Air Dry Clay Hearts

I created air-dry clay hearts to match my blush and taupe theme. They are the perfect surprise decor element you can include in every room!

These delicate, charming pieces bring a personal touch to my home and become one of my favorite DIY projects. With just a few materials—air dry clay, paper napkins, heart-shaped cookie cutters, and UV resin—you can create beautiful hearts that add a unique touch to your decor.

DIY Air Dry Clay Hearts: Matching My Winter Palette of Blush and Taupe

There’s something magical about handmade decor, especially when it perfectly complements your home’s color palette. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these clay hearts and share ideas for incorporating them into your winter decor.

Why Air Dry Clay Hearts?

Air dry clay is a versatile and easy-to-use material that’s perfect for DIY projects. It doesn’t require baking, and its smooth texture makes it ideal for crafting delicate pieces. The blush and taupe color palette inspired me to add soft, romantic details to my winter decor, and these hearts fit the theme perfectly.

By using decorative paper napkins, I was able to create unique patterns and textures on each heart, giving them a layered, artistic feel. The addition of UV resin adds a glossy finish that makes the hearts look polished and professional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Supplies You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather the following materials:

• Polymer Clay: A pliable clay that’s easy to work with and bakes nicely.
• Edged Rolling Pin: To roll your clay into smooth, even layers.
• Decorative Napkins: Choose napkins with patterns or designs that inspire you—holiday motifs, florals, or abstract prints all work beautifully.
• Nail Polish Remover: This household staple will transfer the napkin design onto the clay.
• Cotton Pads: For applying nail polish remover to the napkin.
• Heart-Shaped Cookie or Clay Cutters: These shape your ornaments into heart designs.
• UV resin
• UV light (or a clear gloss sealant)
• Sandpaper or a nail file (for smoothing edges)
• Wax paper or a non-stick mat
• Scissors
• Small paintbrush
• Optional: Mod Podge or decoupage glue
• Optional: Twine or ribbon for hanging
• UV Resin: Adds a glossy finish and protects the design.
• UV Lamp: Speeds up the curing process for the resin.
• Protective Gloves: To keep your hands clean while working with resin. You should also wear a mask.

*I bought a kit with the resin and lamp for last month’s clay project, but I like the larger UV lamp so much better.

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

If you are wondering about my color palette for these ornaments, check back tomorrow to see the colors I used in our family room.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crafting Clay Ornaments

1. Roll Out the Clay

Place a wax paper or a non-stick mat on your work surface. Begin by rolling your polymer clay into a flat sheet. I used my rolling pin with a raised edge to ensure the clay was the same thickness on the entire sheet. Aim for consistent thickness—about 1/8″ – 1/4″ is ideal.

2. Prep Your Napkin

Separate the top printed layer of your napkin from the plain backing layers. Only the thin, printed layer is needed for this project. Handle it gently to avoid tearing.

3. Position the Napkins on the Clay

Lay the napkin designs side down on your rolled-out clay. Position them carefully, as this will be the visible side of your ornament. Gently rub the napkins into the clay for a smoother design.

4. Attach the Design

Dab gently over the napkins using a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover. The remover will adhere the napkin’s design to the clay’s surface.* Avoid rubbing, as this can distort or tear the napkin—light tapping works best. You’ll see the pattern start to adhere as you work.

*Alternatively, don’t use the nail polish remover if you want the napkin to adhere to the clay securely. Instead, brush a thin layer of Mod Podge or decoupage glue onto the surface of the clay. Carefully place a piece of the napkin on top, smoothing it gently with your fingers or a soft brush to avoid wrinkles.

Do not lift the napkin off of the clay. Leave it on.

5. Cut Out Shapes

Use heart-shaped cookie cutters or specialized clay cutters to create your desired shapes. I wanted a vintage feel, so I loved it when the napkin tore a bit.

Press down hard so the napkin and clay are cut through. This will make it easier and prevent tears in the napkin. As soon as you are done cutting, remove the excess napkin on the scraps so you can reuse the clay.

If you plan to hang your ornaments, punch a small hole at the top with a wooden skewer to thread the ribbon or twine through.

6. Bake Your Clay

Transfer your cut pieces to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your oven at 225°F for about 15 minutes, or follow the specific instructions for your clay brand. This will harden the clay and set the transferred design. Flip them over and bake for another 10 – 15 minutes or until the back side is dry. (I don’t recommend using a baking rack as the clay will emulate the design from the rack surface.)

As you can see, I made these air-dry hearts at my girl’s weekend in Ventura, so we had a lot of beautiful versions to bake.

Let them cool completely. This is crucial before applying any finish to ensure the pieces stay intact.

7. Add a Glossy Finish

Apply a thin coat of UV resin to the surface of each ornament to give them a polished, professional look. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask and use a lighter or heat tool to remove any air bubbles that may appear.

When crafting with resin, you should take safety precautions to protect yourself from the resin, its fumes, and sanding dust: 

• Apply resin in a thin layer: Thick layers can cause the resin to crack or not cure properly. 
• Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask. You can also wear a long-sleeved shirt and an apron or overall. 
• Work in a well-ventilated area: If you can’t work in a well-ventilated area, wear a respirator. 
• Avoid skin contact: Resin is not water-soluble, so you should use a waterless skin cleanser to remove it. If you get hardener on your skin, wash it off with soap and warm water. 
• Don’t eat or drink: Don’t eat or drink while working with resin. 
• Dispose of resin responsibly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disposing unused or leftover resin. 
• Take breaks: Take breaks regularly. 
• Stop using resin if you react: If you develop a reaction, stop using resin and see a doctor. 

8. Cure the Resin

Place your resin-coated ornaments under a UV lamp to cure them. Most UV resins will harden within a few minutes, leaving a smooth, glossy surface that protects the design. I left the lamp on each ornament for about five minutes and then let them dry on a cookie rack.

Using Air Dry Clay Hearts in Your Decor

These versatile clay hearts can be used creatively to enhance your winter decor. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Table Settings

Place a clay heart on each plate for a simple yet elegant table setting. You can even personalize the hearts with names or initials to use them as place cards.

Mantel Decor

Scatter the hearts across your mantel or display them in a shallow bowl alongside other seasonal elements like candles, pinecones, or faux greenery.

Garland

Add a hole to each heart before drying. String the hearts together on a piece of twine or ribbon to create a delicate garland. Hang it across a window, above your mantel, or along a shelf.

Ornaments

If you added holes in the hearts, you can hang them on a small indoor tree or use them as ornaments on a winter-themed branch arrangement.

Gifts

These hearts make lovely, handmade gifts. Tie one onto a wrapped present as a charming, personalized tag, or give a set of hearts as a thoughtful keepsake.

Coffee Table Decor

Arrange a few hearts in a decorative tray on your coffee table. Pair them with a candle or a small vase of flowers for a cohesive look.

Why I Love This Project

Making these air dry clay hearts has been one of the most enjoyable DIY projects I’ve done in a while. Not only are they simple and affordable to make, but they also feel deeply personal and unique. I love how they tie into my blush and taupe winter palette, adding a romantic yet understated charm to my home.

Each heart is a little piece of art, and crafting them is incredibly calming. Plus, the versatility of these hearts means you can use them in countless ways throughout your home. Whether you’re decorating for winter, Valentine’s Day, or any other occasion, these hearts are a beautiful addition to any space.

Tips for Success

• Work in Small Batches: Roll out and cut a few hearts at a time to prevent the clay from drying out before you’ve applied the napkin designs.
• Be Gentle with the Napkins: Napkins can tear easily, so handle them carefully when applying them to the clay.
• Experiment with Designs: Don’t be afraid to mix and match napkin patterns for a unique, eclectic look.
• Seal for Longevity: The UV resin adds shine, protects the napkin design, and ensures the hearts are durable.

Final Thoughts

These air dry clay hearts are more than just decor—they reflect the joy and creativity of making something by hand. They’ve added a special touch to my winter decor, and I love how they remind me of the season’s beauty. Whether crafting for yourself or making gifts for loved ones, I hope this project inspires you to get creative and embrace the art of DIY.

What colors or designs would you use for your own clay hearts? I’d love to hear how you’d make this project your own! Let me know in the comments below. Happy crafting!

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