Last year, I shared a project I did with air dry clay (you can find it at the craft stores). This stuff is great for fixing little boo-boos around the house. I used it to fix a broken handle on an urn in that post and recently did a couple more things with this versatile stuff. You can mold and shape it into whatever you want and this time I used it on paper mache and pottery, so take a look at the results.
I forgot to take a before pic of this trashcan, but you get the idea. I gave my sister a monogrammed paper mache trash can (blogged about the shop here) just like mine a couple of years ago for Christmas from The Royal Standard (unfortunately, they closed the store here in Birmingham, but are still in LA). Her rambunctious and young at the time dog, Holly, decided to take some chomps out of it (why, I don’t know?), so it was pretty ugly looking with the paper showing through and a big bite out of it in 2 places and wouldn’t you know it, it was right on the monogram?!
I also had this cute pottery bird piece that I picked up at a yardsale and the tail was broken, so I figured while I was at it, I’d fix this too. So, out came the air dry clay and I molded it to fit both pieces. It smooths out to the touch and you can really make it do anything you want. I thought the little bird’s tail looked pretty realistic and much like the other one. Let it all dry well.
Then, get out the craft paints or leftover wall paint, whatever matches and paint right over the white clay after it’s dry. I used my wall paint that was a pretty good match. I didn’t try to get the glazing streaks in there, since it was a pretty good match without it.
Then, my Ralph Lauren Turett Stairs was a perfect match for the chocolate brown monogram. Filled that in, as well as the edging on the trash can and it really looks almost new again, don’t you think? My sis was thrilled that I fixed it for her.
You can hardly tell that it’s been repaired and touched up at all.
Same with the birdie’s tail, I got out my craft paints (which I’ve had for years) and found a blue to match him.
Paint it on and let dry well and they’re both good to go now. I even added some glossy mod podge on his tail so it would be shiny like the rest of him. Clever, huh?
I’ve got plenty of craft paint around for things like this and can usually match up just about any color.
So, do you have anything broken that needs to be fixed? This air dry clay is great stuff and I’d urge you to give it a try!
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Thanks for stopping by! I'm Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn't have to cost a fortune and I've spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yardsales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I'm here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won't you join me? 
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
wow Rhoda, great stuff – do you know what, I have to buy that for my son’s school project – he came home with instructions to go to the art shop at the mall, how strange that then I come here and see you with it!
oh and any chance you could let me know how you did the monogram – I just did a couple of baskets in white and would like to put my initial on the front, was thinking of a stencil but not found any suitable – no worries if you’re too busy
S
x
I will definitely have to look for this product. I have a LARGE candlestick I got from Hobby Lobby that has a place that needs repairing.
Thanks, Donna
Hmmm…this is great information! I’ll be putting it to good use!
Mending old photo frames, chips in pottery…endless.
Thank You!
Becky K.
Great tips, Rhoda! I’ve never heard of air dry clay before, but it would have saved a few things at my house.
It looks pretty easy to use too. I love your basket of paints…all those colors make me swoon. 
That stuff looks great! I will have to keep that in mind!
And wow at all the paint!!
Imagine! I have never heard of such a thing. If only it worked on china and porcelain!
Love it, Rhoda! I started reading your blog about two weeks ago, and have now read every post, lol! You inspire me, in fact on Saturday I am going antique shopping alone and can’t wait to see the treasures I find!!
I have this stuff! I never thought to use it to repair things ~ thank you for a really great tip.
I really enjoy your blog. It’s so much fun and full of so many wonderful ideas. The post about the yard sale was great, especially the video. Sure looks like you all had a marvelous time!
Who doesn’t have an item or two that could use this?
Another fabulous idea from Rhoda. How do you keep coming up with this stuff? You’re amazing!
That’s a great fix! They came out perfect, I’m gonna have to remember that for future fix-ups..great idea! Thanks.
What a fabulous product. I had never heard of it, but I will remember for all those little oops that just seem to happen. You did a great repair on both. Hugs, Marty
Wow! this stuff works miracles! I have a few things I could use it on. Your sisters laundry room turned out soooo cute too, I love it!
Well aren’t you smart! Great idea Rhoda!
I did not know about this stuff, but apparently it is good to have on hand. You did a great job fixing your sister’s waste basket, Rhoda! I did an “uh-oh” under my breath when I saw the monogram was involved, but you fixed it up very well. Good job, you crafty woman, you! : )
Awesome stuff, you did a great job! Thanks for sharing the tip!
I do declare Rhoda, you are the most crafty person around! I do mean that in a good way. Here I just bought some gorilla glue to repair some glass pieces. Do you think this would work better? Also do you think it would work on a wood surface? I have some little areas that need to be filled in. Thanks for also pouring out so much info on your wonderful blog.
Donna
That is a fantastic tip! I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Great tip, Rhoda! I have a broken lamp base that needs a patch job and I’ve been wondering what would work the best. This just might do the trick… I’ll go get some!
Rhoda, this came in at just the right time! I found a lovely clay bowl that has a pretty big chip in the side and now I am going to try a repair!!! I’ve bookmarked this for my future reference…
hugs
Sandi
Great tip! Thanks for sharing and showing some real life examples.
Now that is definitely something to remember is available for all those little things that need fixed. Thanks
Rhoda, these are great fixes! Never would have thought to use the clay, and unless you’re looking for the fix on your birdie and trash can, you can’t find it, great job!
Thanks Rhoda for sharing this product and technique. I am so impressed!! You have inspired me and opened up a whole world of possibilities. What do you do for wooden pieces that have missing spots?
I’m so glad you shared how to use air dry clay months ago when you used it for your urn. Because of you I knew exactly how to fix a cracked spot on a lamp that I purchased at the thrift store. It worked so well that you have to look really hard to find the repair.
I’ve used that stuff for craft projects quite a bit over the years. It really is great stuff!
Wow! Even being a seasoned crafter (well, maybe I am giving myself a little too much credit) didn’t know such a glorious project exists! That bird looks perfect!
VERY clever. You did a great job on both. I’m always so sad when something I like breaks and THEN what do you do with it. I know just what I’m going to use this trick on – thank you!
Hi Rhoda,
I’m definiely going to be looking for this stuff for the tureen I just got with the chipped handle.
Thanks, Girl!
That stuff is fantastic. Your repairs look great, you can’t even tell they were damaged.
Adding my sincerest thanX for this eXcellent tip! I’ll be treasure hunting with broader vision, armed with this versatile product for fiXing imperfections in my crafty toolboX!
Very talented lady you are!
sandy toe
Thanks for this great tip. I will be on the lookout for this wonder stuff!! I know about the craft paints. I have trays and trays of craft paint to match anything. I am known on another message board as the Paintlady. I do love to paint, but my interests are many. I love visiting your blog and have for over a year. This is my first post though!
Hi Rhoda…very interesting! I’ll have to remember this stuff…you did a great job on the repairs!
Susan
Thanks for featuring this versatile product! I recently purchased two pottery birds at an estate sale. I didn’t notice until I brought the birds home that someone (probably long ago) had repaired the beak of one bird with silicone caulk. I pulled off the caulk and tried Sculpey, but the heat-set aspect made this fix imperfect because I didn’t want to set the whole pottery piece in my oven.
Wow!! Not only are you “Super Flea” you are “Miss Fix It” as well! I am so happy…I felt like doing a little shopping of my own today…went to Goodwill…found some cute things…stopped off at Walmart for some black spray paint…woowoo…a great day for me!! I might try and send ya some pictures…I’m not a photographer though…we’ll see…take care and God bless…Robyn F.
Hey Rhoda, that clay is cool! Why have I never seen or heard of that before? So many things I could fix–Do you know how many boys I have around this house? Not to mention four cats and my crazy dog! I will so be buying some of this to keep on hand.
BTW–I’m having an Uppercase Living giveaway tomorrow!
Thanks again,
~Misti
I am so glad I saw this post. I just picked up this beautiful breakfast tray with a ding in the corner for my ottoman at Hobby Lobby for 80% off. And I have been trying to figure out a way to repair it ever since.
Thanks,
Annette
What a useful tip, I’ve never used this before but will look into it now for those fast fixes! Thanks for sharing.
I used that paper clay to make Harry Potter Wands. It was great fun. Never thought about using it to make repairs.
I’m having a giveaway too. Please come over and join me. I’ll be back tomorrow to see what you are offering. Can’t wait.
Thanks for sharing that product. I will certainly give it a try. Something is always needing to be repaired around our house. Love & blessings from NC!
Rhoda,
You’re great! You’ve did it again. I found you when I googled painting grout lines. I have a white tiled bath floor with white grout lines (the only bathroom) & four chilren under the age of eight. After reading your answer I ran to Michael’s to get some paint. It turned out perfect. In fact we have a builder putting in some new doors in the bathroom who commented on it. He said he only noticed it was painted because he had to move the shelving that was in there. ( I hadn’t painted there because you can’t see it. )
Now I bought a new to me table & six chairs from GW for $100. It is the kind that opens with one hand& has two leaves hidden inside. The only problem was a dog had chewed the trestle in the center just enough to take the peak off & two of the chairs spindles. I knew I could sand the chair legs, but what to do about that trestle?
Answer: go to Rhoda’s blog read the post & go find paper clay! Thanks so much. I can’t wait to get this started!
Thank you for putting up another post about this clay–I remember the first post you wrote on it, but couldn’t remember the exact name. I have an urn lamp that fell victim to a cat and I think this clay will do just the trick to repair it!
HobLob here I come…
I was JUST thinking about that post this week. Sunshine and her friends watch TV and play video games in the loft…maybe I should say they DID watch TV up there until I went up the other day and realized someone had broken a piece off my little Goodwill lamp up there and broken a piece off the little wicker table that belonged to my grandmother. One of the few things I have that belonged to her. After I stressed over the lamp, I realized that you had a post on this and I could fix it. Not sure if I can match the ugly yellow color but I can always paint the whole thing so…thanks for redoing this post!