Use air-dry clay and a little creativity to make holiday gifts such as ornaments, necklaces, pins, key chains, magnets and more!

Supplies:

Air-dry clay
Small embellishments—beads, sequins, glitter, buttons
Cookie cutters
Waxed or parchment paper
Rolling pin
Drinking straw
Pencil or toothpick (optional)
Short pieces of ribbon or string
Pin backs, magnets, clasps (optional)

Here’s how:

 1.| First, cover the workspace with a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper (the clay pieces will be easier to remove).

 2.|  Knead some clay and then use a rolling pin (or smooth glass) to roll it out flat until it’s about 1/4” thick.

 3.|  Use a cookie cutter to cut out a shape. (Be sure to put the excess clay back in its container before it starts to dry out.)

 4.|  Next, use a drinking straw to punch a hole for hanging at the top of the shape.

 5.|  Now, decorate the shape by pressing pretty embellishments like beads or sequins into it—randomly or in a pattern. It can also be decorated by pressing designs onto it with a pencil or other household items.

 6.|  Repeat the last four steps until as many pieces as desired are made.

 7.|  Allow the clay to dry at least 24 hours and then add any findings to finish it off: Tie ribbons on for ornaments, glue pin backs on for brooches, glue magnets on the backs or add keychain rings.

 8.|  Gift wrap the pretty pieces and they are ready to give to friends, family and teachers for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any winter occasion!

More ideas:

• Try cookie cutters in the shape of letters, animals or other objects.
• For a more free-form look, flatten and mold the shapes by hand instead of rolling and cutting them.
• Spell out names or greetings with several decorated clay letters strung together.
• Make and decorate larger shapes to create pretty plaques.
• Add pictures or numbers to clay shapes, and then hang them one day at a time as a unique advent calendar or countdown.
• Try using colored clay as well.
• Press dry rubber stamps or toys into the clay for interesting effects.
• Cut out small paper stencils to lay over the shapes before applying glitter.
• Embellishments can also be glued onto dry clay.
• Make all-natural versions by using only seeds, pebbles and other outdoor finds to decorate the clay.
• Add beads to the hanging ribbon.
• Tie these onto wrapped gifts as a special embellishment.
• Air-dry clay can also be painted with craft paints.
• Make these in the spring using flower shapes and pastel colors



--------------------------
Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two growing boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Photos by Pamela Maxwell.

Published: December 2013



Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

These cute burlap bunnies are fun to create and fill with treats, making them perfect for friends or classmates! Kids can participate in assembling or decorating these treat filled easter decoration . . .

Read more

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

  Surprise friends, classmates or teammates with festive treat bags filled with candy or snack crackers. Perfect for Easter or any springtime celebration! Materials 8½ x 11” cardstock i . . .

Read more

Fringed Easter Friends

Fringed Easter Friends

Craft some quick, easy and super cute Easter friends with crepe paper rolls!SuppliesSheet of card stock or cereal boxCrepe paper roll(s) in desired color(s)Small scraps of colored paperYarn, buttons . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Combining Easter fun and environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day is a win-win in our eyes. Here are instructions to make DIY Easter “eggs”— a fun and clever way to wrap and hide treats f . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Make miniature baskets using simple materials like paper plates, pipe cleaners and markers; then deliver springtime treats to neighbors and friends! Supplies Paper plates, one per basket Marker . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Celebrate Earth Day by doing an art project at home and participating in local Earth Day events around San Diego. Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents How to take care of the planet—Reduce, . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Paper Bowl

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Paper Bowl

Not sure what to do with all those old magazines? Get creative and turn the pages into paper bowls or coasters! This is a great project to celebrate Earth Day – or just a fun way to spend a lazy a . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

DIY Instruments for Kids

DIY Instruments for Kids

Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe