These tiny Sculpey sculptures started as a personal way to hold on to the moments that mattered to me. They represent the trips, the friendships, the rituals, and the small pockets of time that shape us more than we realize. I didn’t plan to make a series of mini memories; it just sort of happened. I make these as gifts for the people I shared the trip with.
It began with a pre-wedding trip to New Mexico, where I spent a few days with my sister, best friend, and mom at a spa and yoga retreat. One of the most meaningful experiences was participating in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony led by Native American guides. So I sculpted a tiny sweat lodge with a little dome and tiny entrance. I gave these as gifts, not realizing how much they would be cherished.
Later, during a business trip in Dallas, my friends and I slipped away for a full day at Spa Castle. If you've never been, it is an unforgettable labyrinth of pools, hot tubs, and thermal rooms. So I made another sculpture: a tiny hot tub with four friends sitting shoulder to shoulder, laughing at a memory only we shared.
The next one came after a music festival where a few artist friends and I camped, painted, and stayed up late under the lights and sounds. That memory turned into a miniature tent filled with tiny figures and poi sticks, which became an inside joke.
What started as one keepsake became a tradition. Whenever a moment felt worth remembering, I’d sculpt it in miniature form and gift these to the people I share the memory with. Each one is a story, a time capsule, and a reminder that our experiences, big or small, deserve to be honored.
Now I’m sharing the process so you can create your own tiny sculptures. The one I will be sharing today is a reminder of the Las Vegas trip that my sister, mom, and I took my two neices on earlier this year. My neice stuffed so much into her suitcase that it was overweight and we had to disperse some clothing. She still had to sit on her suitcase to get it to closed even after that. It was a funny moment at the beginning of our trip.
What you’ll need (basic supplies)
-
Polymer clay (Sculpey, Premo, or equivalent) — several colors + neutral.
-
Thin craft wire or toothpicks (for stability)
-
Basic clay tools: needle tool, smoothers, craft knife, ball stylus (or toothpicks)
-
Oven (polymer clay cures in a home oven) — follow clay brand instructions.
-
Acrylic paints & small brush (optional for added detail)
-
Gloss or matte varnish/sealer (optional)
-
Wax paper or parchment paper plus cookie sheet (to bake on)
Quick safety note before we start
Always follow the polymer clay manufacturer’s instructions for conditioning and baking (temperatures/times vary by brand). Use an oven thermometer for accuracy. Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid open flames.
Directions for Mini Suitcase:
This is a beginner-friendly project that illustrates the general process you can adapt for any small clay project.
Step 1 — Plan the size
Decide how big you want the finished suitcase to be. (I used a block of packaged clay as my size guide). Choose your color for the outside of the suitcase. Roll your clay out flat approximately 1-2 mm thick. Cut out two rectangular shapes. These will be the front and back of your suitcase.
Step 2 — Cut four thin strips for the zippers
Roll out a dark piece of clay the same thickness as your rectangles. Place one of the rectangles next to this clay and cut to the same length. Make two strips for the long sides and two for the short sides.
Step 3 — Mold the body of the suitcase
Using another piece of clay (the color doesn't matter because you will be covering it up), mold a 3D rectangle that is just slightly smaller than the flat rectangles you cut for front and back. This piece will be the body of the suitcase. You will then wrap the front and back rectangles over the body, smoothing the edges together.
Step 4 — Adhere the "zipper" strips to the edges
Place a dark strip along one edge and push it in just enough so that it sticks to the suitcase body. Cut off any excess that hangs over. Do this with all four strips.
Step 5 — Roll out the wheels
Using the same dark clay, roll out four tiny wheels. Gently squish them onto the bottom, making sure you don't flatten them but enough pressure so that they adhere.
Step 6 — Assemble the handles
Next, let's put together the handles. For the small handle, roll out a small piece of dark clay into a worm shape. Adhere this onto the top strip. Next, break off two pieces of toothpick. The length depends on how long you want your retractable handle. Choose a color of clay and roll it out very thin and flat. Lay a toothpick on it and roll the clay around it, covering it. The toothpick is only for support purposes. You will not see it. Smooth the clay around the toothpick and cut off any excess, leaving a small tip bare so you can stick it into the top of the suitcase. Repeat for the second toothpick. Ensure both toothpicks are far enough in the suitcase that they can stand up without falling.
Step 7 — Attach the top of the handle
Roll out another piece of clay into a worm shape. This will be the handle that goes on top of the two toothpicks. Squish it onto the toothpicks. This can either form an arc or be straight across.
Step 8 — Add the name of the city
This is an optional step but one that makes this mini clay memento even more personalized and special. Choose two colors of clay. One will be the background, the other will be the letters. Flatten out the background and cut to your preferred size. Then, using the other color, roll it out into a worm shape. Cut off small sections then shape these into letters. Add the letters onto the background, pressing gently. Then press the whole thing onto the front of the suitcase. Use a toothpick or one of your other tools to help shape the letters. These can be tricky, so have patience.
Step 9 — Bake according to manufacturer directions
Carefully place your finished mini carry-on suitcase onto the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place it in the pre-heated oven and bake. Read the instructions on your clay for temperature and baking time. I baked mine for about 10 minutes on the middle rack. Make sure not to burn.
Step 10 — Cool down and optional varnish
Allow your suitcase to completely cool down before picking it up. It will get hot and burn your fingers. At this point you can varnish to give it a glossy sheen. However, I have never felt the need to do this.
Congratulations! You made your first mini travel keepsake. Be sure to make doubles or triples to gift to your traveling partners. They will love them! Below are photos of others I have made. One is a hot tub for a spa day and the other is a tent for a music festival we camped at all weekend.
