How To Make Clay Ganesha At Home

Learn How to make Clay Ganesha at home with supplies you can easily buy at the craft store. This is an eco friendly option that takes up just an hour of your time.

Ganesha is Hindu Deity and he is worshipped widely around the world. He is usually identified as the Elephant Headed God and is believed to be the remover of all obstacles.

Growing up in Bangalore, I remember vividly, how the streets would be lined with colorful Clay Ganeshas awaiting the festival. Living in Minnesota now, I have started homemade traditions with my kids. I hope this how to make clay Ganesha at home tutorial will be helpful to you.

ALSO READ: How to Make a Clay Diya at Home

Which Clay is used for Making Ganesha in USA? How much Clay will you need?

While exploring how to make Clay Ganesha you can use Air dry clay by Crayola Terracotta , Air dry clay by Crayola White or DAS Air-Hardening Modeling Clay. You will need about 1lb of clay for a small Ganesha. Also grab this Clay Tool Set

I just tightly folded and wrapped up the rest of the clay using plastic wrap and tape. If you store it in a cool place (like the basement) the clay will be usable for next years’ festival too.  

how to make clay ganesha at home Step By Step Tutorial

How to make Clay Ganesha at home step by step photo tutorial.

How to make Clay ganesha at home part 1-

1. Make the stomach: Roll and smoothen a ball of clay to make the Ganesha’s stomach. Place this onto the center paper towel or paper place.
2. Make the legs: Roll and lengthen two logs of clay to be the same size. Curve them to make the sitting leg shape, and then press lightly to flatten toes. Lift the stomach and place between the legs (applying a little water where the two clay pieces meet) press to adhere.
3. Make Jewelry: Roll a thin thread of clay, and place onto the stomach to form the auspicious thread. Add and make a necklace and add onto the center. Using a toothpick make designs on the leg and necklace (optional)
4. Make the head: Roll out another ball of clay about the same size as the stomach. Roll between your palms and then slowly elongate just one end to make a the trunk. Gently curve the trunk into shape and if desired create a V shape at the end. Add designs and eyes. Affix to body with a small toothpick/ water/ or glue.

How to make clay Ganesha at home- part 2-

5. Make arms: Roll two small logs of clay, and bend to make arms. Tuck and adhere to sides of body.
6. Make palms: Add more clay if needed and make palms + bracelets onto either hand.
7. Make ears: Press and flatten clay to make a flat surface. Using a toothpick draw a curved shape for the ears and then add designs onto it. Carefully adhere ears to both sides of the head. Finish off with a delicate crown on top of the head. Add a tiny mouse to side of the lef.
8. Let dry: Let the Clay Ganesha air dry overnight or more if needed.

5 Tips on how to make ganesh with clay

Keep these tips in mind when learning how to make clay Ganesha at home

1. Place your ball of clay under a damp towel to keep it moist longer. Air Dry Clay will dry quickly. If you find that you are working slower take just a small ball of clay out of the box/bag each time. Place that ball of clay under a damp towel to keep it moist longer.
2. Always pull out a small ball of fresh clay to make smaller details like the jewelry. If you use clay that has sat on the table and been exposed to the air for even 5 or 10 minutes, you will not be able to create finely-detailed jewelry. Even if you do manage to knead the clay and create a thin rope of jewelry- it will most likely develop cracks while drying. 
3. Use liquid glue or small toothpicks to create structure. Since I am a slow and meticulous sculptor, I have a few hacks that I use to ensure that Ganesha holds together nicely. I cut a toothpick into bits and insert that as support between joints- Like where the hands join the body, etc. You can also add a tiny teenie drop of glue if you are not certain. 
4. Place your idol on a paper plate to dry. Allow enough time for your Ganesha to dry. It can take anywhere from 12hrs to 3 days depending on the size you choose to make. To speed up the drying I like to place my Ganesha on a paper plate instead of any other surface. The paper will absorb some of the moisture from the bottom of the idol as it dries.
5. Paint or seal the Clay Ganesh only after it is completely dry. If you plan to paint your Clay Ganesh, you want to use craft paints and paint the idol only after it has completely dried. Many times I just let the clay dry and enjoy the natural terracotta look.

I hope these tips on how to make clay Ganesha at home help you make your own Ganeshas.

How long does Clay Ganesh Making at home take?

This Clay Ganesh Sculpture took me about 2 hours from start to finish. I was really ambitious and made a 4 armed Ganesha and added so many tiny details and decorations!

This year, my kids sat at the table with me and were very curious about how the idol was being made. They helped me with the smaller pieces and made the “laddoos” and tusks for the idol themselves.

More Ganesha Tutorials:

• How To Draw Ganesha In 6 Steps
• Ganesha Bookmark Tutorial
• Free Ganesha Coloring Pages
• 3 Ganesha Paintings Videos
• How To Paint A Ganpati Watercolor Drawing

If are not a crafter or DIYer, do not be afraid to try learning how to make clay Ganesha at home. Make a simple one to begin with and enjoy the process.