How to Make a Cow from Polymer Clay

In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a cow from polymer clay. This is a great project for beginners and kids, and it is a lot of fun! We will walk you through each step of the process, and we will provide you with all of the necessary supplies. You can use this cow as a decoration, a charm for a necklace, or a toy!

How to Make a Cow from Polymer Clay

What Is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polymers. It is very versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. Polymer clay is available in a wide range of colors, and it can be molded into any shape that you desire. It is also very easy to work with, and it sets quickly with just a few minutes in the oven. But before you bake it, it will remain quite moldable for as long as you need!

Why Use Polymer Clay (Oven-Bake Clay) Instead of Air Dry Clay?

There are a few reasons why you might want to use polymer clay instead of air dry clay. First, it is much more durable than air dry clay. Once set, polymer clay will not crack or break as easily as air dry clay. Second, it is very easy to work with. You can mold it into any shape that you desire, and it sets quickly in the oven. Plus, you can work on it over multiple days, if you wish, to make things that aren't just a one-and-done.

How to Condition Polymer Clay to Make it Easy to Work With

The first step is to condition your polymer clay. This will make it softer and easier to work with. You can do this by kneading the clay for a few minutes. If it is too hard, you can add a drop or two of water. Once the clay is soft, you can begin shaping it.

Do You Have to Seal Your Polymer Clay Creations?

No, you do not need to seal your polymer clay creations. But if you want to protect them from dirt, dust, and other elements that could damage them, you can buy a sealer at your local craft store. Simply apply the sealer to your piece with a brush or cloth, and allow it to dry. Just be sure to purchase a sealant made for polymer clay so you don't end up with a sticky result or one that lifts the color.

What Supplies Do You Need to Make a Cow From Polymer Clay?

• Bright Yellow Polymer Clay
• Pink Polymer Clay
• Black Polymer Clay
• White Polymer Clay
• Rubbing Alcohol
• White Acrylic Paint

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Cow From Polymer Clay?

• Chopstick or ⅛-inch Dowel
• Oven
• Parchment Paper
• Baking Sheet
• Toothpick
• Paintbrush

How Do you Make a Polymer Clay Cow?

Preheat your oven to the temperature noted on your clay packaging. For my clay the baking temperature is 230-degrees F.

To make the body of the cow, break off a small portion (about 1 inch square) of white clay. 

Roll the white clay into a nice, neat ball that is very smooth, then roll and shape the top (your choice of which end is the top) into a bit of a wide-domed cone. This should be as rounded and smooth as you can get it.

Mash the other end of the white clay into a flat bottom.

Make the horns by pinching off two very small pieces of yellow clay (about ¼-inch long by ⅛-inch wide each). Roll each of these into small cones and affix them to either side of the top of the white clay. To help the edges affix, you can use a paintbrush to work the edge of the yellow into the white.

Make the white ear by pinching off a small piece of white clay (about ½-inch long by ¼-inch wide) and mash it flat and long (when mashed flat, it should be about ¾-inch long by ¼-inch wide). Affix this to one side of the head of the cow, in front of the horns. At least ⅓ of the ear should be atop the cow’s head with ¾ of the ear drooping down.

Make the nose by pinching off a piece of pink clay (about ¼-inch square) and flattening it, rounding the edges, to make a rounded corner, flat rectangle. Press this onto the front of the cow, about halfway up the body.

Add the nostrils by gently pressing the end of your chopstick into each side of the pink nose area, pressing the side of the chopstick in just a little to give it some character.

Add eye sockets by pressing the end of the chopstick twice into the space between the nose and ear, leaving a deep crater where the eyes will go.

Add the eyes by pinching off the tiniest piece of black clay (about 1/16-inch square) and rolling it into a tight, neat ball. Repeat to make two balls, then press them into the craters you made in the last step. 

Make the black ear by pinching off a small piece of black clay (about ½-inch long by ¼-inch wide) and mash it flat and long (when mashed flat, it should be about ¾-inch long by ¼-inch wide). Affix this to one side of the head of the cow, in front of the horns. At least ⅓ of the ear should be atop the cow’s head with ¾ of the ear drooping down.

Add the black spots by pinching off a small piece of black clay (about ¼-inch square) and mash it flat and round, but with loosely wiggly edges. Repeat to make 3-4 spots. Stick each spot onto the body of the cow by pressing it in firmly.

Clean your fingerprints and tiny imperfections from your cow by gently brushing the cow with a paintbrush dampened in rubbing alcohol. This does not have to be super wet with the alcohol, just a little goes a long way. Take care to brush the white parts first, followed by the darker colors so that no black clay smears on your white clay.

Bake the cow per the instructions on your clay packaging. Allow to cool completely before handling.

Using the end of a toothpick, place the smallest dot of white paint on the black part of the eyes.

Allow the paint to dry then enjoy!

Isn't this just the funnest little craft?! If you wanted to turn it into a charm, you'll just add an eye hook and chain. I personally just love having the figure on my desk. 

If you loved this as much as I do, be sure to pin it to your favorite craft board on pinterest so you can find it again fast when you're ready.

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