Art Medium: Clay
Clay art projects give youths a chance to shape, press, and mold their ideas into something they can hold in their hands.
Types of Clay
Air-Dry Clay: This clay dries and hardens when exposed to air, without needing to be baked in a kiln. It’s easy to use and great for quick projects, but it can be less durable than other types of clay.
Modeling Clay: This clay stays soft and can be reused over and over again. It’s perfect for practice and temporary projects, but it doesn’t harden permanently.
Polymer Clay: This clay needs to be baked in an oven to harden. It comes in many colors and is very durable once baked, making it great for detailed and lasting projects.
Pottery Clay (Kiln-Fired): This clay needs to be fired in a kiln to harden (earthenware, stoneware, porcelain). It’s very strong once fired, but it requires special equipment.
- Earthenware Clay (Terracotta): Fires at lower temperatures, often red or orange in color, porous unless glazed, and commonly used for rustic pottery and decorative items.
- Stoneware Clay: Fires at mid-to-high temperatures, dense and durable, non-porous once fired, and widely used for functional ware like mugs and bowls.
- Porcelain Clay: Fires at very high temperatures, smooth and white, sometimes translucent when thin, and prized for its strength and refined appearance
Notes:
- Greenware isn’t a type of clay. This is the stage when pottery clay has been shaped but not yet fired. It’s still fragile and water-soluble at this point. Once fired, it becomes ceramic.
- Salt Dough is not a true clay, but often used as a substitute for modeling clay. It can be air-dried or baked, making it versatile for simple projects. We provide an activity for how to make salt dough. For project instructions reference the categories above (Modeling Clay, Air-Dry Clay, or Polymer Clay).
–
Click Here -> To see information References:
Fern, Kristen. “What Are the 4 Types of Clay?” Wheel & Clay, 23 Dec. 2021, wheelandclay.com/blog/4-types-of-clay/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
Jon, William. “What Type of Clay Is Used in Ceramics – Best Ceramics Review.” Best Ceramics Review, 12 Nov. 2025, ceramices.com/what-type-of-clay-is-used-in-ceramics/. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.
“Types of Clay for Kids: Did You Think All There Was Is Playdough? – Edu Art 4 Kids.” Eduart4kids.com, 2025, eduart4kids.com/types-of-clay/. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
