DIY Clay Brush Holder – A Handmade Summer

This clay brush holder is one of the easiest and most useful projects I have ever made for my craft room.

This project is part of my new Handmade Summer series, where I share simple, creative ideas you can use every day, and this clay brush holder is the perfect place to start.

Two pink ceramic paint tube sculptures, one with floral patterns and one with ornate designs, are placed on a white surface with three paintbrushes laid across them.
Four images: a decorative glass ornament, a kitchen with flowers on the counter, a living room with white furniture, and a bowl of soup with scattered toppings.
Text reads "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | A HANDMADE SUMMER" in uppercase letters on a white background.

DIY Clay Brush Holder

Two sculpted paint tubes, one with a floral pattern and one with ornate embossed designs, are placed beside three paintbrushes on a white surface.

There is something so satisfying about starting a brand new creative series, and A Handmade Summer might be my favorite one yet.

Summer crafting feels lighter, more playful, and a little more relaxed, which is exactly why I wanted to begin this series with a project that is not only beautiful but also incredibly useful. Today I am sharing the very first project: a handmade clay brush holder. I have to tell you, this is one of those simple ideas you will use every single time you sit down to create.

Five bottles of acrylic paint, two paintbrushes, and a rectangular object wrapped in pink floral-patterned plastic sit on a white surface near a window.

If you paint, craft, decoupage, or work with glue or glaze, then you already know how often you need a place to set down a wet brush. I used to balance mine on the edge of a bowl or paper towel, and it was never ideal.

Brushes would roll, drip, or leave marks where I did not want them. So I decided to make something that solves that problem and also looks beautiful sitting on my craft table.

This clay brush holder is one of the easiest and most rewarding projects I have made in a long time. It is functional and customizable, and you can design it in so many ways to match your style or your craft room.

Why Every Crafter Needs a Brush Holder

Two paintbrushes rest on a pink, ornate paintbrush holder, with four bottles of red, pink, and orange acrylic paint in the background on a white surface.

Before I made these, I did not realize how often I needed one. Now I use mine constantly. Whether I am painting, working with Mod Podge, glazing clay, or even using adhesives, I always have a wet brush in my hand.

Having a designated place to set it down keeps my workspace clean and organized.

The holder’s shape keeps the brush slightly elevated, so the bristles are not sitting in a puddle of paint or glue. It also prevents brushes from rolling off your table, which has definitely happened to me more than once.

But beyond function, I also love that this is something you can make yourself. It turns a very practical tool into something that feels personal and beautiful.

Materials You Will Need

A rolling pin, textured wooden rolling tools, Mod Podge, a metal tool, wood planks, a bottle of clay glaze, and a block of modeling clay on a white surface.

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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

A box of 10 wooden texture rollers with unique patterns; a circle inset shows hands using one roller on clay.

Clay Texture Rollers

Mod Podge
Waterbase Sealer

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

A set of eight pottery sculpting tools, including a sponge, wooden and metal tools, a wire cutter, and a metal rib, arranged on a white background.

Clay Tools

Acrylic paint

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

Assorted paint brushes

A rolling pin rests on a floured surface next to an unbaked pie crust, with two baked pies in the background, their crusts subtly adorned with Easter Egg designs.

Maple Wood Rolling Pin – 1/4″

That is it. No kiln, no complicated tools, and no special equipment required.

The napkin choices are endless!

A grid of fruit-themed patterns: lemons on yellow, oranges on white, cherries on pink, and strawberries on red backgrounds, arranged in horizontal rows.

Floral Napkins for Craft 20Pcs Assorted

A collage of various floral and pastel-patterned fabric swatches, striped prints, a pink bow design, and a floral-patterned plate on a white background.

Tenceur 48 Pack 24 Style Assorted Floral

Stacks of rectangular paper napkins with a floral print featuring pink, red, and yellow flowers with green leaves on a white background.

Floral Paper Napkins Watercolor Flower 

Illustration of various flowers including roses and daisies in pink, orange, and purple hues with green leaves on a beige background.

3-Ply Cocktail Beverage Paper Napkins

A white napkin adorned with pink and white magnolia blossoms, green leaves in a watercolor style, perfectly complements any table setting or a charming terra cotta pot.

20-ct 13×13 Flowers Paper Luncheon Decoupage Napkins

Four floral napkins with pink rose patterns on white and light green backgrounds. Each napkin features a different flower arrangement style.

40Pcs Floral Napkins

A pattern of blue hydrangea flowers and green leaves gracefully emerges, as if freshly picked from a garden, against a crisp white background. Imagine them thriving in a charming terra cotta pot, adding rustic warmth to the elegant design.

20-Count Lunch Size, Hydrangea Scatter

20 Count Shabby Chic Napkins

Nine square tiles feature various green floral and botanical patterns, with one tile showing a bird and one image showing a ceramic dish with a matching design.

36 Pack 6 Style Sage Green Decoupage Napkins

A collection of square tiles with blue and white floral patterns, some featuring yellow lemons, and a matching bowl with similar lemon and floral designs.

120 Pack Vintage Mediterranean Lemon

A grid of 25 different patterned papers, each featuring colorful floral and botanical designs, with some including butterflies and birds.

ForraFun 40 Pack Assorted Floral Napkins for Decoupage

A grid of nine squares, each featuring different intricate red floral and nature-themed patterns on a white background; a shell with a red bird design appears in the bottom right corner.

16 Pcs 8 Styles Decoupage Napkins, Pink and White Floral

How I Made My Brush Holders

Two decorative objects shaped like flattened paint tubes, one with a red floral pattern and the other with a pink embossed design, placed on a white surface.

I made two different styles, and I love them both for completely different reasons.

A flat, decorative pink paint tube sculpture with ornate patterns, placed beneath two white-handled paintbrushes on a white surface.

The first one was created using a textured roller. After rolling out the clay to an even thickness, I rolled the textured tool across the surface to create a raised pattern.

This is one of my favorite techniques because it adds dimension and interest without requiring any painting or additional steps later.

A ceramic tube painted with a floral design lies on a white surface, with two paintbrushes placed across it.

The second brush holder was made using a paper napkin design. If you have followed me for a while, you know how much I love decoupage with paper napkins.

The designs are beautiful, delicate, and incredibly easy to apply.

Once the clay was rolled out, I cut the shape of the brush holder. I wanted something that would gently curve and hold the brush in place, so I shaped the clay over a rounded surface to give it that slight lift. This is what creates the functionality of the holder.

How to Make a Clay Brush Holder

A white, decorative object shaped like a plastic water bottle features embossed floral patterns, set against a plain background.

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

A rolling pin flattens white clay between two wooden slats on a gridded mat with measurement markings.

Start with a piece of air-dry clay and roll it out to an even thickness, about 1/4″ thick. Try to keep the surface smooth and even.

Step 2: Cut the Shape

A hand uses a craft knife to cut a piece of white clay, guided by two wooden sticks, on a gridded cutting mat with a ruler and concentric circles.

Cut the clay into a long brush-holder shape. I made mine look a bit like a paint tube, but you can also make a simple rectangle with rounded ends.

Step 3: Add Texture or Design

For a textured version, roll a textured roller over the clay before shaping it.

A patterned rolling pin embosses a sheet of white dough with a floral design on a gridded surface.
A rectangular piece of white clay with trimmed edges lies on a gridded surface next to a craft knife.

For a napkin design, leave the clay smooth and add the napkin later after the clay dries.

Step 4: Create the Brush Ridges

A textured piece of white clay with floral patterns lies on a grid surface, with a purple and white marker placed horizontally across it.

Gently press two or three horizontal ridges across the clay. These raised sections will hold your brush in place and keep it from rolling.

Since I often use larger brushes, I made one with larger indentations.

A textured piece of white clay with floral patterns lies on a grid surface, with a purple and white marker placed horizontally across it.
A rectangular piece of white clay with horizontal ridges lies on a grid surface; a green tool touches the bottom edge.

Step 5: Add the Top Cap

A rectangular piece of white clay with embossed floral patterns lies on a gridded surface; the clay is shaped to resemble a flattened tube.

Slightly curve the clay to give it a gentle lift. You can shape it over a small rolling pin, bottle, or rounded surface. Add the top to the paint holder.

Step 6: Let It Dry

Allow the clay to dry completely according to the package directions. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours. You can also bake the clay at 250 degrees for about 20 minutes to speed up drying.

Step 7: Add the Napkin Design

A floral-patterned paper napkin is molded around a plastic bottle, lying on a white surface.
A floral fabric cover, shaped to fit a hot water bottle, lies on a white surface next to a pair of scissors and some trimmed fabric scraps.
A hand uses a paintbrush to apply glue onto a floral-patterned piece of paper attached to a flattened plastic bottle.

If using a paper napkin, separate the top printed layer. Brush Mod Podge onto the dry clay, place the napkin on top, smooth gently, and seal with another thin coat.

Step 8: Paint the Textured Design

A paintbrush applies pink paint to a textured, decorative clay sculpture shaped like a paint tube lying on a white surface.
A textured sculpture shaped like a paint tube, decorated with floral patterns, is being painted pink with a brush.
A sculpted object shaped like a flattened tube of paint, decorated with pink and gold ornate patterns, placed on a white surface.

I painted the holder one color and then added a metallic color to the top edges of the textured design.

Step 9: Seal With Clay Glaze

A paintbrush rests on two pieces of textured, ornate material, one decorated with floral patterns and the other painted pink with raised designs.
Two flat ceramic sculptures shaped like hot water bottles, one with a floral pattern and the other with pink and gold decorative designs, on a white background.

Once everything is dry, brush on Clay Glaze. This protects the surface and allows the brush holder to be used with wet paint.

Step 10: Let It Cure

Let the glaze dry completely before using. Once finished, your clay brush holder is ready for your craft table.

Why Clay Glaze Is a Game Changer

Two sculpted paint tubes, one with a floral pattern and one with ornate embossed designs, are placed beside three paintbrushes on a white surface.

If you have not used Clay Glaze before, you need to.

This step is what makes these brush holders not only beautiful but also usable. The glaze seals the surface and creates a protective finish so you can safely use them with wet paint, glue, or any other medium.

Without the glaze, the clay would absorb moisture and could become damaged over time. With it, the surface becomes durable, slightly glossy, and easy to clean.

It is what transforms this from a decorative piece into a functional tool.

Design Options and Variations

A white, decorative object shaped like a plastic water bottle features embossed floral patterns, set against a plain background.

One of the best things about this project is how customizable it is.

You can keep it simple with texture, as I did with the roller design. This gives a more neutral, elevated look that works in any craft space.

Or you can go bold with color and pattern using napkins. Florals, vintage prints, coastal designs, or even seasonal themes would all be beautiful.

You could also personalize these by adding initials, favorite motifs, or even small stamped words into the clay before it dries.

This would make a wonderful handmade gift for any creative person in your life.

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

Hands use green plastic letter stamps to imprint text on clay, perfect for crafting personalized Christmas ornaments. On the right, a set of green stamps with lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is arranged in rows.

Clay Stamps – Alphabet, Numbers & Symbols 

A brass wax seal stamp with the letters "AM" and a wooden box, next to a stamped clay disc showing the same "AM" monogram—perfect for adding a personalized touch to holiday cards or Christmas ornaments.

Custom Pottery Stamp for Clay

Why This Is the Perfect First Project for A Handmade Summer

When I started planning this series, I knew I wanted projects that were approachable, practical, and fun.

This brush holder checks all of those boxes. It is easy enough for beginners, but still satisfying for experienced crafters. It uses minimal materials, does not require a kiln, and can be completed fairly quickly.

But most importantly, it is something you will actually use.

That is something I am focusing on this summer. Projects that are not just beautiful, but that become part of your everyday creative routine.

I have so many fun ideas planned for this series, and I cannot wait to share them with you.

How to Follow Along With A Handmade Summer

A hand applies glue to a floral-patterned, flattened plastic bottle with a paintbrush; a bottle of glue and torn patterned paper are nearby.

Each week, a new spring craft will be shared here on the blog. I will also be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, progress videos, and finished projects on Instagram so you can see each craft come to life.

You can jump in at any point. There is no need to start at the beginning or complete every project. Choose the ones that speak to you and make them your own.

If you love seasonal crafting, this series is designed to inspire you throughout the summer.

Here are all of the A Handmade Summer craft projects so far. I can’t wait to share all twelve.

Two pink ceramic paint tube sculptures, one with floral patterns and one with ornate designs, are placed on a white surface with three paintbrushes laid across them.
DIY Clay Brush Holder – Week one

A Few Mother’s Day Gift Ideas…

Book Embosser Personalized | Custom Stamp

A wooden recipe box engraved with "The Rileys, Family Recipes, Est. 1990" sits proudly next to a whole pineapple on the kitchen countertop, offering a touch of personal charm—a perfect way to display the cherished name for your home.

My Personal Memories Personalized Recipe Box

Framed print with illustrations of four different flowers labeled James, Ellen, Imogen, and Nicholas, above the text "Our Family Garden, Nurtured with love.

DREAM BIG PRINTABLES Personalized Birth Month Flowers & Kids Names

Gold chain bracelet with three rectangular nameplates engraved with "MIA," "LINDA," and "CHARLOTTE," featuring a lobster clasp and adjustable extension chain.

Custom Paper Clip Bracelet with Engraved Name

A white linen napkin with "The Sullivans" embroidered in blue script, bordered by a decorative hemstitch, with white flowers partially visible at the top right.

Custom Embroidered Linen Cocktail Napkins

A beige canvas tote bag with pink handles and trim, featuring a front pocket and the letter “K” embroidered on the front.

Lands’ End Pre-Monogrammed Letter Canvas Tote Bag

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Two handmade clay brush holders, one with a gold floral pattern and one with a pink floral design, hold four paintbrushes on a white surface. Text reads: “DIY Clay Brush Holder - A Handmade Summer.”.

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