3 Easy Ways to Make Clay Ornaments

Want to add some handmade charm to your home decor? Tired of the same old store-bought ornaments? Learning how to make clay ornaments is a fun and easy way to express your creativity and personalize your space. You can customize colors, shapes, and patterns to perfectly reflect your style, and the process is so rewarding – you’ll be amazed at what you can create! Follow these simple steps and let your imagination run wild!

3 Easy Ways to Make Clay Ornaments

Decorating your home with handmade ornaments can add a personal touch and make your space feel extra cozy. And what’s better than buying pre-made ornaments? Making your own, of course! Clay is a great medium for crafting, and you can easily turn it into beautiful ornaments that will last for years to come.

Before You Get Started

Before you start making your clay ornaments, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Clay: You can use air-dry clay or oven-bake clay. Air-dry clay is easier to work with and doesn’t require baking, but it may be more fragile. Oven-bake clay is more durable but requires baking in a preheated oven.
• Rolling pin or something similar: You’ll need something to roll out your clay. A rolling pin, glass bottle, or even a wine bottle can be used.
• Cookie cutters: These are great for making shapes, but you can also use other things like plastic lids, cardboard shapes, or even your own hands!
• Paints and brushes: This is optional, but you can add color and detail to your ornaments with paints.
• Glitter, sequins, beads, or other embellishments: These are also optional, but you can use them to make your ornaments extra special.
• String or ribbon: You’ll need something to hang your ornaments with – a string, ribbon, or even a piece of yarn will work.
• A work surface: A table covered with parchment paper or wax paper works well.
• A craft knife for cutting shapes or details.

How to make clay ornaments: Rolling and Cutting

The first technique uses a classic method for making ornaments – rolling and cutting.

1. Roll out your clay: Using a rolling pin or similar, roll your clay out to a thickness that’s suitable for your ornament shape. The thickness will determine how thick or thin your ornaments are.
2. Cut out shapes: Use cookie cutters or other shapes to cut out ornaments. Press firmly into the clay, but don’t press too hard or you might distort your shape. You can make simple ornaments or more elaborate shapes, like stars, hearts, snowflakes, or even animals.
3. Add embellishments: If you’re using embellishments, add them now. You can stick sequins, beads, or other embellishments onto your ornaments with a little bit of glue.
4. Let the clay air-dry or bake: For air-dry clay, let your ornaments air-dry completely according to the clay instructions. For oven-bake clay, follow the baking instructions on the clay packaging.

How to make clay ornaments: Sculptural Charms

Another way to make clay ornaments is by creating unique and sculptural charms.

1. Shape your clay: This is a great way to create interesting, uniquely shaped ornaments. You can use your hands to shape the clay into simple shapes like spheres or balls. You could also mold the clay into more complex shapes like reindeer, snowmen, or even miniature figurines.
2. Add details: You can add details to your ornaments by using a craft knife to carve out designs, or by pressing in textures with tools like forks.
3. Add holes for hanging: While the clay is still soft, use a straw or toothpick to make a hole at the top of your ornament so you can hang it later.
4. Let the clay air-dry or bake: For air-dry clay, let your ornaments air-dry completely according to the clay instructions. For oven-bake clay, follow the baking instructions on the clay packaging.

How to Make Clay Ornaments: Imprinted Designs

And lastly, try imprinting designs into your clay for a unique look.

1. Roll out your clay: Similar to the first method, roll out your clay to the thickness you want for your ornament.
2. Add textures: This is where the fun starts! You can create unique designs using textured objects like lace, fabric, leaves, or even coins. Press these textures onto the clay to create your design.
3. Create a hole for hanging: Use a straw or toothpick to make a hole in the top of your ornament to add a string once it’s dry.
4. Let the clay air-dry or bake: For air-dry clay, let your ornaments air-dry completely. For oven-bake clay, follow the baking instructions on the clay packaging.

After Your Ornaments Are Dry

Once your ornaments are completely dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

1. Paint your ornaments: If you want, you can paint your ornaments with acrylic paints or other suitable paints. You can use simple colors or create intricate designs.
2. Add a sealant: For extra protection, you can apply a sealant to your ornaments. This will help to protect them from dust and moisture.
3. Attach a hanger: Tie a string, ribbon, or yarn through the hole at the top of your ornament.

How to Make Clay Ornaments: A Final Word

With a little creativity, you can easily turn clay into beautiful ornaments to adorn your home. These ornaments make great gifts for friends and family, or you can simply keep them for yourself and enjoy their beauty. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Experiment with different designs, colors, and textures to create ornaments that are uniquely yours. You’ll be surprised by the joy you find in making your own clay ornaments.