Got some clay and want a fun project with the kids? Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to make clay rings. Cute, simple, and budget-friendly.
I love wearing quirky rings on my fingers. They brighten my hands while I work or craft and make even ordinary tasks feel more fun.
These colorful clay rings are great for dressing up your hands, enjoying a quick DIY with kids, or making party favors and small gifts. You can make many in one session and customize each one by color and shape.
Before you begin, gather the supplies and tools listed below so the process is smooth and mess is minimized.
Supplies and Tools You’ll Need
- Polymer clay
- Rolling pin (or a smooth bottle/glass)
- Cutter blade
- Craft knife
- 1 sewing pin
After forming the rings you’ll bake them to set the clay. For baking you’ll need:
For Baking
- Aluminium foil
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
How to Make Clay Rings
Work on a protected surface (newspaper or parchment) and have all tools within reach. You’ll make five simple patterns. Start by pinching off small portions of clay and warming them slightly in your hands; don’t over-knead or the clay will become too soft.
Video Tutorial
Pattern 1
Roll a small portion of clay into a smooth ball, then flatten and roll it into a long, thin cylinder on a flat surface. Wrap this thin strand around your finger to measure the correct circumference, cut off the excess and press the ends together to blend. Smooth any seams and set the finished loop on your baking tray.
Pattern 2
This squiggly ring is playful and simple. Roll a thin strand of clay, then shape it into a serpentine or wavy form. Measure around your finger, trim the ends, press them together and smooth the join. Place it on the tray beside the first ring.
Pattern 3
For a twisted, candy-cane look, roll two thin strands in different colors. Lay them side by side, twist them gently together without flattening, then wrap the twisted strand around your finger and trim. Press and blend the ends, then set aside. Hiding the seam on the inside of the ring helps if the join looks uneven.
Pattern 4
This ring has a raised head with textured grooves. Roll a strand of clay but leave a small bump in the center rather than keeping an even thickness. Cut to length, join the ends, and use a needle or pin to add small indentations or grooves across the bump for texture. Place it on the tray with the others.
Pattern 5
This marbled, asymmetric ring is a great way to use leftover scraps. Slightly press different colored pieces together and roll them lightly so the colors streak without fully blending. Flatten the combined clay with a rolling pin or bottle, cut into strips, and form an asymmetric band by joining the ends. Avoid excessive kneading to keep the marbled effect.
Baking
Preheat the oven according to the instructions on your polymer clay packaging. Place the rings on a baking tray lined with parchment, cover loosely with aluminium foil to protect them, and bake at the recommended temperature and time. Correct baking ensures the rings harden without cracking; under- or over-baking can cause issues, so follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
For a glossy, non-matte finish, spray a varnish made for polymer clay after the pieces have fully cooled.
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- 1 sewing pin
- Cutter blade
- Craft knife
- Aluminium foil
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Materials
- Polymer clay
Instructions
- Gather supplies and prepare your work surface.
- Pinch off clay portions, warm gently and roll each into a long strand.
- Pattern 1: Measure around your finger, cut to length, join and smooth the seam.
- Pattern 2: Shape a wavy strand into a squiggly ring, trim and join the ends.
- Pattern 3: Twist two colored strands, wrap to size, trim and join.
- Pattern 4: Form a strand with a raised center, cut to size, join and add textured grooves.
- Pattern 5: Combine leftover colors lightly for a marbled effect, flatten, cut strips and assemble an asymmetric band.
- Bake: Preheat oven, place rings on a lined tray, cover with foil if desired, and bake following the polymer clay package instructions for time and temperature.
Enjoy your handmade clay rings! They make cheerful accessories or thoughtful small gifts when made in sets.