My favorite crafts are both playful and useful, and these DIY clay magnets fit that description perfectly. They turn out charming and are easy to personalize.
If you enjoy working with clay, you’ll have a lot of fun making your own clay magnets. Kids can join in too — this is an ideal family-friendly craft that’s simple and engaging.
Use these magnets to brighten your fridge or whiteboard, or make a batch to give as thoughtful handmade gifts.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Tray
- Air-dry clay*
- Acrylic rolling pin
- X-acto knife
- Cookie cutters
- Hot glue gun
- Magnets**
- Acrylic paint
- Mod Podge*** (optional for a glossy finish)
- Paint brush
- Stamp letters – optional
- Clay tools – optional
*Some air-dry clays are grey and some are white. Either works because you’ll paint the pieces later.
**Choose magnet sizes that match your clay pieces.
***A clear coat isn’t required, but it gives a shiny, protected finish if desired.
How to Make DIY Clay Magnets
Step 1. Tear off a piece of clay. Keep the remaining clay sealed so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 2. Warm the clay with your hands and roll it out to about 5 mm thick. Thicker pieces will take longer to dry.
Step 3. Cut shapes with cookie cutters and smooth the edges with your fingers or a small tool.
Step 4. If you see any small cracks, dip a finger in water and gently smooth them away.
Step 5. For more detailed shapes, cut with an X-acto knife — perfect for ears, stems, or other small parts.
Step 6. Because air-dry clay can set quickly, seal separate pieces you aren’t assembling right away.
To join pieces, make small, irregular cuts in each connecting surface, moisten both areas slightly, press them together, then smooth the seam with your finger so the joint looks seamless. This helps the pieces stay attached as they dry.
Step 7. Repeat the joining technique for layered shapes like strawberries or animals.
Step 8. When smoothed correctly, the joins should blend into a single piece once dry.
Step 9. Use clay tools to add texture or indentations.
Step 10. Stamping letters into the clay is a fun way to personalize your magnets.
Step 11. Small details like eyes or tiny features can be formed from little clay dots.
Step 12. Get creative — mix and match shapes, faces, and colors to make each magnet unique.
Step 13. Allow the clay pieces to dry completely before painting; overnight drying is usually sufficient for thin pieces.
Step 14. Once dry, paint your magnets with acrylic paint.
Step 15. Paint each piece, adding details like faces, dots, or patterns, and let the paint dry thoroughly.
Step 16. When painting is finished, you can seal the pieces with a thin layer of varnish or Mod Podge for a glossy, durable finish. Allow the sealer to dry completely.
Step 17. Attach a magnet to the back using hot glue. Hold it in place until the glue sets.
Step 18. Your magnets are ready — display them on any magnetic surface or package a set for a special handmade gift.
How Long Does This Project Take?
The active crafting time is fairly short — roughly an hour total to roll, cut, assemble, and paint a batch of magnets. However, drying and paint curing add extra time. I typically leave pieces to dry overnight, then allow paint and sealers another 5–10 hours to fully cure.
More Crafts Like This
- Butterfly Suncatcher
- Clay Rings
- DIY Foam Dough
- Air Dry Clay Bowls
DIY Clay Magnets
Materials
- Tray
- Air drying clay *
- Acrylic rolling pin
- X-acto knife
- Cookie cutters
- Hot glue gun
- Magnets **
- Acrylic paint
- Mod Podge *** (optional)
- Paint brush
- Stamp letters – optional
- Clay tools – optional
Instructions
-
Tear off a piece of clay.
-
Warm and roll the clay to about 5 mm thickness.
-
Cut shapes with cookie cutters and smooth the edges.
-
Fix cracks by gently smoothing with a wet finger.
-
Use an X-acto knife for detailed cuts.
-
To join pieces, make small irregular cuts on both surfaces, moisten, press together, and smooth the seam.
-
Add texture or indentations with clay tools.
-
Stamp letters or add tiny details for personalization.
-
Let the clay dry completely.
-
Paint your pieces and allow the paint to dry fully.
-
Optional: seal with a thin coat of varnish or Mod Podge and let dry.
-
Glue magnets to the backs of the pieces and enjoy.
Notes
**Pick magnet sizes appropriate for your clay shapes.
***Mod Podge or varnish is optional but gives a protected, shiny finish.