You can create some simple yet stunning porcelain like ornaments made form homemade clay. You likely already have everything you need on hand. Plus I will share some extra tips for success. Come along and join me.
To make your clay you will need 16 oz bottle of white glue – I used Elmer’s glue, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of mineral oil. Mineral oil works well to keep the clay nice and bright white.
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Stir the ingredients to mix them in a cooking pan. Cook on stove top on low while constantly stirring until it forms dough similar to mashed bread.
Remove it from heat. Once dough is cool enough to handle, knead the dough until smooth. Split off working size piece of dough and put remaining piece in container, cover with plastic wrap and add lid. You don’t want to let dough dry out.
Roll dough out to between 1/8 and 1/4 inches thickness. Cut out shape with cookie cutter. Then press dough onto decorative textures surface such as cut glass. If you like you can reverse the order of these last two steps.
Tip: Larger ornaments are more subject to warping. Keep reading to see how to correct warping.
Use a straw to cut hanging hole for your ornament. Be careful not to cut hole too close to the edge of the ornament.
Knead and roll-out scrap dough. Then create more ornaments.
Tip: Cracks will NOT heal so make sure dough is smooth.
Get creative with your shapes and cookie cutters. A biscuit cutter can work well. Cans are often too large and lead toward warping. Narrow glass jars are on option.
Tip: Look for creative ways to use what you have.
Looking at things from a different prospective can have some unexpected yet innovative results. For instance, I wanted to make a dove but did not have a cookie cutter to make one. However, I did have a ghost cookie cutter. I cut out my dough, turned in over so the ghost face was on the back, turn the design 90 degrees and VIOLA! I have a beautiful dove.
Lay out your ornaments on a flat surface on their backs to dry for a few days. There will be some shrinkage. If you see some warping during drying, flip them over. Just make sure any textures you have created is hard enough to withstand the flipping. Do not use any weigh on the ornaments as it will impair them from drying and can ruin the details of a design.
Tip: Use your microwave to correct warping.
Put a glass of water in microwave and heat until the water is steamy. Add one ornament to the microwave with the steamy water and heat checking every few seconds until the ornament is pliable enough to reshape it. Once flattened, place on heavy object on top until it dries again. Use a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper between object and ornament to prevent them from sticking. This trick is not a 100% but certainly worth a try.
Tip: Use an emery board to sand any rough edges.
Only thing left to do is add a hanger, hang them up and Enjoy!
Can these be painted or clear coated?
Yes they can.
I’m going to try these 1st at home. But i think this would be great for the kids to make at sunday school. They could shape them 1 Sunday and paint them the next.
Great idea. Just be carful to keep kiddos away from hot stove.