design, to make the leaf pop.
Also, like the previous design, paint around the sides of the clay coaster to tie in the design with the leaf and the other three Art Deco coasters.

You can layer up this paint without drying time between coats. Just be mindful that you don’t want the acrylic paint too high from the coaster, as this will stick out. Allow to fully dry.

Step 6 – Seal Coaster

Whatever design you have chosen to make on your clay coaster, you will need to seal it. If you don’t seal it, you run the risk of the paint chipping, the clay becoming wet and the coaster not being useable.

I opted to use Mod Podge glue, as I had great results from my decoupage project. You can use any sealer or varnish you like, just follow the instructions on the tin.

If using Mod Podge, then it is important to apply thin even coats of this to build it up. Start by sealing the underneath of the coaster, giving this one coat of Mod Podge. When this has dried, move onto the top and sides of the coaster. I added 3-4 coats of this, allowing for drying time in between each coat. The Mod Podge has given the coasters a sheen, and really picks up the metallic acrylic paint used.

Allow drying fully before using. It is important to note that Mod Podge can appear dry, but can take up to 4 weeks to fully cure. You need to take note of the curing time as if the coasters are used before this, they run the risk of chipping or the seal becoming weakened.

Step 6 – Add Felt

To reduce the risk of damage to the underside of the clay coasters and damaging the surfaces they are placed on, the underneath needs some form of protection. Felt is the answer to this. It comes in all variety of colours, so chose a colour to suit your taste/design. I stuck with white as I already had this in my stash, but I think a dark navy or green would have looked lovely underneath.

Start by laying out your felt piece, and drawing around your newly made coaster. Cut the shape out and match to the sides of the coaster. It can be tricky with the hexagon. I found marking one side with the pencil on the coaster and felt helped line them up. Use Mod Podge again, applying a liberal layer to the coaster. The place the felt piece on top of this to secure in place. Allow drying.

There you have how to make clay coasters, with air-dry clay in two different designs.
I have to say the tropical design is my personal favourite, as I think it has come out the best. Saying that I am really happy with both of the coasters. I think they really have the unique handmade/bespoke look to them.

Which is your favourite design? How would you decorate yours? Let me know in the comments below!

How to Make Clay Coasters Video:

Here is the video version of this post if you would like to have a watch. Don’t forget to like the video if you enjoyed it and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel if you would like to keep up with my antics over there. It would mean a lot if you wanted to join the craft family!

How to Make Clay Coasters – Pin It:

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