Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments: Easy & Charming DIY
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These air dry clay Christmas ornaments are the perfect DIY project if you’re looking to add a charming, handmade touch to your holiday decor.
Mr. ERH and I attended a craft fair a few weeks ago, and one booth in particular caught my eye.
There, hanging on a wooden display, was the cutest, miniature snowman garland I had ever seen.
Everything is always cuter and cozier in miniature form…right?!
The little snowmen looked ceramic and were strung together with twine, creating the most charming & whimsical Christmas decoration.
I bought one (I mean how could I not!) without hesitation, imagining where I was going to hang it in our home.
But as I admired the little snowmen, I started thinking about how I could recreate something similar.
I wanted to capture that same handmade charm but make it even more personal without spending much money.
That’s when I thought of using air dry clay to craft simple, ceramic inspired ornaments that could hang on the Christmas tree or be strung together as a garland.
So, I’m sharing these simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable ornaments DIY that literally anyone can make…and the end result is beautiful!
Whether you decide to make these for your own home or for DIY Christmas gifts, these clay ornaments are the perfect way to add a little homemade charm to the holiday season.
I’ll show you how!
P.S. You can see the snowman garland that inspired this blog post on our fireplace mantel in our Christmas home tour.
Why Air Dry Clay is Great for Christmas Crafts
No bake clay is one of the most versatile materials for DIY projects.
You might remember the beautiful flower frogs I made using air dry clay as well.
It’s easy to work with, requires no baking, and creates a beautiful matte finish that looks beautiful on its own or when brushed with a finishing coat (which we’ll be doing in this DIY).
Plus, craft clay is affordable, readily available at your local craft stores or online, and beginner-friendly which means it perfect for crafters of all levels.
What you’ll love about this diy:
Supplies You’ll Need to Make DIY Clay Christmas Ornaments
Here’s all the materials you’ll need to create your own air dry clay ornaments.
I had all the supplies I needed at home so this DIY ended up costing me nothing! Feel free to get creative and use materials you might already have in your home as well.
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED
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Step by Step Instructions on How Make Air Dry Clay Ornaments
Follow this simple tutorial and you’ll have the most charming Christmas ornaments for your tree or for gifting to friends and family.
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One. Roll Out the DIY Clay
Start by placing a sheet of parchment paper on a clean work surface to prevent sticking.
Take a handful of air dry clay and roll it out to about 1/8″-1/4″ thick using a rolling pin.
The thickness of your star shapes is ultimately up to you.
You can make them as thin or as thick as you want. Just remember that the thicker you make the shapes, the longer they will take to air dry.
Two. Cut Out Star Shapes
Using a star shaped cookie cutter, cut as many stars as you like, and place them on the parchment lined baking sheet.
If you want a mix of sizes like I did, you can use different sized star cutters to add variety.
Three. Add a Hole for Hanging
Before the clay starts to dry, use a skewer, straw, or toothpick to create a small hole near the top of each star.
This is where you’ll thread your twine or ribbon for hanging once they are completely dry.
Four. Let the Air Dry Clay Stars Dry
Depending on the thickness of your clay, this can take anywhere from 24-48 hours.
Be sure to flip the stars over halfway through to ensure even drying on both sides.
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Five. Seal With Mod Podge
This is the secret step that’s going to make your DIY ornaments look like glazed ceramic!
Once the stars are dry, using a small paint brush, brush each star (front, back, & sides) with a thin coat of Mod Podge to give them a subtle sheen.
The Mod Podge will also add a layer of protection against moisture.
Six. String the Clay Stars
Thread a piece of twine, ribbon, or string through the hole and tie a small knot at the top to create an ornament hanger.
Your ornament is now ready for hanging!
pro Tip
- Be gentle when threading the string or ribbon through the hole in your ornament. Pulling too roughly can cause the clay to crack or break, especially if the ornament is on the thinner side.
If you want to add your clay DIY stars to a garland, cut a long piece of twine and thread the stars through at equal intervals, tying knots to keep them in place.
Tips
- Place the ornaments in a warm, well ventilated area, and flip them halfway through drying to make sure they dry evenly and don’t warp.
- Before the clay dries, smooth the edges with a damp fingertip to prevent sharp or rough spots.
- Use stamps, lace, or textured fabrics to create patterns on the clay for an extra decorative touch.
- Be careful threading the string through the hole in your ornament. Pulling too hard can cause the clay to crack or break.
How to Use Your Air Dry Clay Ornaments
These star ornaments are so versatile!
Here are a few ways to use them in your Christmas decorations…
- Hang on the Christmas Tree: The white stars pop beautifully against green branches.
- Create a Garland: Drape your star garland over a fireplace mantel, across a window frame, or down the center of a dining table.
- Add to Gift Wrap: Tie a star ornament onto a wrapped gift with twine for the most charming present topper.
- Decorate Place Settings: Use the stars as the most adorable napkin charms.
FAQs: DIY Clay Ornaments
How long will air dry clay ornaments last?
When properly made and sealed, air dry clay ornaments can last for a lifetime.
To make sure they last a long time, store them carefully in a cool, dry place, wrapped in tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect them from damage.
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A Homemade Christmas
These air dry clay Christmas ornaments are proof that handmade decorations don’t have to be complicated.
With just a little time and creativity, you can create beautiful pieces that will add a special touch to your home.
I hope this DIY inspires you to slow down, create, and embrace the magic of handmade holiday decor.
If you try this project, I’d love to see how your air dry clay stars turn out!
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xoxo, heidi
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Hi Paula, I used white air dry clay to make the star ornaments and then applied a thin coat of Mod Podge once the ornaments were dry to make them look somewhat shiny and ceramic. I hope that helps!
Love your creations. I saw your post on FB with the 4th of July stars. Could you tell me how you finished them. It looks like they are painted white and then a wash of color over that? I’d like to make for this year with my granddaughter. Thank you!