Usage Instructions

Air Dry Clay

  • Preparation: Before you begin crafting, set up a clean, flat work surface and gather all the materials you’ll need. It's a good idea to lay down some newspaper or a disposable surface protector for easy cleanup.
  • Working with Clay: Air dry clay is soft and malleable when fresh. Knead the clay to make it soft and pliable. Use the sculpting tools and your hands to create shapes and designs. If the clay becomes too dry or crumbly, mist it lightly with water to make it easier to work with.
  • Drying Time: After you finish sculpting, let the clay dry completely. Drying time can vary depending on the thickness of your piece, but it generally takes 24–48 hours. For faster drying, ensure the project is placed in a warm, dry location with adequate airflow. Do not use a hairdryer or heat source to speed up the drying process, as this may cause cracking.
  • Storage: If you don't plan to use the clay right away, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Acrylic Paint & Gloss Varnish

  • Painting Your Clay: Once your clay creation has fully dried, it’s time to add color and design. Use the included paintbrushes to apply a coat of acrylic paint. Acrylic paint can be mixed to create custom colors. Allow each layer of paint to dry before applying additional layers to prevent smudging.
  • Varnishing: After your painting is complete and dry, you can apply the gloss varnish for a shiny, protective finish. Simply brush a thin layer of varnish over your entire piece, and let it dry completely.
  • Clean-Up: Wash paintbrushes thoroughly with water after each use to remove any paint residue. Avoid letting paint dry on the brushes, as this may damage the bristles.

Sculpting Tools

  • Sculpting: Use the plastic sculpting tools to shape, smooth, or carve into your clay. These tools are designed to make intricate detailing easier, but should always be used gently to avoid damaging your creation. Clean the tools after use by wiping them with a damp cloth.

Sandpaper

  • Sanding Your Creation: After your clay has dried and you’re ready to smooth the surface, gently sand it with the included sandpaper. Sanding will help remove any rough edges, creating a smooth and polished finish. Always sand in gentle circular motions to avoid damaging the clay surface.
  • Safety Tip: If you notice any dust from the sanding process, be sure to clean it up before continuing to paint or varnish. Avoid inhaling the dust by working in a well-ventilated area.

Screws & Keyrings

  • Attaching Screws and Keyrings: Once your clay project is completely dry, you can add the screws and keyrings to turn your design into a keychain or hanging ornament. If your design is small and delicate, consider using a small drill bit to create a hole for the screw, ensuring you do not damage your creation. Attach the keyring to the screw by threading it through the hole.

Care Instructions & Disclaimer

Care for Your Clay Creations

  • Fragility of Clay: Air-dry clay is a delicate material and, while durable when properly handled, it can break if subjected to rough handling, drops, or pressure. Keychains are regularly handled, which can expose them to rough treatment. Please keep in mind that the clay may crack, chip, or break if it is dropped, crushed, or exposed to heavy impact.
  • Use as a Keychain: Your clay creation is intended to be a decorative keychain. While it can function as a keyring holder for your keys, it is not designed to bear heavy weight. Attaching too many keys or heavy items to the keychain can increase the risk of breakage. For best results, use your clay keychain with a small number of lightweight keys or accessories.
  • Temperature & Humidity: Extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the durability of air-dry clay. Keep your projects away from areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Additionally, do not expose your clay projects to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause discoloration or warping over time.

Disclaimer: Clay is Fragile

Please note that air-dry clay is inherently fragile. While we design our kits to help you create beautiful and lasting projects, the finished pieces are vulnerable to breakage if not handled gently. Claymi is not responsible for any damage or breakage to your clay creations once they are finished and handled outside of the crafting process.

Important: Your clay creations may break if subjected to excessive force, dropping, or mishandling. We strongly advise you to handle your artwork with care and avoid situations that could result in impacts of stress on the clay.

Safety Precautions

General Safety

  • Age Restrictions: Our DIY Clay Kits are recommended for individuals ages 13 and above. Children should always be supervised by an adult while using this kit.
  • Handling Materials: Always wash your hands after handling the clay, paint, or varnish, especially before eating or touching your face. Avoid prolonged contact with skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. If you notice any irritation, wash the area with soap and water immediately.
  • Ventilation: When painting or using varnish, always work in a well-ventilated area. This will help reduce exposure to fumes from the acrylic paint and varnish. If you are sensitive to these fumes, consider wearing a mask or using a fan for better airflow.
  • Clean-Up: Clean all tools and brushes with water after each use. Dispose of used materials, such as excess clay or sandpaper dust, properly.
  • Do Not Consume: No items in our DIY kits are for consumption. 

Air Dry Clay

  • Dust and Particles: Air dry clay can create dust, especially when sanding. Be sure to clean up any clay dust from your workspace promptly. Wear a mask if you are sensitive to dust.
  • Clay Storage: Store any leftover clay in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it from drying out. Keep it out of reach of young children or pets.
  • Air-dry clay: is not food safe, please do not consume your creations.

Acrylic Paint & Varnish

  • Toxicity Warning: The acrylic paint and gloss varnish included in your kit are non-toxic when used as directed. However, do not ingest or inhale any materials. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical advice immediately.
  • Protective Clothing: Consider wearing an apron or old clothing while working with paint and varnish to avoid staining your clothes.
  • Avoid Contact with Eyes: If any paint or varnish gets into your eyes, flush with water immediately and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Sculpting Tools & Sandpaper

  • Tool Safety: While the sculpting tools and sandpaper are designed for safe use with air-dry clay, they have sharp edges that can cause injury if not handled carefully. Always use these tools with caution, and store them out of reach of young children when not in use.
  • Sandpaper: When sanding, make sure the sandpaper is used gently to avoid unnecessary pressure or damage to your clay creation. Dispose of sandpaper scraps in a safe manner.