Make Your Own DIY Star Mobile with Air Dry Clay
Looking for a fun little project? A DIY star mobile is the perfect mix of crafty and cute—and super easy to make! In this tutorial, we'll walk you through how to create a cute DIY star mobile using air dry clay, driftwood, and simple materials you may already have at home.
This project is beginner-friendly, customizable, and a nice way to bring a little handmade magic to your space.
Making a star mobile using air dry clay and other natural materials is a fun and easy project.
Materials You'll Need:
Star stencil (you can draw one or print a template)
Rolling pin (or any smooth cylindrical object)
X-Acto knife or clay knife
Toothpick or skewer (for poking holes)
Driftwood or a lightweight stick
Butcher's string or twine
Yarn (for the hanging handle)
Parchment paper
Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing)
Use the suggested materials or other similar items you may have around the house. Get creative and have fun!
Step 1: Create Your Star Stencil
Before you dive into the clay, make a simple star stencil. You can sketch one by hand or use a printed shape. Cut it out so it's ready to trace onto your clay.
Make your own star stencil or use a pre-made one.
Step 2: Roll Out the Clay
Grab a chunk of the La Doll Premier air dry clay and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick on a smooth surface. You can use parchment paper to avoid it sticking. This clay is soft and easy to work with, making it ideal for clean shapes like stars.
Step 3: Cut Out the Stars
Use your stencil and X-Acto knife to carefully cut out each star shape. Make sure to press down firmly and lift the clay away gently to keep the edges clean. Once cut, use a toothpick to poke a small hole near the top of each star—this is where you'll thread the string through later.
Step 4: Let the Stars Dry
Lay your stars on a flat surface to dry completely. Depending on the humidity, this can take 24–48 hours. Once dry, you can gently sand any rough edges if needed.
Step 5: Thread the Stars
Cut sections of butcher's string long enough for the desired hanging lengths. Thread the string through each hole and tie a knot to secure each star. You can mix up the lengths for a more whimsical effect or keep them even for a clean, balanced look.
Step 6: Tie the Strings to Driftwood
Space your stars evenly along the piece of driftwood. Once you're happy with the spacing, tie each string securely around the wood. Double knots work best to prevent slipping.
Step 7: Add the Hanging Handle
Cut a piece of yarn and tie each end to the opposite ends of the driftwood to form a hanging handle. Adjust the length to suit your space, and you're done!
We’re excited for what you’ll create!
Display & Enjoy
Now that your DIY star mobile is complete, hang it in a sunny corner, above a reading nook, or wherever you want to add a touch of handmade style. This project is easy to customize—try painting your stars, using different shapes, or adding beads for extra flair.
Whether you're crafting for yourself or giving it as a gift, this DIY mobile is a simple, beautiful way to work with air dry clay and natural materials.