DIY Crayola air-dry clay coasters on living room end table.

Air Dry Clay Coasters: How to Create This Easy DIY

I’ll show you how easy it is to create adorable DIY house shaped air dry clay coasters with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

DIY Crayola air-dry clay coasters on living room end table.
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I have a confession to make.

Before 2024, I had never worked with air-dry clay before.

I’m not sure why, it just wasn’t on my radar.

It could be that clay crafts seemed too intimidating for this perfectionist, or maybe I assumed it required some sort of advanced skills or a lot of clay tools.

Whatever the reason, air dry clay remained unexplored territory for me.

But that all changed last year when I decided to give it a try for handmade flower frogs in the spring and then Christmas tree ornaments for the holiday season.

And let me tell you…once I got started, I was hooked.

Air-dry clay turned out to be so much easier (and more fun!) than I could have ever imagined.

It’s incredibly versatile, inexpensive, and perfect for creating functional items, like these charming house-shaped coasters.

Now, I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. Working with air-dry clay has become one of my favorite crafting methods.

If you’re new to the world of air dry clay, don’t worry!

This project is the perfect introduction.

It’s simple, forgiving, and requires only a few basic supplies.

Let’s dive in, and I’ll walk you through how to make your own no-bake clay coasters step by step.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t start sooner!

What you’ll love about this DIY:


  • BEGINNER FRIENDLY – No prior experience with air-dry clay? Don’t worry, if I can do it, you can too! This project is simple, forgiving, and a great introduction to working with clay.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE – You can choose different shapes, textures, and even add paint or designs to match your home decor or personal style.
  • INEXPENSIVE – With just a few affordable materials, you can create beautiful, handmade coasters without spending a fortune.
  • PERFECT HANDMADE GIFT – These coasters make thoughtful gift ideas for housewarmings, birthdays, or holidays.
Make homemade coasters with air dry clay, cookie cutters, and Mod Podge.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make Air Dry Clay Coasters

To get started, gather the following materials…

  • Crayola Air Dry Clay: I used white clay for a neutral, classic look.
  • House Shaped Cookie Cutter: You’ll need these to cut out uniform coaster shapes. I used a 3″ house cookie cutter for this DIY.
  • Small Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter: This is completely optional, but I think it adds a cute heart detail for a more personalized touch.
  • Rolling Pin: To roll out the clay into an even thickness.
  • Parchment Paper: This will help prevent your clay from sticking to the surface you roll it out on. If you have a silicone baking mat, you could use that in place of the wax paper.
  • Cookie Sheet: A flat surface for drying the clay.
  • Mod Podge: The secret ingredients to sealing and protecting your coasters, making them waterproof. It will also give your DIY coasters a ceramic like appearance.
  • Small Paint Brush or Foam Brush: For applying the Mod Podge.

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED

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How to Make Homemade Coasters Using White Crayola Air Dry Clay

Follow this simple tutorial and you’ll have the most charming coasters for your home or for gifting to friends and family.

SIMPLE COZY LIVING

Want more inspiration to make your home feel cozy and inviting?

Check out our collection of home decor ideas for creative tips and stylish touches you’ll love!

Step One. Roll Out the Clay

Start by placing a sheet of parchment paper (or wax paper) on a clean work surface to prevent the clay from sticking.

Take a handful of Crayola air-dry clay and roll it out to about 1/8″-1/4″ thick using a rolling pin. 

The thickness of your coasters is ultimately up to you. You can make them as thin or as thick as you want.

Just remember that the thicker you make the shapes, the longer they will take to air dry.

Step Two. Cut Out House Shapes

Using a house shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many houses as you like, and place them on the parchment lined baking sheet.

Then use a small heart shaped cookie cutter to cut out a heart shape on the bottom right side of the house (or anywhere you’d like to add a heart detail). 

Step Three. Let the Air Dry Clay Coasters Dry

Depending on the thickness of your clay, this can take anywhere from 24-48 hours. 

Be sure to flip the houses over halfway through to ensure even drying on both sides and to prevent warping.

Allow the handmade coasters to dry on a wax paper lined baking sheet.

Step Four. Seal With Mod Podge

Using your brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front and back of each coaster.

Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second and third coats.

Do not skip this step because the Mod Podge is what will protect your DIY coasters from spills and condensation.

Step Five. Enjoy Your Handmade Coasters

Once the Mod Podge is completely dry, your coasters are ready to use!

Arrange them on your coffee table, or tie a set together with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.


Tips

  • Before the clay starts to dry, smooth the edges with a damp fingertip to prevent sharp or rough spots.
  • Use stamps, lace, or textured fabrics to create patterns on the clay for an extra decorative touch.
  • Place the coasters in a warm, well ventilated area, and flip them halfway through drying to make sure they dry evenly and don’t warp.
  • Once the coasters are dry, you can gently sand the edges with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots.
  • Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or a clear spray sealant to protect the coasters from moisture and stains.
  • To prevent scratching surfaces, attach small felt pads to the bottom of the coaster.

What to do With Your DIY Coasters

Now that your clay coasters are complete, they are a great way to add a handmade touch to your home decor.

Place them on a living room coffee table, nightstands, or kitchen counters to protect your surfaces from drinks and condensation.

You can stack them in a decorative tray or mix and match them with other coasters.

They also make practical gifts!

Tie a set of coasters together with a ribbon and pair them with a bottle of wine or a candle for the perfect housewarming or hostess gift. 

DIY coasters are a great gift idea for friends and family.

FAQs: Air Dry Clay Coasters

Nope. Air-dry clay hardens naturally over time without baking. Simply let your coasters dry for 24-48 hours on a flat surface.

Cracks usually happen when the clay dries too quickly or isn’t kneaded properly before shaping. To prevent this, knead the clay well before rolling it out, and let your coasters dry slowly in a warm, well-ventilated area.

Yes! Once the clay is fully dry, you can paint your coasters with acrylic paint, watercolor, or metallic paint for a customized look. Just be sure to seal them with Mod Podge or a waterproof sealant afterward.

How do I make waterproof coasters?

To protect your coasters from moisture and stains, apply at least 3 thin coats of Mod Podge or you can also use a clear acrylic sealer spray.

Let each coat dry completely before adding the next layer.

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How do I prevent my clay coasters from scratching surfaces?

Attach small felt pads to the bottom of each coaster to prevent the coasters from sliding and to prevent scratching on delicate surfaces.

DIY Crayola air-dry clay coasters on living room end table.

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xoxo, heidi

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5 Comments

  1. I’ve been remembering this craft for months and am finally getting around to it. Had to come to the blog for your clear and helpful instructions – thank you, Heidi!
    Also, we named our daughter Heidi. She’s eight now and I showed her your Instagram account the other day and told her your name is Heidi too. She was so enthralled and is inspired to also be a Heidi with a beautiful home when she grows up – super sweet! 🙂

  2. I’m glad you like the air dry clay coasters, they are so fun to make! The exact cookie cutters I used for this DIY are located in a rectangle block right below the materials you’ll need section. Just click on the photo of the house cookie cutters and it will take you right to Amazon.

  3. These coasters are adorable! May I ask if you have a link to the cookie cutters you used? Thank you for this idea. I will definitely be making coasters for my family Christmas gifts this year!

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