Play Clay Christmas Ornaments
Create festive, colorful Christmas ornaments with play clay, perfect for kids and holiday decor, offering a fun craft activity that results in charming, personalized decorations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the cornstarch and baking soda.
- Add all the water and stir until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the consistency of slightly dry mashed potatoes and starts to thicken, bringing it to a boil.
- Turn the mixture onto a plate and cover with a damp cloth to cool.
- Once cooled enough to handle, knead the mixture until smooth and pliable on a surface dusted with cornstarch.
- Cut out shapes one at a time to create ornaments.
- Keep the dough stored in a plastic bag when not in use.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the texture, consider adding a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent. If you lack cornstarch, you can substitute with arrowroot powder, though the texture may vary slightly. For a more colorful dough, mix in food coloring before cooking. Remember to keep the dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.
Serving Suggestions
These clay ornaments are perfect for decorating a Christmas tree or hanging around the house as festive decor. Consider pairing them with homemade gifts or treats, like a batch of East Texas Hot Water Corn Bread, for a heartfelt presentation. You can also use them as tags for gift wrapping to add a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the finished ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from damaging them. If you have leftover dough, keep it in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. To rehydrate, you can knead a few drops of water into the dough until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Play Clay Christmas Ornaments contains roughly 98 calories, with 0g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these ornaments last?
When properly stored, these ornaments can last for several years. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve their integrity. If they become brittle over time, a light coat of sealant can help protect them.
Can I paint these ornaments after they dry?
Yes, once your ornaments are completely dry, you can paint them with acrylic paint for added color and detail. Just ensure they are well-cured to avoid any damage to the surface when painting.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out too sticky, simply dust your work surface with additional cornstarch while kneading. Alternatively, you can let it rest for a few minutes, which can help with the consistency before you cut out shapes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).