How to Make Clay Ornaments

Homemade clay ornaments is a fun and creative activity that allows you to personalize decorations for any occasion. Whether you’re crafting for the holidays, giving a handmade gift, or simply looking for a relaxing project, clay ornaments offer endless possibilities. This guide will take you through the steps of how to make clay ornaments, using simple materials and techniques that are easy to follow even for beginners.

Why Handmade Clay Ornaments Are Special

Handmade clay ornaments hold a unique charm that sets them apart from store-bought decorations. Each ornament carries a personal touch, reflecting the creativity and effort of the maker. They can be customized to suit any theme, color palette, or design, making them versatile and meaningful.

Additionally, the process of creating these ornaments can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience, allowing individuals to express themselves artistically. Whether given as a heartfelt gift or used to decorate your own space, handmade clay ornaments have sentimental value and often become cherished keepsakes that evoke fond memories for years to come.

Gathering Your Materials 

Before you begin crafting your clay ornaments, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. The essentials include air-dry clay, which is easy to use and doesn’t require baking, or polymer clay if you prefer a more durable option. You’ll also need rolling pins or similar tools to flatten the clay, as well as cookie cutters or other molds to shape your ornaments. Don’t forget items for adding texture or detail, such as stamps, lace, or leaves.

To decorate your finished pieces, collect paints, markers, or glitter, and have string or ribbon ready for hanging the ornaments. Lastly, make sure you have a clean workspace with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup process. Having everything prepped and within reach will make the crafting process smooth and enjoyable.

10 Methods How to Make Clay Ornaments

1. Hand-Rolled Ornaments: Simple Yet Elegant

One of the easiest ways to create clay ornaments is by rolling a ball of clay and flattening it with a rolling pin until it reaches the desired thickness, typically around 1/4 inch.

Once flattened, use cookie cutters or a sharp knife to cut out various shapes, such as stars, hearts, or trees. To ensure smooth edges, use a damp sponge or wet fingertips to refine the shape. Make a hole at the top with a skewer or straw for hanging the ornament. Allow the piece to dry thoroughly before painting or glazing. This technique is beginner-friendly and can be completed in a short time with minimal tools.

2. Stamped Clay Ornaments: Adding Intricate Textures

To give your clay ornaments a decorative touch, press textured objects such as lace, doilies, leaves, or patterned stamps into the surface of the rolled-out clay before cutting out your desired shape. This method creates stunning relief patterns that add a sophisticated, handcrafted look to the ornament.

Once the texture is imprinted, cut out shapes with precision and make a hole for hanging. After drying or firing, you can enhance the details by painting over the raised areas to create contrast and highlight the design.

3. Carved Clay Ornaments: Personalizing with Unique Designs

If you enjoy detailed work, consider using carving tools to etch intricate patterns or personalized inscriptions onto the clay before it dries. You can create geometric patterns, floral motifs, monograms, or even meaningful quotes. Use different carving tips to achieve varied textures and depths, making each ornament one-of-a-kind. After carving, gently smooth the surface with a damp sponge to remove rough edges. This technique is perfect for creating heirloom-quality ornaments with a handmade touch.

4. Molded Ornaments with Silicone Molds: Perfect for Repetition

For those who prefer precision and consistency, using silicone molds is an excellent option. Press the clay firmly into the mold, ensuring it fills every crevice to capture fine details. Smooth the back surface before carefully removing the ornament from the mold. This method is ideal for creating a series of identical ornaments, such as snowflakes, angels, or holiday-themed designs. Once dried or fired, add finishing touches such as metallic paints, pearlescent powders, or glossy sealants for an enhanced aesthetic.

5. Hand-Sculpted Ornaments: Crafting Miniature Masterpieces

For a truly unique ornament, consider sculpting freehand rather than using molds or cutters. Use your fingers and sculpting tools to shape small figurines such as animals, stars, or festive icons like Santa Claus or reindeer. This method allows for complete artistic freedom but requires patience and skill. Make sure to add details carefully and keep the proportions balanced. If necessary, attach smaller elements using slip (a clay and water mixture) to ensure they adhere securely.

6. Layered Clay Ornaments: Creating Depth and Dimension

For a more intricate design, try layering different clay pieces together. Roll out sheets of different colored clays and cut out complementary shapes. Place one piece atop another to create a three-dimensional effect. Press them together gently to fuse the layers without distorting the shapes. This method is particularly effective for holiday ornaments, where contrast and layering enhance visual appeal. Bake or fire the ornament as required before adding additional embellishments like glitter or gold leaf.

7. Painted Clay Ornaments: Bringing Creations to Life

Once your clay ornaments are completely dry or have been kiln-fired, painting them adds character and vibrancy. Use acrylic paints for air-dry and polymer clay, while ceramic glazes work best for kiln-fired ornaments. Start with a base coat and then add details using fine brushes.

Metallic paints, such as gold or silver, can create an elegant, festive appearance. To add a rustic charm, consider dry-brushing a darker shade over the ornament and wiping off the excess to highlight textures.

8. Glazed and Sealed Ornaments: Achieving a Professional Finish

For a glossy, polished look, seal your clay ornaments with a suitable glaze or clear varnish. Ceramic ornaments should be coated with glaze before the final firing, while polymer and air-dry clay ornaments can be sealed with a clear acrylic spray or brush-on sealant. Glazing not only enhances the color and sheen but also protects the ornament from dust, moisture, and chipping. Choose a matte or high-gloss finish depending on your preferred aesthetic.

9. Embedded Materials in Clay: Adding an Artistic Touch

For an unconventional approach, embed small decorative items like beads, glass pieces, or tiny metal charms into the clay before it dries or bakes. This technique creates a mixed-media effect that adds uniqueness and elegance to your ornaments. Ensure that embedded elements are firmly pressed into the clay so they remain securely attached after drying. If using heat-sensitive materials, glue them on after the ornament has been baked or fired.

10. Personalized Ornaments with Lettering: Meaningful Keepsakes

One of the most cherished types of ornaments includes personalized names, dates, or messages. Use alphabet stamps to imprint words into the clay while it is still soft, or freehand engrave with a fine-point carving tool. These ornaments make thoughtful gifts for weddings, anniversaries, baby’s first Christmas, or other milestone events. Once dried, highlight the lettering by painting inside the engraved letters with a contrasting color to make the text stand out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning, you may encounter challenges when crafting clay ornaments. Here are some common issues and solutions to help ensure your creations turn out beautifully:

Cracking During Drying or Baking 

  Cracking often occurs if the clay dries too quickly or unevenly. To prevent this, ensure your ornaments dry slowly in a well-ventilated space away from direct heat or sunlight. For oven-baked clays, follow the manufacturer’s temperature and time instructions closely. If cracks do appear, you can fill small ones with a matching clay paste (a mixture of clay and water) before smoothing and re-drying.

Uneven Surfaces or Bubbles 

  Bubbles and uneven surfaces can result from trapped air or improper rolling. Always knead the clay thoroughly before use to remove air pockets. Use a rolling pin or clay roller to ensure the clay is an even thickness. Gently pierce any visible bubbles with a pin and smooth the clay before continuing.

Difficulty Removing from Molds 

  If the ornament sticks to a mold, lightly dust the mold and clay with cornstarch or apply a small amount of non-stick spray to the mold before pressing in the clay. For intricate designs, allow the clay to cool in the mold or use a freezer for polymer clay to make removal easier.

Paint Won’t Adhere or Becomes Sticky 

  Paint adhesion issues often occur if the clay surface is dusty or oily. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth before painting, ensuring it is completely dry. If paint remains sticky after drying, you may have used incompatible paint or applied it too thickly. Switch to high-quality acrylic paints and apply in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry fully.

Conclusion

Making clay ornaments is an enjoyable and fulfilling craft that allows for endless creativity and personalization. Whether you choose to roll, stamp, carve, mold, sculpt, or paint your ornaments, each technique offers a unique way to craft beautiful keepsakes. By experimenting with textures, layers, and finishes, you can create ornaments that suit any festive occasion or decor style. So, there you have it – a quick and easy guide on how to make clay ornaments.