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Christmas Ornaments -Beautiful, Easy and Fun

Baker’s Clay Ornaments

 

We all have treasured Christmas ornaments stashed away in boxes labeled “Christmas Decorations.”  These were made over the years by family, friends, and especially dear to all of us are the ones created by our children.  Make more holiday memories this year with the simple, old-fashioned dough called “Baker’s Clay.”  This clay is easy to make and allows the smallest ones and those of us who are totally lacking in creativity to create stunning, durable ornaments for decoration and gift giving. 

 

Start by making the simple dough consisting of flour, salt and water.

The recipe follows:

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

1 ½ cups water (approximately)

 

This can be mixed by hand or with a food processor using the bread dough attachment.  Mix the flour and salt and add water until the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky.  Dough must be kneaded until it becomes smooth and satiny.  If you are doing this by hand, it may take up to ten minutes.  If you have not kneaded it long enough, it may fall apart when it is drying.

 

The dough should be made at the start of the project and used up rather than stored. 

 

Assemble an assortment of items to create ornaments.  Paper clips make a good hanger and should be firmly pressed into the top back of the ornament. A rolling pin and cookie cutters are handy.  While adults and older children may form intricate Santa Clause figures or angels, smaller children can roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness and cut the clay with a snowman or a star cookie cutter.  If making an ornament that consists of different parts put together, water should be used as glue, but it is necessary to use it sparingly as too much will weaken the joint.  Impressions can be made on decorations with an assortment of different items such as forks, pencil erasers, and bottle caps.  A cheese grater makes dough shavings that can be used for creating a snowman’s hat or nose.  A garlic press creates small strands perfect for adding “hair.”

 

Lay ornaments on a cookie sheet along with a small “test” piece of dough and bake them at 275 degrees for three hours.  You can tell by breaking the “test” piece of material if the drying is complete after three hours.  If additional time is needed, usually ½ hour is sufficient.  Allow cooling time before starting the painting process.

 

Acrylic paints are easy to apply, inexpensive, and are available in small jars from the craft section of most department stores.  While acrylic spray cans are available, it is not advisable to use them around small children.

 

Decorate ornaments and allow them to dry completely before applying sealer.  This dough must be sealed well as exposure to moisture will cause mold and disintegration will occur.  Any good, transparent coating can be used as long is it is not penetrating.  Apply a coating in a well ventilated area and let it dry completely before adding another coating.  If you prefer a strong protective coating for your art, up to four coats can be used.

 

Homemade ornaments are always appreciated and become family treasures for future holidays.  But the greatest benefit is derived from the fun enjoyed by all during the creation of these cherished decorations.

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