Air-dry clay is an excellent material for hobbyists because it is easy to use. Clay kits are affordable and allow everyone to experiment with clay without needing a kiln. However, since it is not fired, an object made with air-dry clay remains more delicate compared to a fired one, and if the drying process is not done correctly, cracks can occur. BUT DON'T PANIC! There are some simple tips to repair and save your project.

Discover 10 simple tips to prevent air-dry clay from cracking during drying:

1. Use the Right Amount of Water: Air-dry clay is primarily a water-based product. The longer it stays out of the package and in the open air, the more moisture evaporates from it. Excessive moisture evaporation is often the cause of cracks. However, it is important to use the right amount of water. Too much water can make the clay too soft and prone to cracks, while too little water can make it too hard and difficult to work with. A good rule of thumb is to add water to the clay gradually until it is soft enough to work with but not sticky. It is always helpful to have a small bowl of fresh water on hand to moisten your fingers and keep the clay soft, preventing it from drying out or cracking from the heat of your touch. You can also keep a spray bottle handy to lightly moisten your piece if needed.
   
2. Repair Cracks Quickly: If cracks form during the creative process, it is important not to leave them as they will break the piece during drying. If you start to notice any small cracks, do not wait for the clay to dry completely to repair them. If cracks form while gently rolling out the clay with a rolling pin, smooth them out immediately with a damp sponge. For cracks that form during modeling, use a small amount of fresh clay or a wooden stick to transport some clay and fill the crack. If the cracks are on an edge, lightly moisten your fingers to smooth out and correct any imperfections or cracks. Make sure to keep the area moist until the repair is complete and the clay is completely dry.
   
3. Pay Attention to Thickness: As the clay begins to air dry, thinner pieces may start to break. Therefore, avoid rolling out the clay too thinly. A minimum thickness of half a centimeter is recommended to ensure the piece isn't too fragile and prone to breaking during drying. It's also crucial to maintain a consistent thickness throughout the project, especially when working with slabs.
   
4. Handle the Clay with Care: For any project to succeed, it's essential to work calmly and respect the drying times of air-dry clay, which is delicate and needs to dry thoroughly. Handle the clay gently to avoid stressing or tearing it. Avoid bending air-dry clay abruptly, as this can cause cracks during drying. Make cuts in the material gently to prevent a tearing effect. Use a knife stick (or the blade of a knife for more precise finishing) to make cuts in soft clay and avoid splits.
   
5. Be Mindful of Clay Shrinkage: When using the slab technique and letting your piece dry on a form, place the clay on the outside of the form rather than inside. Additionally, placing a piece of cloth between the clay and the support can help prevent the clay from sticking to the underlying material during drying and cracking due to shrinkage. As clay dries, the water evaporates, causing the clay to shrink slightly.
   
6. Join Parts of Your Project Securely: When assembling different parts of your creation, it's essential to make "stitches" to ensure each part adheres securely, keeping the entire piece intact after drying. Use a wooden stick to create x-marks along the surfaces that will adhere. You can also add clay to enhance the bond: for example, between the base of a vase and its wall, add a thin clay sausage, then use a wooden splint to press part of the clay into the wall and part into the base so they join evenly.
   
7. Use Slip: Slip is a simple mixture of clay and water that acts as an adhesive. It's applied to joints to strengthen the bond between parts of your project. To prepare slip, take some dried clay scraps and place them in a container with water. Wait until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency, then mix well to remove any lumps. Your slip is now ready to use.
   
8. Work in Small Quantities: Instead of handling a large block of clay, divide it into smaller portions. This allows you to focus on one section at a time while keeping the unused clay wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
   
9. Respect the Drying Times of Air-Dry Clay: Rapid drying is a primary cause of cracks in air-dry clay. Allow each project to dry for 2-3 days in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. Do not accelerate the process with a hairdryer. Monitor your piece during drying and occasionally turn it to ensure even exposure to the air. Air-dry clay needs to dry slowly and evenly to avoid cracks. If the environment is too airy, gently cover your piece with a perforated plastic bag to slow the drying process.
   
10. Use Airtight Containers: If you have leftover clay, ensure it is sealed in its package to prevent it from drying out and going to waste. Moisten the leftover clay, wrap it in plastic wrap, or better yet, place it in a zip-lock bag to keep it from drying out.

If, despite these precautions, your piece breaks during drying, don’t throw it away! You can recover the clay and reuse it for your next project. Re-hydrate the clay to make it soft again, knead it into a block, and store or reuse it.

Working with self-hardening clay requires practice to understand its characteristics. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve your ceramic skills. Experiment with different techniques and observe how the clay reacts under various conditions.

This material offers endless creative possibilities but requires care and attention to avoid problems like cracks. By following these tips, you can enhance the quality of your projects and reduce the risk of imperfections. Remember, patience and practice are key; enjoy the entire creative process, not just the end goal. With time, you will develop the skills needed to create lasting and flawless works of art!