DIY Air Dry Clay Ornaments – Christmas Gingerbread


Join us for a delightful journey as we explore the simple and enjoyable process of crafting air-dried clay ornaments.

Have you ever worked with air-dry clay before? I used to be intimidated by clay, but I have grown to love it. 

Air-dry clay is modeling clay that doesn’t require baking or firing in a kiln to harden. It dries through exposure to the air over time.

The ease of this clay makes it a great medium to use when making Christmas crafts. Air-dry clay is suitable for children and adults, making it a popular choice for crafting at home and fun for the whole family.

Have you noticed the popularity of gingerbread this year? I knew I was going to decorate my kitchen Christmas tree with this theme this year, so I was on the hunt very early in the holiday season, and I was shocked at how quickly the stores sold out. So, I knew I would be creating many of my own air-dry clay ornaments. 

So, let’s get started and create some Christmas decorations.

Air-dried clay gingerbread ornaments lay on a cutting board before being put on the tree.
An air-dried clay gingerbread girl Christmas ornament hanging on the tree.
An air-dried terra cotta clay Santa Clause ornament hanging on the tree.

On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Materials and Tools Required for Making DIY Air Dry Clay Ornaments

You can purchase most of these items at a local craft store or from the links provided. 

Supplies to make Air Dried Clay, rolling pin, molds, clay, and corn starch.
  • Air dry clay, white clay, terra cotta clay- the color of your choice  (I used both Crayola and DAS clay. I prefer the color of the Crayola clay. However, I feel that DAS is easier to roll out and work with)
  • Cookie cutters in your desired shapes
  • Wood cookie molds
  • Corn starch
  • Wax paper or parchment paper 
  • Cookie sheet 
  • Drinking straw or chopstick to create a small hole in the top of the ornament 
  • Rolling pin 
  • Mod Podge (optional if you want to decoupage or seal your ornaments)
  • Ribbon or twine to create an ornament hanger
  • Paintbrush
  • Small knife
  • (acrylic paint) if you want to paint them
  • Dark Wax (If you want to wax them and give them a darker look like the pinecone)

Step-by-Step Tutorial to Make Air Dry Clay Christmas Ornaments

There are multiple methods to craft these ornaments. While the typical approach involves cookie cutters, I experimented with cookie and silicone molds for my own ornaments. I found that molds offer a more favorable texture and intricate details compared to what can be achieved with cookie cutters alone. However, I had success in using a unique pinecone-shaped cookie cutter.

Follow this easy tutorial, and don’t be afraid to experiment!

  • Cover your cutting board with wax or parchment paper. 
  • Cut off a small piece of clay from the block and roll it to about 1/4″ thick. 
Rolling pin with clay.
A wooden cookie mold of a gingerbread house with corn starch to prepare for ornament making.
  • Brush the wooden cookie press with cornstarch. You can play with the amount you leave in the mold. I like the effect you get with the corn starch, so I don’t mind leaving a bit of excess in the mold. It gives the ornaments an aged look.
  • Press the clay into the mold until you feel you have filled all of the space within the mold. 
Air dry clay on top of a wooden cookie mold before pressing it into the mold.
Lift the edge of the air-dry clay to remove it from the mold.
  • You can roll the clay lightly on top of the mold to get a smooth surface on the back of the ornament.
  • For the best results, I remove the clay from the mold while there is still an edge on it. This way, it comes out of the mold easily and does not damage the shape of the new ornaments. 
Discover the magic of handmade ornaments with this step-by-step tutorial on crafting DIY air dry clay gingerbread Christmas decorations!
Trimming a gingerbread man before drying
  • Once you have removed the clay, you can trim the excess clay off with a small paring knife. Be sure to make quick and clean cuts.
  • If you have rough edges, you can smooth them with your finger and a small amount of water. 
  • Create a hole at the top of the ornament with a drinking straw, the end of a paintbrush, or a chopstick. 
  • Use a dry paintbrush and brush the surfaces of the ornaments with more or less cornstarch to get the look you are after.
Air dry clay gingerbread girl ornament laying on a cookie sheet to dry.
Air dry clay ornaments on a cookie sheet to dry. Gingerbread men and gingerbread houses.
Air-dried clay gingerbread man ornament drying on a cookie sheet.

Drying Process for Homemade Clay Ornaments

Allow the handmade clay ornaments to dry for several days. Either leave them on the kitchen counter or somewhere in the house where they are out of your way.

Do not put them in the oven to try to dry them faster as there is a chance they will crack.

Once dry, you can buff them with a dry paper towel to remove some of the cornstarch and create a more finished look. 

Gingerbread air dried clay ornaments sitting on a cutting board.

Tips for Decorating Air Dry Clay Ornaments

In this post, I chose to keep my ornaments in their natural state as it went with my theme for this year. Nevertheless, there are a multitude of approaches to decorating or personalizing your ornaments.

Here are several suggestions if you wish to add an extra touch to your own ornaments.

Decorating Tips for Air-Dry Clay Ornaments

  • Painting: Use acrylic or tempera paint to add color to your ornaments. You can create intricate designs or paint them in solid colors. Consider using metallic or glitter paints for a sparkling effect.
  • Texture and Imprints: Experiment with various textures by pressing objects onto the clay before it dries. You can use stamps, lace, fabric, or even leaves to create interesting imprints on the surface of the ornaments.
  • Decoupage: Decorate the surface of the ornaments using decoupage techniques. Cut out decorative paper or napkins and adhere them to the clay with Mod Podge. 
  • Carving and etching: Use sculpting tools or toothpicks to carve intricate designs or etch patterns into the surface of the clay. This can create stunning details and textures.
  • Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like dried flowers, twigs, or pinecones into your clay ornaments. Press them gently onto the surface or embed them while the clay is wet.
  • Personalization: Write or stamp messages, names, or dates onto the ornaments to personalize them. This could be done with small letter stamps, carving tools, or freehand.
Yield: 12 Clay Ornaments

How To Make Air Dried Clay Ornaments

Gingerbread ornaments

Create charming Christmas gingerbread ornaments with our easy DIY air-dry clay tutorial. Perfect for a festive touch to your holiday décor!

Active Time 1 hour
Additional Time 2 days
Total Time 2 days 1 hour
Difficulty Easy

Materials

  • Air dry clay, white clay, terra cotta clay- the color of your choice  (I used both Crayola and DAS clay. I prefer the color of the Crayola clay. However, I feel that DAS is easier to roll out and work with)
  • Cookie cutters in your desired shapes
  • Wood cookie molds
  • Corn starch
  • Wax paper or parchment paper 
  • Drinking straw or chopstick to create a small hole in the top of the ornament 
  • Mod Podge (optional if you want to decoupage or seal your ornaments)
  • Ribbon or twine to create an ornament hanger
  • (acrylic paint) if you want to paint them
  • Dark Wax (If you want to wax them and give them a darker look like the pinecone)

Tools

  • Paintbrush
  • Small knife
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie Sheet

Instructions

  1. Cover your cutting board with wax or parchment paper. 
  2. Cut a small piece of clay from the block and roll it to about 1/4" thick. 
  3. Brush the wooden cookie press with cornstarch. You can play with different amounts that you leave in the mold. I like the effect you get with the corn starch, so I don't mind leaving a bit of excess in the mold. It gives the ornaments an aged look.
  4. Press the clay into the mold until you feel you have filled all of the space. 
  5. . You can roll the clay lightly on top of the mold to get a smooth surface on the back of the ornament.
  6. For the best results, I remove the clay from the mold while there is still an edge on it. This way, it comes out of the mold easily and does not damage the shape of the new ornaments. 
  7. Once you have removed the clay, you can trim the excess clay off with a small paring knife. Be sure to make quick and clean cuts.
  8. If you have rough edges, you can smooth them with your finger and a small amount of water. 
  9. Create a hole at the top of the ornament with a drinking straw, the end of a paintbrush, or a chopstick. 
  10. Use a dry paintbrush, and you can brush the surfaces of the ornaments with more or less cornstarch to get the look you are after. 
  11. Drying Process for Homemade Clay Ornaments
  12. Allow the handmade clay ornaments to dry for several days. 
  13. Once dry, buff them with a dry paper towel to remove some cornstarch and create a more finished look. 

Watch it on You Tube

air dry clay ornaments hanging on a tree

How To Style Your Own Air Dry Clay Ornaments

Air dried clay gingerbread ornaments hanging on a small tree in the kitchen.
  • Christmas tree ornaments: Add a small amount of velvet or satin ribbon and tie them onto the branches of your holiday tree. I added nothing more and love how my tree looks in the kitchen. 
  •  Create a wreath: Arrange ornaments on a wreath frame, securing them with wire or hot glue to create a decorative ornament wreath for your front door or interior walls.
  •  Use the ornaments as gift tags: Add extra embellishments or accents to the ornament, such as a small bow, a sprig of greenery, or additional ribbons that complement the gift wrapping.
  •  Party favors: Having a small Christmas Party? Use these ornaments as party favors; your guests will love them. 
  •  Place card holders: Tie a small name card to the ornament and lay it on the plate on your table.
Air Dry Clay on top of a gift package

Caring for and Preserving Air Dry clay Ornaments 

Once the holiday season is over, store your ornaments in an airtight container to protect them from breakage. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the joy and excitement of the holiday season can be beautifully captured in the form of air dry clay ornaments.

With just a few simple steps, you can create unique and personalized decorations that will make your home come alive with festive spirit.

So gather your loved ones, put on some cheerful music, and let your creativity soar as you mold and shape these delightful treasures.

The possibilities are endless, and the memories created while crafting these ornaments will surely last a lifetime. 

signature
Pin It
How to make air-dry clay ornaments for Christmas. Santa, gingerbread, etc.
Five children wearing colorful holiday pajamas sit on a white couch, laughing and eating popcorn. They appear joyful and festive, surrounded by large blue pillows.
Christmas | Parties & Events

Creative Christmas Pajama Party Ideas for Your Grandkids

One of my favorite Holiday traditions is our pajama parties with our grandchildren. We all wear matching pajama sets, decorate sugar cookies with mountains of frosting and sprinkles, make Christmas decorations, and then snuggle up to watch movies and read stories. When bedtime comes around, we have a “campout” on the family room floor, lit only by…

Similar Posts

20 Comments

  1. Your tutorial was very well done and your ornaments were adorable! I would like to try this–for NEXT Christmas!!!

    1. Thank you so much Kathy. They are really fun and easy to make. Merry Christmas.

  2. These are adorable, and your tutorial is great, Wendy! Pinned, and I’m delighted to be featuring your post at Tuesday Turn About this week.

    1. Thank you so much Julie! I am honored to be featured.

  3. Wendy you continue to amaze me. These are so darling. I love this project and the cute frosty look! Such a great DIY.

  4. Wendy these diy clay gingerbread are so adorable. A great project and such a fun look. I am happy to feature your darling diy air dry clay ornaments at Love Your Creativity. Happy holidays.

    1. Thank you so much, Linda; I appreciate the feature so much.

  5. Your amazing cookie molds yielded AMAZING ornaments! They look so charming on your tree!

  6. The cornstarch makes all the difference, they look like they are antiques. I love them Wendy! Maybe I will can try this one next year, I love each and every one of them, perfection! You always come up with the best ideas. I am saving this one to my list to try!

    1. Hi Cara, thank you so much. You would enjoy making these, they are super easy, just a bit messy. I loved the cornstarch, I agree
      it really gave them a special look. Happy holidays.

  7. You outdid yourself!!! These are absolutely adorable and I love all your decorating suggestions.

    1. Thank you, Diane. They were very fun to make. XO

    1. Thank you, Susan! I hope you are surviving the holiday season well.

  8. Wow, Wendy! These are ADORABLE!! I love the white almost frosty look of them from the cornstarch. Such an amazing way to create DIY decor for the season!! Pinned!

    1. Thank you so much, Rachel. They were so fun to make, and I agree. I, too, love the cornstarch on them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *