DIY Air Dry Clay Christmas Village

Sometimes the simplest holiday decor pieces are our instant faves. This DIY Air Dry Clay Christmas Village has become our favorite this year! 

This is a great beginner craft project to make for the holidays using one of our go-to crafting supplies, air dry clay. We love this modern Scandinavian feel of this DIY Christmas Village. 

Don’t you think this clay Christmas Village would look so darling on a mantle with faux snow and fairy lights?!

Air dry clay is a favorite craft medium of ours. This type of clay is so easy to use. Remember our moon phase clay ornaments? Air dry clay!

What is air dry clay?

Air dry clay is honestly exactly what it is called… It is a clay that does not need to be heated to cure. Most clays need to be fired or baked to cure. This type of clay cures at room temperature. Brilliant and so easy to use.

What you need to make the clay village

• air dry clay
• rolling pin
• silicone baking mat
• cookie sheet
• x-acto craft knife
• glue gun or quick dry glue
• craft blocks (wood square blocks)
• candles or lights

How to Make this DIY Air Dry Clay Christmas Village

First, roll out a half package of white air dry clay. We like to use an old silicone baking mat so the clay will not stick to your counter top or working surface. Roll the air dry clay out to ¼ in in thickness.

Cut out houses from free printable template. You can find the free printable template here.

Next, place each house on top of the clay. Using an exact knife, cut out along exterior lines off each house on clay. This will give you the house shapes.

Use a pencil to trace windows and doors. Press lightly as you “draw” out windows. Then remove template houses and using exacto, cut out windows and doors. 

Now it’s time to soften edges. Dip your finger in water and rub out all lines on houses to create soft lines. 

Let clay dry. We like to place clay houses on a cookie sheet and put a flat cookie sheet on top of it to ensure clay dries flat. 

Once dry, feel free to sand edges with fine sand paper. Just do this step outside. 

Use small wood blocks and quick dry craft glue to create standing houses. Just add glue to one side of wood block and adhere to back of house. 

Here are some of our other favorite holiday DIY projects:

Dried Orange Garland DIY – You’re going to love making this simple dried orange garland for your house. It’s such a beauty. 

DIY Paper Bag Stars – This tutorial is the best… for the whole family. Make these gorgeous stars out of simple paper bags! 

Easy DIY Foraged Wreath – We love to make our own wreaths every year, and here’s an easy tutorial for an easy foraged wreath.