Air Dry Clay Napkin Rings – A Handmade Christmas

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Welcome back to A Handmade Christmas! This is my third project in the series, and it’s one I am so excited to share: Air Dry Clay Napkin Rings.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love creating table decor. Napkin rings are one of those details that make a table setting feel extra special, but they can often be expensive if you’re buying them in sets. This year, I decided to make my own—and the results exceeded all of my expectations.

Three handmade napkin rings—one green with a floral pattern, one white with "LESLIE" embossed, and one pink with a dragonfly—rest on folded patterned napkins.
Four images show holiday-themed items: decorated cookies, vintage glass ornaments in a bowl, frosted cookies with tree designs, and a festive dining table setting with holiday decor.
Text logo reads: "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | A HANDMADE CHRISTMAS" in capitalized, gray letters on a white background.

Air Dry Clay Napkin Rings

Three decorative ceramic napkin rings: one white with "LESLIE" in green letters, one green with a floral pattern, and one red with a bow design, on patterned napkins.

The best part? These napkin rings are made from air dry clay, which means no kiln, no oven, and no special equipment required. Just a little clay, a few household tools, and your imagination.

Pink and white floral napkin with a pink napkin ring placed on top of a pink and white floral patterned plate.
Two floral-patterned cloth napkins, one green and one white, are held by ornate gold napkin rings on a light-colored wooden surface.
A green floral napkin with a white napkin ring labeled "LESLIE" rests on a light green patterned square plate.

And because I know everyone’s style is a little different, I created three variations of napkin rings: one with a Christmas mold, one with textured surfaces, and one with personalized names. All three use the same process, so once you learn the steps, you can customize them any way you’d like.

Of course, this post would have been a lot simpler craft had I made just one type!

Four green cloth napkins with a white floral and bird print, arranged in a staggered stack with a botanical pattern visible on each.

CPC Cloth Napkins 100% Cotton

A decorative transferware plate showcasing a red pastoral scene with buildings and mountains, bordered by floral patterns and intricate designs.

Johnson Brothers Salad Plate, Pink & Cream

Five pink cloth napkins with a white floral and bird pattern are stacked in a slightly fanned arrangement.

CPC Cloth Napkins Set of 6

Why I Love Air Dry Clay

Two white napkin rings with "DAVE" and "LESLIE" embossed, next to two green decorative napkin rings with floral patterns, on a light wooden surface.

Air dry clay is one of my favorite crafting materials. It’s easy to shape, forgiving if you make a mistake, and dries into a solid finish that’s perfect for painting. You don’t need to bake it, which makes it simple and accessible for anyone to use.

It also has such a high-end look when it’s finished. Once sealed and painted, it’s hard to believe these napkin rings weren’t purchased from a boutique. They’re sturdy, elegant, and completely customizable.

Supplies You’ll Need

Art and craft supplies laid out, including a box of air dry clay, rolling pins, bottles of glaze and paint, Mod Podge, stamps, texture sheets, and small yellow beads.

Here’s what I used to make my air dry clay napkin rings. There are additional supplies listed for each of the three variations as indicated with an *.


On this blog, I may sometimes use affiliate links, 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.

A package of DAS modeling clay, red and white with a photo of clay being rolled and shaped into a flower.

DAS Air-Hardening Modeling Clay

Assorted pink silicone molds with Christmas designs, perfect for air dry clay projects—includes gnomes, holly leaves, bells, reindeer, ornaments, and a green gift box with a red ribbon.
Christmas Fondant Molds
A wooden rolling pin with ornate floral engravings, perfect for imprinting matching decorative patterns on cookies or Air Dry Clay creations.
Embossed Wooden Rolling Pin
A 10 lb (4.5 kg) package of Amaco Air Dry Clay with a red label, stating "Easy to Use" and "Made in USA.
Air Dry Modeling Clay
Plastic cutters for Air Dry Clay featuring yellow grids with numbers, pink grids with uppercase letters, and several blue, green, and purple strips, all arranged on a white background.
225 Pcs Cookie Letter Number Stamp Set
Box of 36 Arteza premium metallic acrylic paint tubes arranged in three trays, perfect for adding vibrant color to Air Dry Clay projects. The lively packaging is beautifully displayed on the box lid.
ARTEZA Metallic Acrylic Paint Set of 36 Colors
A box of 10 wooden texture rollers with unique patterns; a circle inset shows hands using one roller on clay.

Clay Texture Rollers

18 Assorted Acrylic Paint Colors, 2oz each

Wall-mounted metal rack filled with assorted bread rolls and chocolate chip buns, alongside charming air dry clay accents, displayed on multiple shelves against a white tiled wall.

10 Tier Bun Pan Rack Commecial Bakery Rack

Paint Brushes

Mod Podge
Waterbase Sealer

A small, white bottle labeled "Clay Glaze" with a blue label indicating it's a gloss varnish. The label shows art-related icons and states the volume as 100ml/3.4oz.

 Air Dry Clay Varnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Five unfinished, white clay napkin rings with different textures and designs are arranged on a white surface near a glass dish and a piece of brown paper.

All of the napkin rings were made using the same technique. There were just slight variations for each of the three options.

Step 1: Cut Your Strips

A rolling pin flattens a slab of clay between two wooden slats on a light-colored surface.
A metal ruler with centimeter markings is placed next to two rectangular strips of light brown cardboard on a white surface.

Roll out the air dry clay on a parchment-covered surface until it’s about 1/4” thick. Using a ruler, cut strips that measure 1.5” wide and 7” long.

A hand uses a round metal cutter on a slab of clay beside five clay strips, two with floral patterns and three with smooth surfaces, on a work surface.

At each end of the strip, use a round cookie cutter to soften and round the edges. This gives the napkin rings a more finished look once they’re formed.

Step 2: Wrap Around the Tube

A roll of parchment paper, a plastic tube, and a rectangular sheet of parchment paper on a light-colored surface.
A hand holds a rolling pin wrapped with a piece of clay that has an ornate, floral pattern pressed into its surface.
Two clay rollers are wrapped in brown paper on a work surface; one has a floral pattern, the other has clay rings labeled "LESLIE" and "DAVE." A sculpting tool is also visible.

Wrap each clay strip around a plumbing tube that you’ve covered with parchment paper (so the clay won’t stick). I overlap the edges, leaving the rounded edge on top.

Seal the ends of the strip together by pressing gently and smoothing with your fingers. You can also score the ends of the napkin ring with the end of a safety pin and then lightly brush the ends with water before you seal them.

This creates the ring shape that will hold your napkins.

Step 3: Add Decorative Details

Here’s where you can get creative! I made three variations:

Christmas Mold Napkin Rings: I used silicone molds to create holiday shapes from clay, then pressed them onto the front of the ring for decoration.

A pink plastic cookie cutter shaped like a paw print is partially filled with gray modeling clay on a cardboard surface.
A hand holds a small piece of clay shaped like a gift with a bow, with clay tools and a container visible in the background.
A hand holds a cylindrical object wrapped with a piece of clay that has a sunburst design carved into it. Two circular clay pieces are in the background.

Textured Napkin Rings: I textured rollers onto the clay strips before shaping them, so the surface has a beautiful pattern.

A patterned rolling pin rests on a sheet of clay, leaving decorative floral imprints on the surface.
A hand holds a rolling pin wrapped with a piece of clay that has an ornate, floral pattern pressed into its surface.
A hand holds a cylindrical rolling pin with two textured clay rings featuring intricate floral and leaf patterns placed around it.

Personalized Napkin Rings: I left these plain, but added names of our family members, focusing on smooth, clean lines for a modern look.

A hand holds a purple stamp tool with yellow letters over a clay slab with the word "LESLIE" stamped into it.
Two rectangular clay slabs on a table, one stamped with the name "LESLIE" and the other with a purple tool resting on top. Yellow plastic pieces and a metal tool are nearby.
Two clay strips with the names "DAVE" and "LESLIE" stamped into them, placed on a light-colored surface.

Step 4: Flatten the Base

Once the decorations are attached, gently press down on the plumbing tube to create a flat edge along the bottom of the napkin ring. This ensures the rings will sit flat on your table and won’t wobble.

Six small clay cylinders with various patterns are arranged around a white rolling pin on a light-colored surface.

Gently slide the tube from the parchment paper and carefully remove the napkin rings. Since clay shrinks, you must do this step before you let them dry.

Step 5: Dry the Rings

Metal drying rack holding several shelves with unfinished ceramic pieces, including small cylindrical objects and flat plates, in a pottery studio setting.

Allow the napkin rings to dry until they are firm to the touch, then carefully slide them off the tube. Let them dry thoroughly for at least 24–48 hours. Turn them occasionally to make sure they dry evenly.

I just purchased this hanging rack for my craft room (it’s supposed to be for freshly baked goods). I needed it for several reasons. Breakage was the main issue, since clay is soft and needs to be stored away from other craft projects and kitty cats. And space is key, because it has 10 racks that can hold all of my pottery pieces waiting to dry or head off to a kiln.

I let mine dry for two days and then put them in an oven at 250 degrees for 15 minutes to make sure they were completely dry.

Step 6: Seal with Mod Podge

A hand applies white paint with a brush to a textured, rectangular object while two gray circular items lie on a brown surface nearby.

When the napkin rings are dry, brush on a coat of Mod Podge. This helps seal the clay and create a less soluble surface for painting. Let it dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Paint and Glaze

Three ornate bangle molds, two red and one green, are displayed on a beige surface with a clear square tray. A hand holds the green bangle mold.
Two green ceramic napkin rings with intricate floral and leaf patterns sit side by side on a light wooden surface.
A hand holds a white ceramic napkin ring labeled "LESLIE"; two red and two green napkin rings are placed on a beige surface below.

Paint the napkin rings with acrylic paint in your desired colors. For mine, I chose holiday red, white, and a touch of sage green, colors that complement my holiday palette this year.

I used my metallic acrylics for the green textured rings and red gift package rings. I used white and sage green acrylic for the white lettered rings.

Once the paint is dry, finish by sealing the rings with Clay Glaze. This step gives them durability and a subtle sheen, making them look polished and professional.

Styling the Napkin Rings

Table setting with a pink and white floral-patterned plate, matching napkin in a ring, two forks, knife, and a red glass on a light wood surface.
A green floral napkin with a white napkin ring labeled "LESLIE" rests on a light green patterned square plate.
Three ceramic napkin rings—green, red, and white labeled "LESLIE"—are placed on a light wood surface next to folded patterned cloth napkins.

When I set my holiday table, I love adding small touches that make guests feel special. These handmade napkin rings do just that.

  • The floral versions pair beautifully with romantic, layered tablescapes full of greenery and candles.
  • The textured versions add visual interest and work well with simple linens.
  • The plain versions are perfect for modern, minimal tables where you want understated elegance.

You can mix and match all three styles in one table setting, or create a cohesive set of one style. Either way, they’ll look gorgeous.

A white fireplace with an electric fire, decorated with a green garland, air dry clay ornaments, and three brass candle holders with lit candles on the mantel.
6FT Christmas Norfolk Pine Garland
Three green tree-shaped air dry clay candles with gold accents are shown; two are displayed in a box, and one is positioned separately outside the box.
Creative Co-Op Unscented Tree Shaped Taper Candles
Four small, white air dry clay objects with smooth, glossy surfaces, shaped like abstract and stylized trees and cones, displayed against a plain background.
Creative Co-Op Stoneware Tree Taper Candle Holders

Tips for Success

Six unglazed ceramic napkin rings, some engraved with names ("LESLIE" and "DAVE") and textured patterns, are arranged on a tan surface.
  • Work in batches: Cut, shape, and decorate several strips at once so they dry consistently.
  • Keep clay moist: If your clay starts to dry while working, mist it lightly with water.
  • Smooth edges: Dip your finger in water and run it along the seams to create a clean finish.
  • Paint in layers: Two or three thin coats of paint will give you a richer color than one thick coat.

Why This Project Is Perfect for A Handmade Christmas

Two handcrafted napkin rings rest on a wooden surface; one is white with the name "LESLIE" stamped on it, the other is green with an ornate, floral pattern.

One of my favorite things about A Handmade Christmas is creating projects that are both beautiful and functional. These napkin rings fit that perfectly. They’re practical, easy to make, and they instantly elevate your holiday table.

Plus, they’re the kind of craft you can personalize. Use metallics for a glamorous table, bright reds and greens for a traditional Christmas look, or neutral tones for a farmhouse vibe. You can even paint them to match your dishes or linens.

And because they’re handmade, they also make wonderful gifts. Imagine giving a set of custom napkin rings to a friend or family member as a hostess gift—it’s thoughtful, personal, and something they’ll treasure.

Final Thoughts

Two pink napkin rings with white bow designs are placed on a floral-patterned pink and white napkin on a light wood surface.

These Air Dry Clay Napkin Rings are a wonderful craft for this year’s A Handmade Christmas. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and they look absolutely stunning on the table.

The process is simple: cut strips, shape them into rings, decorate, dry, seal, paint, and glaze. The results are polished, professional-looking napkin rings that no one would guess were handmade.

I love that I was able to create three variations, holiday stamped, textured, and personalized, so there’s something for everyone’s style. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, setting a cozy family table, or looking for a handmade gift idea, these napkin rings are the perfect craft.

Air dry clay has once again proven to be my go-to material for easy, beautiful holiday projects. I hope this inspires you to try making your own napkin rings this season.

Which One Do I Think You Should Make First?

Two floral-patterned cloth napkins, one green and one white, are held by ornate gold napkin rings on a light-colored wooden surface.

So, if you want to know which one I think you should make …

The textured green ones. They are easiest and look so good!

✨ Here’s to another week of A Handmade Christmas! Stay tuned, as there are so many more handmade projects to come.

A thin branch is suspended horizontally against a plain background, with a string of metallic and air dry clay star-shaped ornaments draped across it.
Creative Co-Op 72 Inch Cardboard Glitter Star Garland
Four decorative plates crafted from air dry clay with holiday-themed designs: two feature festive bows, and two depict winter village scenes with houses, trees, and handwritten holiday messages.
Creative Co-Op Round Stoneware Plate with Holiday Pattern
Red pine tree-shaped candle with gold accents, resembling a handcrafted Air Dry Clay creation. Shown unwrapped on the left and wrapped in clear plastic with a gold ribbon on the right.
Tall Holiday Tree Shaped Candle with Gold Tips, Holly Berry Color
Three felt Christmas tree ornaments in a box with straw, and two similar ornaments made with Air Dry Clay stand outside—one holding a place card labeled "Holly.
Creative Co-Op 4 Handmade Felt Wool Christmas Tree Place Card/Photo Holders
A small, cone-shaped felt Christmas tree with multicolored scalloped layers and a white Air Dry Clay star on top, set against a plain background.
Creative Co-Op Wool Felt Christmas Tree
White pillow featuring an embroidered Christmas tree decorated with red, green, and gold lines and dots—a festive look that pairs perfectly with handmade Air Dry Clay ornaments.
Creative Co-Op, Multicolor Square Cotton Pillow

Sixteen Weeks of A Handmade Christmas

Twelve hand-embroidered fabric ornaments, each depicting a different scene from "The Twelve Days of Christmas," are arranged on a light surface surrounded by greenery.
Week One
A white bowl holds several round ornaments decorated with bright, multicolored abstract floral patterns. Grass is visible in the background.
Week Two
Three handmade napkin rings—one green with a floral pattern, one white with "LESLIE" embossed, and one pink with a dragonfly—rest on folded patterned napkins.
Week Three

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Anthro Inspired Christmas Decor

A collage of holiday-themed decor items, including tree-shaped air dry clay ornaments, stockings, pillows, garlands, napkins, and candle holders—all labeled as "Amazon Holiday Anthropologie Inspired.
SHOP HERE

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Three handmade clay napkin rings—green, red, and white with the name "Leslie"—are placed beside two folded patterned napkins on a light wooden surface.

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