Your next favorite hobby starts here.
Make your first tiny mushroom magnet, even if you've never touched clay. Everything you need to begin is in one friendly place.
YOUR FIRST LITTLE MAKE
Welcome to your new favorite creative escape. No fancy studio. No pottery wheel. No experience needed. We'll take this one tiny step at a time.
Complete beginner
Allow time to dry
No kiln or wheel
Varies with what you own
A little messy? Even better. This is a fun first project, not a perfection contest. Your mushroom is allowed to have its own personality.
Four essentials, a few things you probably own, and zero need for a giant craft haul.
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Choose white, paintable air-dry clay for the cap and stem. Start with two small portions and keep the rest of the package sealed while you work.
What to look for: Check the package says air-dry, not oven-bake polymer clay. Follow its shaping and joining instructions.
You will use red, white, black and pink acrylic craft paint. A wider brush helps with the cap, and a fine tip helps with eyes and spots.
What to look for: Use any clay-compatible acrylics you already own. A small flat brush helps cover the cap, while a fine-tip brush makes the spots and face easier.
This goes on the back of the finished mushroom, after it is completely dry. It should sit within the flat area without sticking out.
What to look for: Look for a flat-backed craft magnet that sits within the finished clay back. Its holding ability depends on the size and weight of your piece.
The adhesive must be suitable for both your finished air-dry clay and the magnet material. Let it cure for the full label time.
What to look for: Choose an adhesive labeled for both the dried clay surface and the magnet material. Read and follow the full curing instructions.
Simple sculpting tool, fine-grit sandpaper, or a compatible clear sealer. Before buying more, see what you already have at home: water, paper towels, and a protected tabletop.
No kiln or pottery wheel required. Quantities, drying time and glue choice vary with the brand and the size you make.
A printer-friendly, one-page list with supplies and a make-along plan. No signup required.
Open the checklist (PDF)Opens in your browser. On iPhone, use Share → Save to Files to keep a copy.
Shop the supplies for your first little project, or explore my full curated Amazon clay collection.
Browse my full Amazon clay listAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Maker tip: Before buying anything, check your craft drawer. You may already have brushes, paints, water, paper towels, and a covered work surface.
PROJECT 01 · SHAPING
Your mushroom starts as two simple shapes: a soft rounded cap and a short, sturdy stem.
Roll a small ball of clay and gently form a rounded dome. Keep it broad enough to sit on the stem.
Shape a short, sturdy stem. While both parts are pliable, press them together and smooth the seam; follow your clay brand's joining directions.
Make sure the cap is smooth and not too thin at the edges.
Secure the cap to the stem while the clay is workable. Some brands recommend scoring and a little clay slip; follow your package directions.
Turn the mushroom carefully and plan a flat place for the magnet later.
Before drying, check that the cap is attached, the seam is smoothed, and there is a flat spot on the back for the magnet.
Every handmade mushroom will look a little different.
PROJECT 01 · DRYING
The hardest part? Waiting before the paint party. Clay that looks dry on the outside may still need more time.
Use the full drying guidance for the exact product and the thickness you made.
Pay extra attention to the cap-to-stem joint and thicker areas. The surface alone can be misleading.
If the clay is still soft, damp or questionable, wait and follow its instructions rather than rushing.
Thicker areas and joined pieces often need longer than the surface. Patience here helps avoid painting damp clay.
How long will it take? Drying depends on the clay brand, thickness, and humidity. For example, Crayola Air-Dry Clay lists about 24 hours to feel dry and 72 hours to dry completely. Follow your specific clay's label before painting. See Crayola's guidance ↗
PROJECT 01 · PAINTING
A few tiny brushstrokes bring your mushroom to life. Work on fully dry clay, and let each painted layer dry before the next.
Paint 2 thin red coats
Add after the cap dries
Two eyes + one tiny smile
Soft blush at the end
Start with thin red layers on the cap. Once dry, add white spots, a tiny face, and rosy cheeks, allowing each color to dry before the next.
Practice dots and smiles on scrap paper or clay. Try a different expression or spot pattern to make your mushroom your own.
Try white dots on scrap before adding them to your fully dried red cap.
Use a fine brush to place two little eyes, then a short curved smile.
Add two tiny rosy touches. Let one color dry before painting over it.
A fine-tip brush is helpful for eyes and smiles, while the end of a small brush can help make even polka dots.
Work in thin layers, let each layer dry, and follow your chosen product's directions.
PROJECT 01 · FINISHING
One last little step before the fridge debut. Use a magnet and glue that work together, and test the bond before displaying.
Position a flat-backed magnet on the fully dry clay piece.
Loose magnets can be swallowed and cause serious injury. Keep this decoration and unattached magnets away from children and pets. Stop using it if the magnet loosens.
Final check: Display your mushroom only after the clay and paint are completely dry and the glue has fully cured. If the magnet loosens, stop using the decoration.
Now comes the best part: finding the perfect little spot for your new fridge friend.
Need to fix a crack, stubborn paint, or a loose magnet? Visit the little maker help desk ↓
Bookmark this tutorial while your clay dries. For more tiny creative ideas, take a look around The Whimsy Diaries and save this tutorial for your next crafting day.
Stuck at any step? Here's a quick little troubleshooting desk for common beginner hiccups.
Small cracks can develop with uneven drying or thick clay. Follow your clay brand's directions for patching, and let it dry completely again before painting. If the piece is weak or deeply cracked, remake that part.
If the clay is still workable, rejoin the pieces following the package instructions, then smooth the seam. If it has dried and the join is loose, remake or repair it using a method approved for your clay.
Let the clay dry fully, then paint in thin layers. Allow each coat to dry before adding another, and use a finer brush for tiny details.
Stop using the decoration and keep the loose magnet away from children and pets. Check that your adhesive is compatible with clay and the magnet, then follow its application and curing directions before displaying it again.
Try working with smaller amounts of clay at a time. Keep your hands and workspace clean, and avoid adding too much water. Check your clay's packaging for handling tips.
That's part of the handmade charm! If your clay is still workable, gently reshape the cap and make sure it's centered on the stem. Small imperfections give your mushroom personality.
Your red paint might not be completely dry. Wait until the red layer dries fully before adding white spots. Use a clean brush and let the spots dry before touching them.
Don't panic! Let the paint dry, cover the mistake with a little of your base color, and try again once it's dry. A fine-tip brush and practicing on scrap paper can help.
Your mushroom might be too heavy for the magnet you've chosen. Make sure you're testing it on a magnetic surface and use a magnet rated to hold the weight of your craft. Don't display it if the magnet can't hold securely.