How To Make DIY Air Dry Clay Hearts for Valentine's

A Step-by-Step Guide on How To Make DIY Air Dry Clay Hearts with Foil Flakes

If you’re looking for a creative and heartfelt craft for Valentine’s Day, these easy air dry clay hearts were so much fun to make! They would make a perfect gift to hand out to loved ones or scatter them around your home as decorations.
After all the rain this past week we finally have some warm sunny days coming up this weekend and I couldn’t be happier! I can’t wait to get the dogs out and go for some much needed walks!

When Leslie from My 100 Year old Home shared her hearts I knew I had to try it, thank you for the inspiration!

Materials Needed:

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Air hardening clayNo need for a kiln or oven.
Foil Flakes
Heart Cookie Cutter
Rolling Pin
Acrylic Paint and Paintbrushes Optional I used Rose Gold Dazzling Metallic
Varnish or Sealant (optional)

Prepare Your Workspace

The first step is to set up a clean and well-lit workspace with enough room to roll out the clay and let the hearts dry. I used a large cutting board but you could use parchment paper as well.

Roll Out the Clay

For your next step, take a lump of clay and roll it out to your desired thickness (I went with about 1/4 inch) using a rolling pin. You want an even and smooth surface. You can add the foil into the ball while you are rolling the ball of clay out or you can add it after.

Cut Out the Hearts

Using the heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you’d like. I mainly used the small heart cookie cutter but also made a larger heart. Using a knife you can cut around the hearts if needed, carefully push them out.

Add more clay

When you have gone through the clay that you rolled out, add extra air clay to the remaining clay, roll out, and make more air-dry clay hearts.

Customize Your Hearts

Get creative with your designs, there are so many different ways! Use various tools or household items to create patterns, textures, or imprints on the surface of the hearts like lace hearts and rubber stamps. You can also use a toothpick to add lines, dots, or other details. If you would like to hang it, use a small straw to make a small hole at top of the heart.

Let the Hearts Dry

Place your clay hearts on a flat surface and let them air dry thoroughly. This process may take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the thickness of the clay. I originally put them on a baker’s rake but it left an imprint so I just flipped them every few hours and placed them on wax paper.

Paint (optional)

Once your hearts are completely dry, use acrylic paints different colors I used rose gold metallic paint watered it down and gave some of the hearts a quick coat.

Seal the Hearts (Optional)

If you want to protect your creations and give them a glossy finish, apply a clear varnish or sealant once the paint is completely dry. You could also use mod podge.

Whether you choose to display air-dry clay Valentine hearts in your home or share them with loved ones, these clay hearts are sure to bring joy and warmth to any space and are such a fun project! Here are a few more crafts you might enjoy! Wishing you a great weekend!