Go Back Email Link
DIY Air-Dry Clay Ornaments

DIY Air-Dry Clay Ornaments

Make beautiful, customizable DIY Air-Dry Clay Ornaments with just baking soda, cornstarch, and water. Roll, cut, and decorate these easy DIY ornaments for a festive and personal holiday touch! 🎄✨
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 day

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Medium saucepan
Rolling Pin
Cookie cutters
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Straw or skewer (to make holes for hanging)
Twine, ribbon, or hooks for hanging

Ingredients
  

Tools:

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters stars, hearts, trees, circles
  • Straw or skewer for making the hanging hole
  • Parchment paper
  • Twine or ribbon

Optional:

  • Stamps
  • Evergreen sprigs or lace for texture
  • White acrylic paint
  • Fine-grit sandpaper

Instructions
 

Cook the Clay Mixture

  • Add baking soda, cornstarch, and water to a saucepan.
  • Stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a smooth, soft dough — like mashed potatoes.
  • Once it clumps together, remove from heat immediately.

Cool and Knead

  • Transfer the dough to a bowl or onto parchment paper.
  • Cover with a damp cloth and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
  • Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough until smooth.

Roll and Cut

  • Roll dough out on parchment to 1/4 inch thick.
  • Use cookie cutters to make shapes:
  • Stars
  • Hearts
  • Trees
  • Circles
  • Gingerbread men
  • Use a straw or skewer to poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.

Add Texture (Optional)

  • Press lightly with:
  • An evergreen sprig
  • Lace
  • Stamps
  • Textured fabric
  • to give that rustic, handmade look.

Let Them Dry

  • Place ornaments on parchment on a baking sheet.
  • Air-dry for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway to keep them flat.
  • If edges feel rough, sand lightly once dry.

Finish & Hang

  • Leave them natural for a rustic, matte white look,
  • OR paint lightly with white acrylic for a brighter finish.
  • Thread twine or ribbon through the hole.
  • Hang on your tree, gift them, or use them as package toppers.

Notes

Paint: Use acrylic paints to add color and detail.
Stamp: Press designs into the clay before drying for a textured look.
Glaze: Apply a clear sealant for a glossy finish.
Add Scent: Rub a few drops of essential oil on the back for a holiday fragrance.