Air Dry Clay Textured Trinket Dishes

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I love playing and working with air dry clay to make my own decor. It is simply so much fun. It’s also weirdly therapeutic.

Creating your own textured trinket dishes is a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor. And if you’ve been following along, you already know how much we love working with air-dry clay—it’s so versatile! In case you missed it, we’ve made Air Dry Clay Faux Plant Pot, clay feather tags, an incense holder, and a pencil holder.

These charming and functional pieces serve as perfect spots for storing your favorite small items. With just a few simple materials, you can craft unique dishes with intricate textures that reflect your style.

Supplies Needed

air-dry clay – you can use any brand but we like using Crayola. You will need enough for 4 trinket dishes.
Rolling pin
patterned clay roller
Small Cups
Craft knife or cookie cutter – For cutting out shapes.
Water
sponge
Acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
A clear sealant or Mod Podge Gloss Sealer
Optional: Frog masking tape

How to Make Textured Trinket Dishes

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface

Lay down parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the clay from sticking to your work surface. Gather all your supplies before starting.

Step 2: Roll Out the Clay

Take a portion of air-dry clay and knead it to soften.

Then, use a Rolling pin to flatten the clay to about ¼ inch thick. Ensure it’s even to prevent cracking when drying.

Step 3: Cut Out the Dish Shape

Use a craft knife or a cookie cutter to cut out a circular or organic shape.

Step 4: Add Texture

Press your chosen texture tools firmly into the clay to create an imprint. Carefully lift the object to reveal the design. I chose to add texture to half of each of the dishes.

Step 5: Shape the Dish

Gently place the cut-out clay piece over an upside-down small bowl or cup to create a shallow curved shape. Lightly press it down to form the shape you like.

Step 6: Smooth the Edges

Dip a small brush in water and smooth any rough edges with gentle strokes. This will give the dish a refined, polished look.

Step 7: Let It Dry

Allow the dish to dry for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the clay. Keep it in a dry, undisturbed place to avoid warping.

Step 8: Paint the Dish

Once fully dry, use Acrylic paint to add color and details. I chose to paint half of each bowl and used Frog masking tape to help with painting it.

Step 9: Seal the Dish

After the paint has dried, apply a clear sealant or Mod Podge to protect the surface and give it a slight sheen. This step helps preserve the dish and make it more durable.