If you searched how to make a clay sunglasses holder, you probably own three pairs and can never find one. In the UAE sunglasses are not an accessory. They are daily kit. A small clay stand by the door or on the dresser gives them one home. It takes under an hour to shape and a few days to dry.
This guide uses air-dry clay. No wheel, no kiln, no special tools. Just your hands, a kit and a spot by the door that finally makes sense.
Why a clay sunglasses holder makes sense here
Sunglasses live in the car, on the counter, on your head, and at the bottom of a bag with keys scratching the lenses. A stand keeps them upright and visible so you grab them on the way out. Clay is heavy enough not to tip and it looks like a small piece of decor, not a plastic shop display.
Air-dry clay also cures well in dry, air-conditioned rooms. A piece this size dries evenly with a little patience.
The answer: one kit, one afternoon
The Sawa Pottery Kit has everything for this project. Clay, sculpting tools, paints and a sealing finish. The Solo Kit is AED 198 and has enough clay for a sunglasses holder plus two or three other pieces. Free delivery UAE-wide.
Get the Sawa Solo Kit
Solo Kit AED 198. Free delivery UAE-wide.
How to make a clay sunglasses holder step by step
Step 1: Pick your style
There are two easy designs. A little face with a nose that the glasses sit on, or a simple upright slab with a notch on top. The face is more fun. The slab is faster. Both hold one pair. Make two or three if you own more.
Step 2: Build the base
Knead a fist-sized lump of clay until smooth. For the face, roll an oval about 8 cm tall and 6 cm wide, then flatten the bottom so it stands. For the slab, roll the clay 1 cm thick and cut a rectangle 9 cm tall and 7 cm wide. Press the base flat so it does not rock.
Step 3: Add the nose or notch
For the face, roll a small wedge of clay for a nose. Score both surfaces, add a dab of water and press it on firmly. Smooth the join with a damp finger. The nose needs to stick out at least 2 cm so the bridge of the glasses rests on it. For the slab, cut a shallow U-shaped notch in the top edge, about 2 cm wide.
Step 4: Test the fit
Gently rest your sunglasses on the wet piece. Adjust the nose height or notch width until the frames sit level and the arms hang free. Take them off before the clay marks the lenses.
Step 5: Add character
Press two small dots for eyes. Add a simple smile with a tool. Or keep the face blank and let the glasses do the talking. A few lines pressed into the slab version look clean.
Step 6: Dry slowly
Leave it on a board away from direct AC airflow. Three to five days. Turn it once a day so the base and the top dry at the same rate.
Step 7: Sand, paint and seal
Sand any rough spots lightly. Paint with the colours in your kit. Terracotta with a cream nose is a classic. Seal the whole piece with the finish from the box, including the base.
Step 8: Protect the surface
Stick a small felt pad under the base. It stops the stand scratching a wooden or glass shelf and stops it sliding.
Once you have made one, the same method works for other entryway pieces. See our guides on how to make a clay catch all tray and how to make clay wall hooks. New to finishing? Read how to seal air dry clay first.
Frequently asked questions
Will the nose fall off when it dries?
Not if you score both surfaces and use a little water before pressing them together. Smooth the seam well. A weak join is the only reason a nose comes off.
Will clay scratch my lenses?
Sealed, sanded clay is smooth and safe. Keep the contact point, the nose or notch, extra smooth and give it a second coat of sealer.
Can I make one that holds several pairs?
Yes. Make a longer slab, 20 cm wide, and cut three or four notches along the top edge. Give it an extra day to dry.
Can I use it for anything else?
It also holds reading glasses, a watch or prayer beads. Keep it to decor and everyday items. Sawa pieces are not for food or drink.
Finish the entryway
A sunglasses holder is a quick win. With the rest of the Solo Kit you can add a matching key dish and a small bukhoor holder. Same clay, same colours, one tidy shelf by the door.
Order the Sawa Solo Kit
Solo Kit AED 198. Free delivery UAE-wide.