Air drying clay ornaments | Mum In The Madhouse

Air drying clay ornaments

Every year we make salt dough or corn flour ornaments and unfortunately, they got damp in storage and they were ruined, so this got me thinking about using Air drying clay for a more permanent Christmas decoration.

christmas decs

Initially, I made three from some left over clay we had and decorated them myself without the boys involvement and was really pleased with the way they turned out.  So I decided to have a go with the boys.

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Materials:

Air drying clay
Cookie cutters
Plastic roller
Silicon cooking mat
Straw
Clear sealant or modge podge
Decorations (we used buttons and felt)
Nailfile
Ribbon
Glue (we used a craft glue gun)

Method:

I would recommend that you make your ornaments a couple of days in advance to decorating them or buy microwave-drying clay, yes it exists.

  • Firstly work the air drying clay well in your hands until it becomes more supple and easier toroll.
  • Roll out an amount on the silicone mat (4mm) is an idea depth.
  • Using a cookie cutter cut out your decoration shapes.
  • Remove the decorations from the mat onto a board to dry.
  • Using a straw make a hole in the top to thread your ribbon.
  • Also, smooth the sides of your ornaments to make for smoother edges.
  • Allow to dry (do not dry over a heat source or they will crack.
  • Once dry take the nail file and smooth any rough edges.
  • Then apply a clear sealant or modge podge (PVA).  I did this with my first set of ornaments.
  • Decorate and attach the ribbon.
Air drying clay ornaments - These beautiful Christmas decorations are made using air drying clay and are a fun festive DIY

The second set I did with the boys are a lot more rough and ready, but then they do like to take over and so they should.  They decided to decorate them before we even sealed them.  However, they look great and I am really pleased with them.

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