the start of a good life

so easy and cute!
i found this idea on woodsidekitchen.blogspot.com, and love it. mine didn’t turn out as cute and awesome as hers. bummer deal there but since i’m not naturally crafty, the fact that they came out at all like they were supposed to is a bit of a miracle!
sadly, this is the only picture i remembered to take. =(

Clay Christmas Decorations

1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup water

Making Clay

In a medium sized pot combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and water. With an adults help the kids can stir this mixture over medium-low heat. You are going to stir this mixture until it is smooth and no longer feels stuck to the bottom of the pot. Stir constantly, after a couple of minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken. When it looks like smooth, thick mashed potatoes, remove the pot from the heat. Spoon the ball of dough into a bowl. Add the leftover bits from the pot to the ball. Cover it with a damp cloth until it’s cool.

When the clay has cooled, knead it on a smooth surface dusted with cornstarch. To avoid cracking you need to make sure the clay is well kneaded before rolling. Knead in a little more cornstarch if it feels sticky. Store the clay in a sealed bowl or bag. It will keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before you use it.

Rolling, Cutting, and Low Baking

Line the baking sheet with waxed paper if you want to let them dry naturally. Turn them every day to avoid curling. This just takes longer than drying them in a low temperature oven.

Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out clay to 1/4 inch thick on a surface lightly dusted with cornstarch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer shapes to the prepared baking sheet. Use a straw to poke a hole in the center top of each decoration, then get the kids to blow out the small piece of clay. They love this task! Place them in the oven for about an hour, turning them over halfway through cooking.
** don’t do what i did and forget to flip them. mine ended up curved….**

More Ideas

This clay can be shaped, rolled, cut, painted and decorated in endless ways. people have used different painting techniques, glazes, scents, stamps, sparkles, made foot and hand prints….it’s wonderful to see the creativity.

1. Paint or decorate them and thread a piece of ribbon, twine or yarn through the holes.

2. Use cookie cutters for different special days, leaves for fall, or hearts for Valentine’s day.

3. Make a few ornaments that can be used to make a mobile or to attach to a wreath.

4. Attach a magnet to the back of a clay shape and stick it on the fridge.

5. Roll small bits of clay in the palm of your hand to make beads. Roll tiny beads between your fingers and thumb. Use a toothpick to poke in holes.

*i used them to decorate the packages i wrapped for family and friends. they were pretty cute on there, if i do say so myself. my brother DID ask if they were edible tho…. hmmm

i also made oreo cookies for christmas. THAT is my next post, you don’t want to miss it – they were delicious!

Tags: christmas, clay ornaments, DIY crafts, ornaments