Whether you need a quick idea for adding an elegant touch to your wrapping or a fun craft to keep kids (and kids at heart) occupied during holiday gatherings, give these clay ornaments a try. This simple DIY could inspire a fun family tradition or make a great addition to any ornament exchange.
Supplies
- Air Dry Clay
- Clay Roller
- Cookie Cutters
- Ribbon, Twine, or String
- Straw
- Acrylic Paint (optional)
- Mod Podge
- Paint Brushes
Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Your Holiday Ornaments
- Take a small chunk of clay and roll out using the clay roller until the clay is about 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Tip: Start rolling from the center to keep consistent thickness throughout the clay.
- Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut out as many shapes that will fit on the clay.
- Gently remove the clay from around the shaped ornaments.
- Use a straw to create a hole at the top of the ornaments for adding string or ribbon for displaying (once dried).
- Use your fingers to smooth the edges of the ornaments.
- Place your holiday shapes onto a parchment-lined tray to allow your ornaments to dry for 24 hours. Then flip to the backside to allow them to dry for another 24 hours.
- Once ornaments have completely dried, you can decorate! Use paint and/or glitter to add piazza to your ornaments. Or, you may choose to leave them the natural white color for simple, handmade additions to your tree.
- Seal with Mod Podge to help preserve the beauty of your cookie cutter ornaments.
- Take your chosen ribbon, string, or twine and run it through the hole at the top of each ornament, cut to the desired length, and tie.
These simple-to-make holiday ornaments are a great way to add a touch of handmade to your decorations or gifts this year. If you choose to make your own clay ornaments using cookie cutters or have an ornament-making gathering, we would enjoy seeing your photos. Tag us on social media and use #DIYingwithHRI.