20 Cute DIY Clay Magnet and Pin Designs To Try!
Ever wanted your fridge or backpack to show off your personality? Enter DIY clay magnets and pins—the ultimate tiny canvas for big creativity. Whether you’re shaping cute fruit, funky faces, or abstract swirls, air-dry clay makes it easy and endlessly fun. In this article, we’ll walk you through simple steps, clever tricks, and style ideas to craft custom pieces that stick with you—literally. Ready to pinch, press, and play with clay? Let’s get rolling.
1. Cutie Cats
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Couldn’t you just squeal? These DIY clay magnets and pins capture the charm of cutie cats with playful shapes and hand-painted quirks—look at those tiny whiskers and sleepy paws! Each feline flaunts its personality through soft-glazed textures, matte vs. glossy finishes, and a palette of calico, tuxedo, and tabby perfection. Want to try this look? Go for air-dry clay, toothpick etching, and acrylic paint sealed with a shiny coat—simple tools, maximum joy.
2. Can of Sardines
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What makes these DIY clay magnets and pins so irresistibly fun? The “Can of Sardines” motif steals the show with its kitschy charm—bright blues, whimsical lettering, and retro packaging vibes instantly transport you to a European fish market. Bold lines, glossy enamel-like finishes, and punchy colors bring each piece to life, adding cheeky flair to any fridge or pinboard. Try this theme at home by using primary colors and referencing vintage labels for a nostalgic yet playful twist.
3. Cute Sushi
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Looking for a way to turn your fridge into a kawaii bento box? These DIY clay sushi magnets bring the “Cute Sushi” trend to life with their playful expressions and bold color-blocking—think tamago yellow, salmon pink, and nori black. The glossy finish and rounded shapes mimic real sushi’s plump texture, making them both adorable and oddly craveable. Want to replicate this? Keep your forms simple, lean into happy faces, and seal with a clear gloss for that fresh-from-the-conveyor-belt shine.
4. Bread and Bread
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Warmth, character, and buttery tones—these DIY clay magnets bring “Bread and Bread” to life with rustic charm and a hint of whimsy. The delicate shading on the croissant, loaf, and pancake creates a baked-to-perfection look, while the beret-wearing bird perched on a baguette? Pure Parisian delight. For a similar cozy effect, use soft brushes to blend tan, ochre, and cream paints for that just-out-of-the-oven glow.
5. Goldfish
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It’s hard not to smile back at these tiny golden fish! These DIY clay magnets bring the cheerful essence of “Goldfish” snacks to life with their matte finish, bright cheddar hue, and dot eyes that feel cartoonishly perfect. Their uniform shape and smooth texture make them extra satisfying to display—whether on a fridge or in a bowl just for fun. Want this look? Stick to solid colors, a soft matte clay, and minimal details for that iconic snacky charm.
6. Pet Portraits
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Imagine carrying a gallery of your furry companions right on your fridge—these DIY clay magnets turn “Pet Portraits” into mini masterpieces. Delicately hand-painted fur textures, scalloped pastel frames, and custom names make each piece feel deeply personal and oh-so-lovable. It’s like a cameo brooch, but for your pets! For your own version, focus on capturing the eyes and use a glossy topcoat to mimic the feel of enamel portrait pins.
7. Toast Dishes
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What’s cuter than toast? Toast you can keep! These DIY clay magnets turn “Toast Dishes” into bite-sized art with buttery browns, crisp texture details, and toppings that look straight out of a brunch café—hello fried egg, avocado, and blueberries! Each slice is individually sculpted and painted with a painterly charm that feels handmade and heartwarming. Want to recreate the look? Use a sponge to dab on golden-brown shading and a toothpick for those delicious little details.
8. Soju and Ramen
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Soju and ramen never looked this adorable! These DIY clay magnets transform “Soju and Ramen” into irresistibly cute miniatures, blending foodie favorites with glossy finishes and sweet-faced characters (spot that shy ramen bowl!). The bold red packet, soft green bottle, and playful Korean details pop against the soft pastel palette, giving everything a snackable vibe. To recreate this aesthetic, go for saturated colors, chibi-style faces, and a thick glaze to make them shine like candy.
9. Hens
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10. Cats in Fruit
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Ever seen a lemon look grumpy and still be adorable? These DIY clay magnets blend “Cats in Fruit” with cheeky expressions and glossy, candy-bright finishes—turning apples, pears, and oranges into tiny feline characters. The smooth curves and painted leaves add just enough detail without overwhelming the playful concept. Want to try it? Keep the shapes simple, use vibrant colors, and let the expressions steal the spotlight.
11. Very Adult
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Direct, cheeky, and full of satire—these DIY clay magnets channel “Very Adult” with a bold wink. Cigarettes, wine, fast food, and vapes are miniaturized with punchy colors and sharp humor, creating an ironic commentary on modern indulgence. The matte textures and blocky shapes give them a gritty, hand-sculpted charm that mirrors their subject. For a similar vibe, mix pop culture iconography with raw, imperfect finishes for that unapologetically grown-up edge.
12. Cute Food
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Soft gloss, bright colors, and charm by the dozen—these DIY clay magnets make “Cute Food” feel like a kawaii café exploded in the best way. From a sunny-side-up egg in a skillet to a swirl roll with a cherry on top, every bite-sized piece is joyfully sculpted with cartoonish simplicity and a bakery-fresh palette. Want your own adorable buffet? Keep the proportions exaggerated, use dot eyes sparingly, and always finish with a high-gloss glaze.
13. Studio Ghibli
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What makes these DIY magnets so magical? It’s the “Studio Ghibli” spirit—captured in wide eyes, fiery grins, and soot sprites in bow ties, all lovingly molded in clay. From Calcifer’s gradient flames to Totoro-style critters in barrels, every detail is brimming with whimsical storytelling. To channel this look, use bold outlines, vibrant shading, and just enough imperfection to feel hand-drawn and full of soul.
14. Eggs and Bacon
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Nothing says “comfort” quite like a sunny-side-up paired with crispy strips—and these DIY clay magnets turn “Eggs and Bacon” into a playful breakfast scene frozen in time. The wobbly shapes and hand-painted textures give it a diner-doodle charm, with pastel pink bacon stripes and yolks that practically smile. For your own version, embrace the imperfections—use thick acrylics, a matte seal, and let the brush strokes show for that homemade feel.
15. Breakfast
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Looking for a breakfast set that won’t spoil? These DIY clay magnets serve up “Breakfast” with irresistible charm—milk cartons, fried eggs, and jam jars all rendered in soft pastels and glossy finishes. Every piece feels like it belongs in a storybook kitchen, with just enough quirk (hello bunny popsicle!) to make you smile. To capture this mood, stick to rounded edges, gentle colors, and playful proportions that feel as sweet as the morning sun.
16. Flowers
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Sunlight in magnet form—these DIY clay creations bring “Flowers” to life with painterly petals and cheerful companions. The daisy and pansy feature soft brushstrokes and dimensional layering, while the sunflower steals the show with its rich texture and golden vibrancy. Paired with glossy ladybugs, it all feels like a tiny spring garden on your fridge. To recreate the vibe, sculpt petal-by-petal and use a fine brush to blend in watercolor-like gradients.
17. Sweaters
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Cozy gets cute in these DIY clay magnets where “Sweaters” come to life with pastel swirls, tiny faces, and playful patterns that feel straight from a storybook wardrobe. The soft marbling, relaxed silhouettes, and cheerful eyes add a handmade warmth that’s both charming and comforting. Want to recreate them? Use a clay blending technique for that swirled effect, and don’t forget a glossy coat to make those colors pop.
18. Blue and White
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Delicate yet bold, these DIY clay magnets embrace the “Blue and White” palette with a modern nod to classic Delftware and chinoiserie charm. Each tiny piece—shaped like hearts, stars, and clouds—is adorned with whimsical hand-drawn scenes in cobalt blue that pop against the clean white glaze. The glossy finish gives them that porcelain-like elegance, while the motifs (swans! flowers! affirmations!) keep it playful. Try this look using a fine-tipped brush and just two shades for maximum visual harmony.
19. Spicy Olives
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Tiny but mighty—these DIY clay magnets bring “Spicy Olives” to life with their glossy green finish and punchy red pimento centers that practically pop off the fridge. The rounded, smooth forms and rich glaze mimic the real thing with uncanny charm, creating a playful nod to charcuterie-board chic. To replicate the spice and shine, use a domed shape, olive-green clay, and a high-gloss sealant for that briny, bold effect.
20. Milk Cartons
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Juicy color and nostalgic charm—these DIY clay magnets take “Milk Cartons” from fridge staple to wearable flair. With strawberry pinks, citrusy oranges, and painter’s-palette speckles, each one feels like a miniature pop art moment. The playful proportions and crisp hand-painted details pop beautifully against the denim backdrop. Want to recreate this? Go bold with colors, outline your shapes for definition, and add fruit icons for instant cuteness.
