How to Make Whimsical Mushroom Magnets with Air Dry Clay

Watch the build video here!

Where I live, it's still too nice out to be inside. So, you're joining me on my patio again this week for the second installment of my “Outdoor Air Dry Clay Summer”. This week we're making some cute little mushroom magnets to bring a a touch of whimsy to you kitchen or office.

Whether you use vintage-style clay frames from silicon cake-making molds, or keep it simple with a rustic background, you'll be sure to end up with some magnets that look like they're straight out of the fairy realm!

Supplies

To make this project, you'll need the following supplies. 

• Creative Paper Clay or DAS brand air dry clay

• Optional: silicone frame molds

• Rare earth magnets (avoid weak ferro magnets like those from the dollar store)

• Vinyl/plastic work surface

• Wooden rolling pin

• Gift card or scraper, knife, and sculpting tools

• Small dish of water

• White glue

• Acrylic craft painting supplies
  

At no additional cost to you, I may receive a small commission for purchases made through the links provided. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Gather your supplies and set up a comfy workspace. If you're working outside, aim to be in the shade.

  • I recommend a firm plastic work surface for this project because it won't absorb moisture out of the clay while you're trying to work with it. 

Step 2: Cast the Frames

• Make a loop of clay that's about the same size as the  frame mold’s opening.

• Press the clay it into the mold, and scrape away the excess. Set the frame and molds aside to dry indoors  overnight in a cool shady place.

• You can skip this step if you don't have frame molds.

Step 3: Shape the Mushroom Stems

• Roll long teardrop shapes of clay. 

• Flatten the base of the teardrop by genty tapping it against the work surface.

• Bend the stem at a 90° angle so they’ll be "growing" upwards on your fridge.

• Make a few extra stems  in varying sizes and let them dry indoors overnight in a cool shady place.

Step 4: Create the Magnet Base 

• The next day, gather your supplies and your dry frames and stems.

• For framed versions, carefully remove the frame from its mold, trim and sand as needed.

• Roll out a 6 mm (1/4-inch) clay sheet that is slightly larger than your frame.  Press the frame gently into the clay sheet in to leave a shallow impression.

• Sink magnets into the clay within the impression of the frame. If needed, cover the magnets with a thin layer of clay.

• Spread some white glue onto the back of the frame and push it firmly into the impression made earlier. Cut away excess clay around the outside of the frame.

If you don't have frame molds, create a frameless magnetized background.

• Flatten a blob of clay directly over a magnet or two. Use your fingers to shape it into a mound.

• Lift the mound off the work surface and cover the magnets with a thin layer of clay from the back.

• Decorate the background mound however you like. I used some small balls of clay for a pebbly look, or you can carve in some wood grain with a sculpting tool.

Step 5: Add Mushroom Caps

• Make a mushroom cap by rolling out a ball of clay and flattening one side

• Use a knife or sculpting tool to carve gills, if you want. Use a flattened snake of clay to make a skirt for the mushroom stem.

• Put some white glue on the end of the stem before you push on the mushroom cap.

Step 6: Plant the Mushroom

• Add a dab of glue to the base of the stem and them push it into the clay of your frame or mound background

Step 7: Let Everything Dry

• Place your magnets in a cool spot away from direct sunlight. Let them dry for 1–2 days until completely hardened.

Step 8: Paint

• Paint your dry magnets with acrylic craft paint. Make your designs as realistic or fantastical as you'd like.

• To achieve an antique gold frame look , first paint the frame with a base coat of black. When dry, lightly buff gold paint over the surface.

TIP: Use a Q-tip or paintbrush handle to add spots to your mushroom caps.

• When the paint is dry, you can seal with your favourite clear coat, if desired.

Step 9: Display and Enjoy

• Stick your new mushroom magnets to your fridge or noticeboard and marvel that you made something with your own hands that looks like it came straight out of the fairy realm!

If you make some  DIY air dry clay mushroom magnets based on this tutorial,  it would make my day if you’d share it with me. I’m @JaneSawyerMakes on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Threads,  and Twitter (X). Find lots of other budget-friendly art projects on my YouTube Channel. Please share and pin this article!