It’s a great introduction to working with polymer clay and a fun way to practice basic sculpting techniques. Kids and adults alike will enjoy shaping and personalizing their penguins — and the best part? No two ever turn out exactly the same, making each one totally unique and full of personality.
Helpful Tips:
Can I use air dry clay for this cute clay penguin?
Yes, you can make clay penguins from air dry clay! It’s a great alternative to polymer clay, especially if you don’t have access to an oven. However, air dry clay takes longer to dry (usually 24 to 72 hours), and isn’t as durable as baked polymer clay. To help prevent cracking, make sure to knead the clay well before shaping it. If you only have white air dry clay you can paint your penguin figurine with acrylic paint after it dries.
Can I make this cute clay penguin into an ornament?
Absolutely! Before baking your clay penguin, insert a small eye pin into the top of the penguin’s head. After baking and cooling, you can add string or ribbon to hang your cute penguin ornament wherever you’d like!
How do I keep small pieces from falling off my penguin clay sculpture?
Make sure the penguin clay pieces are pressed together firmly before baking. You can score the clay underneath the feet before adding them to help them stay together, and blending them in at the back also helps. Or you can also use a small amount of liquid polymer clay as glue to help bond delicate pieces — it’s especially helpful for tiny details like the eyes or beak. Whether you’re crafting one adorable bird or a whole colony, this clay penguin is a delightfully chill project. With just a few pieces of polymer clay and some simple shaping techniques, you’ll have an adorable friend ready to waddle into your heart in no time at all!
Here’s even more clay craft ideas:
Mini Clay Taco DIY Clay Cactus How to Make a Clay Pie
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