About this Event
STRIVE WISDOM | EVENT LEARNING BRIEF
Air-Dry Clay and Polymer Clay Workshop for Beginners
Seattle, WA, USA
01 | The Session At A Glance
Location
Seattle, WA, USA
Duration
1 Full Day – 8 Hours
Delivery
Instructor-led classroom training
Format
In-person classroom training
Language
English
Credits
8 Training Hours
Certification
Course Completion Certificate
Refreshments
Enjoy Complimentary Refreshments (Beverages, Lunch, and Snacks are included)
02 | Why This Session?
Air-dry clay and polymer clay are used to create small decorative objects, ornaments, miniatures and accessories. Each material has different handling, hardening and finishing requirements.
This session introduces participants to both materials, basic hand-building methods, surface decoration and project planning. It also addresses practical considerations such as selecting suitable tools, following product instructions, storing materials and recognising common issues such as cracks or weak joins.
Through demonstrations and guided practice, participants will explore how different techniques influence the shape, texture and finish of a clay project.
03 | What You Can Take Into Your Work
- Explain the basic differences between air-dry clay and polymer clay, including how each material hardens.
- Select suitable tools and materials for a simple beginner project.
- Apply basic shaping, joining, smoothing and texturing techniques.
- Use colour and surface details to develop a planned design.
- Identify common beginner challenges and follow appropriate drying, curing, storage and handling instructions.
- Develop a simple clay project from initial design through shaping and finishing.
04 | Is This Session For You?
Beginner Hobbyists: People who want to learn clay-modelling techniques without needing previous experience.
Arts and Crafts Enthusiasts: Participants interested in creating ornaments, miniatures, charms and decorative objects.
Creative Learners: People who want to compare air-dry clay and polymer clay and practise different shaping and finishing methods.
Community and Activity Groups: Groups interested in a guided, hands-on creative session that allows participants to develop individual projects.
No previous clay-modelling experience is required.
05 | The Strive Wisdom Approach
Practical: Short demonstrations are followed by guided practice so participants can try the techniques introduced during the session.
Human-Centred: Activities allow room for individual pace, personal design choices and different levels of confidence.
Responsible: Participants are encouraged to follow material labels, tool guidance and manufacturer instructions for drying or curing.
Workflow-Oriented: The workshop follows a clear sequence, from material selection and preparation through shaping, detailing and finishing.
Applied: Participants practise the techniques in a small project and review the methods they may wish to develop further.
06 | From Individual Learning To Team Practice
After the session, participants can continue practising with small projects, testing variations in shape and texture and noting which methods work well with each material.
For group settings, a shared project theme can encourage discussion and collaboration while allowing each participant to create an individual piece. Teams can also use the activity to explore creative problem-solving, planning and different approaches to a shared task.
In-House Session
Want to train your entire team?
Strive Wisdom can discuss an in-house version of this workshop based on the group's experience, available workspace, project interests and material requirements. The format and activities can be agreed in advance to suit the organisation's setting.
Agenda
The Seven Practical Areas
Module 1: Understanding Air-Dry Clay and Polymer Clay
Info: • Compare the main properties and common uses of each material.
• Understand the difference between air-drying and oven-curing.
• Choose a material based on the project's purpose and intended finish.
• Group Discussion
Module 2: Tools, Work Surface and Preparation
Info: • Identify basic shaping, cutting and texturing tools.
• Prepare a suitable work surface and organise materials.
• Practise simple preparation and storage habits.
• Hands on Activity
Module 3: Core Hand-Building Techniques
Info: • Practise rolling, pinching, flattening and shaping.
• Join pieces and smooth seams using suitable methods.
• Build simple forms with attention to proportion and stability.
• Hands on Activity
Module 4: Texture, Pattern and Surface Detail
Info: • Create surface patterns using tools and everyday textures.
• Add details while maintaining the form of the piece.
• Combine repeated marks and textures into a considered design.
• Workshop Exercise
Module 5: Colour and Decorative Finishing
Info: • Explore simple colour choices and combinations.
• Consider suitable colour and finish options for each clay type.
• Recognise that finishing methods depend on the material and product guidance.
• Hands on Activity
Module 6: Creating a Small Project
Info: • Plan a simple ornament, charm, miniature or decorative object.
• Follow a sequence for shaping, joining and adding details.
• Review the form and make adjustments before drying or curing.
• Workshop Exercise
Module 7: Drying, Curing, Care and Troubleshooting
Info: • Follow product instructions for drying or curing clay.
• Identify common issues such as cracks, weak joins or fingerprints.
• Apply appropriate storage and safe-handling practices.
• Case Study
Event venue & nearby stays
Regus - WA, Seattle - Columbia Center, Columbia Tower, 701 Fifth Avenue, 42nd Floor, Seattle, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.