DIY Trinket Dish Tutorial: Easy Air-Dry Clay Craft with Decoupage & Gold Accents!

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Ever find yourself searching for the perfect little dish to hold rings, keys, or those random items that always seem to disappear? Instead of hunting one down at the store, why not make one that’s completely unique? With just some air-dry clay, a pretty napkin, and a little gold Rub 'n Buff, it’s easy to create a super cute trinket dish that adds a touch of charm to any space. Plus, it’s one of those crafts that looks way more expensive than it actually is (the best kind, right?). Let’s get started!

Supplies you'll need:

Air-dry clay (white or colored linked here)

Cling Wrap

Napkins (any pattern or design you love. linked here)

Mod Podge (or another decoupage glue)

Soft paintbrush (for applying Mod Podge)

Rolling pin

Small bowl (to mold the dish shape)

Knife or clay cutter (for trimming edges)

Fine-grit sandpaper (to smooth rough edges)

Rub 'n Buff in Gold (for a metallic finish. linked here)

Soft cloth or paint brush (to apply Rub 'n Buff)

Step 1:

Prepare the small bowl and place cling wrap to the outside and smooth it out.

Grab a piece of air-dry clay and knead it until soft.
Roll it out to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin

Step 2:

Place the clay circle over the upside-down small bowl that you placed the cling wrap on to create a dish shape.
Gently press and smooth the edges.

Using a knife, carefully create a curved line going up and down the clay. It doesn't have to perfect; that's what makes it unique!

Now smooth out the rough edges with your finger, and shape the rounded parts further if need.

Step 3:

Let it dry for 24-48 hours until completely hard.

Carefully remove from bowl by pulling at cling wrap and lightly twisting clay.

This clay should be completely dry on both sides before you start the next step. You will be able to tell if their are any dark spots or soft spots.

Step 4:

Once dry, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Step 5:

I have found the cutest napkins for crafts such as this online and in store. The best store to find them in is TJ Maxx. They have seasonal napkins and every day ones. I browse that section every time I go in now to see what's new! These napkins below are from Amazon though (linked here)

Carefully separate the printed top layer of the napkin from the white backing.

Cut the napkin into a circle bigger than the clay bowl.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the inside of the dish.

Place the napkin on top and gently smooth out wrinkles.

Let the Modge Podge harden, and then carefully sand the edges to removed the overlapping napkin.

Seal with another layer of Mod Podge and let it dry completely.

Step 6:

Use a soft cloth or paint brush to apply Rub 'n Buff to the outside and rim of the dish.

Let it dry and buff lightly for a polished look.

Step 7: Enjoy your trinket dish!

Use your DIY trinket dish to hold jewelry, keys, or little treasures. It also makes a beautiful handmade gift!

Aren't these rings the cutest? I got them from Christmas. They come in a set of 70! You can see them here.

I had so much fun making this first one, that I made a ton more! I'm using them in almost every room in my house. Some hold keys, some jewelry, and I even have one holding a candle!

Would you try this easy DIY? Let me know in the comments!

pin for later

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”