How to Make Beautiful Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs

Flower arranging is an art; having the right tools makes all the difference. If you love fresh flowers in your home but struggle to keep them in place, you’ll love these DIY air-dry clay flower frogs!

I recently made a set of these charming flower frogs, which sit on top of a vase or jar to help hold flower stems upright. They are easy to make, customizable, and adorable. They add a touch of handmade beauty to any floral arrangement while being both practical and stylish. And they make the perfect craft for spring.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A vase with pink roses and greenery on a wooden table, with decorative flower frogs in the foreground and a couch with pink cushions in the background.
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.
You Made that?

Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs for Your Vases

Patterned napkins, flower frogs with hole designs, and heart-shaped items are arranged on a light wooden surface.

Today, I am sharing how to make your own air-dry clay flower frogs, from shaping to painting and sealing. If you love crafting with clay, this project is fun and rewarding!

And … if you would like to make the clay hearts, head to my blog post here.

A glass vase with pink roses, flower frogs, and green foliage on a white surface, surrounded by small heart-shaped decorations.

What Is a Flower Frog?

Three glass vases filled with pink roses and greenery on a wooden table. Sunlight streams through a window in the background.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, a flower frog is a floral arranging tool to keep flower stems in place. Traditionally, they’re made of glass, ceramic, or metal, but I made mine with DAS air-hardening modeling clay, which makes them lightweight, durable, and beautifully textured.

These clay flower frogs sit atop a vase or jar—inserting them inside is unnecessary. Once you add water to the container, the holes in the clay let you insert flower stems, keeping your blooms arranged precisely as you like.


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Four glass vases hold white and pink flowers, accompanied by a clear glass candle holder with a lit white candle, arranged on a white background.
4 Pack Glass Cylinder Vases
Clear, ridged glass vase with two cylindrical tiers, each featuring vertical grooves.
Ribbed Vase

Glass Vase with Decorative Cane Sleeve

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, here’s what you’ll need for this project:

Crafting supplies on a table include mason jars, clay glaze, paints, clay, cookie cutters, and patterned rolling pins on a silicone mat.

▪️ DAS Air-Hardening Modeling Clay (or another air-dry clay)
▪️ Embossed Wooden Rolling Pin (to add a decorative texture)
▪️ Scallop-Edged Flower Cookie Cutter (for one design)
▪️ Round Dish or Lid (to use as a pattern for another design)
▪️ Polymer Clay Cutters (for making stem holes)
▪️ Mod Podge (for sealing before painting)
▪️ Acrylic Paints (I mixed white, pink, and brown to create a taupe-pink shade)
▪️ Air Dry Clay Varnish (to make it water-resistant)
▪️ Paintbrushes
▪️ Vases or Jars (to fit your flower frogs on)

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

Embossed rolling pin with floral patterns, accompanied by two round cookies featuring the same intricate designs.
Embossed Wooden Rolling Pin
A jar of Mod Podge Gloss, an 8 fl oz (236 ml) water-based sealer, glue, and finish.
Mod Podge
Waterbase Sealer
A metal flower-shaped cookie cutter is shown beside a pink flower-shaped frosted cookie.
Scalloped Edge Flower Cookie Cutter

Acrylic Paint

A variety of multicolored insulated ferrules in different sizes are arranged in rows on a white background.
Polymer Clay Cutters
Three clear glass cylindrical vases: the smallest holds a candle, the medium a larger lit candle, and the tallest—with flower frogs at the base—contains pink artificial flowers.
Glass Cylinder Vases
A bottle of "Clay Glaze" gloss varnish, labeled 100ml/3.4oz, with a blue and white design featuring art tools.
Air Dry Clay Varnish
A set of 24 clear glass mason jars with diamond patterns, 12 gold lids, 12 silver lids, three sheets of round white labels, and perfect for pairing with flower frogs for creative floral displays.
Mason Jars 8 oz

Other Pattern Options

Embossed rolling pin with floral design, a yellow patterned cookie, and wheat stalks on a white background.
KASHMIR pattern Embossed Rolling Pin
Embossed rolling pin with floral patterns and two round cookies featuring similar designs.
Flower Embossed Wooden Rolling Pin
A rolling pin with floral designs next to three embossed cookies and some wheat stalks on a white surface.
Poppy Embossing Rolling Pin

Step 1: Rolling Out the Clay

Close-up of a wooden rolling pin with intricate floral designs pressed into dough on a patterned baking mat.

To begin, I rolled out my DAS air-hardening clay to about 3/8″ thick. This thickness provides the flower frogs with sufficient durability while remaining lightweight.

For a decorative touch, I used an embossed wooden rolling pin to create a beautiful pattern on the clay. This simple step makes a significant impact, adding a lovely textured design that stands out once painted.

Step 2: Cutting the Shapes

Round piece of clay with intricate floral and paisley patterns on a textured surface featuring red measurement lines.

I created two different styles of flower frogs:

Ceramic buttons with floral cutouts and heart-shaped embellishments in various patterns and shades on a light wooden surface.
  1. Scalloped Edge Design
    • I used a scallop-edged flower cookie cutter to cut out one piece. The floral shape gives it a delicate, vintage-inspired look.
  2. Round Design with Fluted Edges
    • For this version, I used a round dish as a template and traced around it with a sharp tool. I gently molded the clay around the top edge of a jar before it dried. This gave it a slightly curved shape to fit snugly on the jar. To flute the edges, I followed the same process I use for the pie crust’s edge. Using both hands, press your fingers to form the ruffly and continue around the edge. This version has a fun style.

Step 3: Making the Stem Holes

Embossed clay circle on a measuring mat with assorted metal and plastic clay tools beside it.
A textured clay circle on a silicone mat with concentric red circles, featuring three holes cut out using a red-handled tool.
Textured clay circle with intricate floral and swirl designs, and six circular cut-outs of varying sizes on a gridded mat.
Embossed clay shapes and metal cutters on a red and white measuring mat.

I created holes in the clay using a drinking straw to allow the flowers to stand upright.

Tips for the holes:
▪️ Space them out evenly so the flowers have room to breathe.
▪️ Make a variety of hole sizes to accommodate different stem widths.

Step 4: Drying the Clay

Textured, patterned clay ornaments with circular cutouts are arranged on a textured surface.

Depending on thickness and humidity, air-dry clay takes 24-48 hours to fully dry. I put mine in the oven at 225 degrees for 20 minutes. Let your flower frogs dry on a flat surface, flipping them once halfway through drying to prevent warping.

Tip: If your flower frog warps slightly, gently reshape it while it’s still slightly soft.

If you notice any rough edges on the flower, use the coarse side of a two-sided sponge to smooth them out.

Hand holding a circular piece of clay with intricate designs and four holes, next to a blue sponge. Background has red concentric circles on a white surface.
Three glass jars covered with white round fabric or paper filters featuring multiple holes, placed on a mat with red circular measurement markings.

Step 5: Sealing with Mod Podge

Hand holding Mod Podge bottle above clay or dough ornaments on a table, with a paintbrush nearby.

Before painting, I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the dry clay to create a smooth base and prevent uneven absorption of paint.

Mod Podge helps the clay become more durable, which is essential since these pieces will be used near water.

Step 6: Painting the Flower Frogs

Ceramic flower-shaped pieces with embossed designs and multiple circular cutouts drying on a wire rack.

For the color, I wanted a soft, vintage-inspired taupe-pink. I mixed:

▪️ White
▪️ Pink
▪️ A touch of brown

I applied two coats of acrylic paint, letting each layer dry thoroughly before adding the next. The embossed design looked even more beautiful once painted, as the subtle shadows highlighted the intricate details.

Step 7: Sealing with Air Dry Clay Varnish

Two clay flower-shaped creations with circular cutouts are on a drying rack beside a blue bottle labeled "Clay Glaze.

I applied a clear, air-dry clay varnish on both sides to protect the flower frogs from moisture. This seals the surface and makes it more water-resistant.

Sealing Tips:
▪️ Apply 2-3 thin coats for the best protection.
▪️ Let the varnish dry completely before using the flower frogs with fresh flowers.

Step 8: Using the Flower Frogs in Your Arrangements

Bundles of pink roses, buds, and eucalyptus leaves wrapped in plastic lie on a marble surface.

Once dry, the flower frogs were ready to use!

Two glass jars with pink roses placed in water on a marble surface. Each jar has a decorative floral-patterned holder. A similar holder is resting on the marble. Background shows a window.

Here’s how they work:

  1. Fill your vase or jar with water.
  2. Place the flower frog on top. It should rest securely on the rim.
  3. Insert flower stems through the holes. The flower frog holds them in place, creating a structured, beautiful arrangement.

They turned out stunning! The soft taupe-pink color complements any floral arrangement, and the embossed details make them look handcrafted and elegant.

Why I Love These DIY Flower Frogs

A bouquet of pink roses and eucalyptus in a glass vase on a table, alongside crocheted coasters and a gingham cloth.

▪️ Easy to Make – No need for a kiln or special tools!
▪️ Completely Customizable – Use different colors, shapes, and textures.
▪️ Beautiful & Functional – They elevate floral arrangements while keeping flowers upright.
▪️ Perfect for Gifts – A handmade flower frog paired with a pretty vase makes a thoughtful present!

Four stacks of scalloped-edge napkins in varying shades of brown and beige.
5 x 5 Inch Scalloped Napkins
Four stacks of pink paper napkins with scalloped edges, each stack slightly varying in shade from dark to light pink.
100 Pack Cocktail Napkins
Four stacks of green and white checkered napkins with scalloped edges are arranged in a grid pattern.
Scalloped Cocktail Napkins

Blogger’s Best Spring Day Craft Ideas

Here are more Valentine’s Day Crafts from some of my favorite bloggers.

Two small potted plants with heart-shaped drawings on sticks grace the table, surrounded by candles adorned with dried flowers and additional heart drawings scattered nearby. The indoor setting is bathed in soft, natural lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Make Simple Watercolor Valentine Twig Plant Stakes | Most Lovely Things

Make these simple watercolor twig plant stakes if you are gifting a plant to someone for Valentine’s Day this year. Rustic, charming and easy to make.

A bouquet of pink and white flowers in a vase sits on a wooden table adorned with candles surrounded by dried flowers and books. The background features a dark bookshelf with various books and decorative items. A mirror and small framed pictures are visible on the wall.

Heart Shaped Bouquet | Craftberry Bush

This beautiful Heart Shaped Rose bouquet is such a beautiful way to transform grocery store flowers into something unique and thoughtful. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day.

A decorative paper chain of heart shapes is draped over a dark wooden shelf. The wall behind is made of horizontal wooden panels. A light-colored, stone-textured bowl, accompanied by candles with dried flowers, is placed on the counter below the shelf.

Valentine’s Day Paper Chain | My Sweet Savannah

Create a charming Valentine’s Day paper chain using recycled book pages! This easy, budget-friendly DIY craft adds a personal touch to your holiday decor with heart-shaped loops.

Two glass jars, perfect for making candles with dried flowers, are adorned with pressed pink flowers and green leaves, tied with pink ribbons. In the background, blurred pink and purple flowers add to their soft, elegant appearance.

How to Make Candles With Dried Flowers | Happy Happy Nester

Making candles with dried flowers is a fun and creative way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Whether you craft them as gifts or use them to add a cozy ambiance to your space, dried-flower candles have a delicate, handmade charm that stands out.

Try This!

Two glass vases with pink and peach roses and green foliage on a light wooden table. Coasters with floral designs are placed under the vases.

I loved making these DIY air-dry clay flower frogs; they’ve already become a favorite tool for my floral arrangements. They’re an easy way to add a handmade, artistic touch to any bouquet while keeping stems perfectly in place.

I highly recommend making these if you love flower arranging and DIY projects! Have you ever used a flower frog before? Let me know in the comments, and if you make your own, I’d love to see how they turn out!

A Few of My Favorite Vases

A textured, off-white vase with a wide body and narrow neck, displaying a ribbed pattern.
12″ Modern Distressed Polyresin Vase
A clear ribbed glass vase beautifully showcases yellow and white tulips, artfully arranged with green stems and leaves, demonstrating an elegant take on how to arrange flowers.

Cylinder Clear Glass Vase

8″ Glass Bowl Glass Vase

Serene Spaces Living Decorative Large Glass Urn

Glass Vase with Rattan

Cylinder Clear Glass Vase

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Floral Arranging Must-Haves

A collection of floral arranging essentials, including vases, baskets, dried flowers, scissors, and decorative items, displayed in a collage format with labels above.
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Glass vase with water and greenery. Handmade clay flower frogs surround the base, placed on a wooden table. Text at the top reads, "How to Make Beautiful Air Dry Clay Flower Frogs.
Collage of Valentine's Day craft ideas featuring floral decorations, potted plants, and heart-themed designs from various bloggers.

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5 Comments

  2. Leslie, your flower frogs are so elegant! Of course they add a lovely touch for displaying flowers, but they are too pretty to put away when not in use. They would look pretty on top of a book on the coffee table. I will be making a few! Love the soft colors.
    annie

    Reply

  3. Leslie, This is such a fun, simple and pretty craft project! I made flower frogs last summer with my granddaughter for her to give to her mom, my DIL. It was so much fun and it’s a very nice gift to give to someone who has a cut flower garden. I LOVE the ones you made with the “ruffled” edge. Did you shape the edges with your fingers or use a “tool”? So pretty! Thank you for this wonderful inspiration!
    Barb

    Reply

  5. Honestly, this is a fabulous, beautiful piece that you have created. All I can say is WOW. Sure beats taping a vase and it’s so decorative. The possibilities are endless. Thank you for sharing this.

    Reply

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