DIY Clay Ornaments
These DIY clay ornaments are SO PRETTY! Use air dry clay to make these simple, but beautiful, clay Christmas ornaments. They’re so easy to make, using cookie cutters and stamps.
Hang these clay ornaments on the Christmas tree, or use them as gift toppers! These festive ornaments also make a lovely homemade gift for the holidays!
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DIY Clay Ornaments
Materials:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
- Place the ball of clay between two pieces of plastic wrap. This will stop the clay from sticking to your rolling pin and work surface.
- Roll the clay, going back and forth until the clay is just under 1/4 inch thick.
Step 3: Make the clay ornaments
- Peel off the top layer of plastic wrap and push a cookie cutter into the clay.Repeat, fitting in as many shapes as you can.
- Remove the clay from around the shapes, leaving the shapes in place.You can roll out more ornaments from the scrap clay if you’d like.
- Push the end of a drinking straw into each shape to make a hole to hang the ornament.
- Push a cookie stamp into the clay ornaments, firmly, but not hard enough to cut through the clay.We chose to place the stamp off-center at the edge of the ornaments, but you can place it wherever you’d like.
- Lift up the stamp to see the impression made in the clay.
- Allow the clay ornaments to dry for 24 – 48 hours.Flip the ornaments over half-way through, to dry the bottom of the ornament.
Step 4: Add an ornament hanger
- To make an ornament hanger, cut a piece of twine about 8 inches long.
- Fold the twine in half and tie a knot in the end.
- Push the loop of the twine in from the back of the ornament.
- Bring the knotted end forward through the loop and pull tight.
- Your clay ornaments are complete!
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t have a straw? You can also make a hole for the ornament hanger with the end of a lollipop stick or a paintbrush.
- You can also make a glittery clay ornament! Allow the clay to dry and brush on a coat of Mod Podge. Then sprinkle a layer of glitter on the ornament and shake off the extra.
What type of clay is used to make these clay ornaments?
We used DAS modeling clay, a type of air dry clay, to make our clay ornaments. The clay starts off a grey colour, but dries a nice, crisp white.
You can also use a different brand of air dry clay, make your own clay, or even use an oven bake clay. Salt dough would also work well to make these ornaments.
What size cookie cutters are used to make clay ornaments?
Our star and ornament cookie cutters are 3 inches in size, while the Christmas tree is 3-1/2 inches tall. We also made smaller snowflake ornaments that are 2-1/2 inches across.
How long will air dry clay ornaments last?
As long as they’re stored properly, these clay Christmas ornaments should last for years (or even decades) to come. Wrap the ornaments in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store them in a cool, low humidity environment.
Do I need to seal my clay ornament?
You don’t have to seal your clay ornaments (we liked the matte finish), but you can definitely give your ornaments a shiny glazed look if you’d like. Use a sponge brush to add a coat of glossy Mod Podge, or spray them with acrylic sealer.
This will give the air dry clay ornaments a shiny glossy look, and also seal them. Sealing the clay protects the ornaments from moisture in the air and makes them last even longer, but it’s an optional step.
If you paint your ornaments, however, it is recommended to seal them. This will prevent the paint from chipping.
How else can I add texture to my clay ornaments?
We love how easy the cookie stamps are to use, and they look great! You could also use letter stamps to spell out names or holiday themed messages.
If you don’t want to buy special stamps to make your DIY ornaments, there are a lot of other ways to add texture to the clay. Try using:
- Lace ribbon or doily
- Textured fabric, such as burlap
- Textured scrapbook paper or corrugated cardboard
- Pine needles or other greenery
- Wooden skewer, to make indents with the side or tip
- Embossed rolling pin
These clay ornaments are so fun to make, and the stamp makes them look so delicate and beautiful! We love the minimalist white look of the unfinished clay, but you can also add a touch of colour with acrylic paint, paint pens, or glitter.
Here’s even more clay craft ideas:
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
