Play Clay To Make Ornaments
Create charming, colorful ornaments with this easy play clay, perfect for children and craft lovers to shape, paint, and display personal decorations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix baking soda and cornstarch together, blending well.
- Add cold water and mix until the mixture is smooth.
- Boil the mixture for 1 minute until it has the consistency of moist mashed potatoes.
- Stir constantly during boiling.
- Spoon out the mixture onto a plate.
- Cover with a damp cloth and allow it to cool.
- Knead the dough and roll it out on waxed paper.
- Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or shape by hand.
- Let the ornaments dry for 2 or 3 days.
- Paint with watercolor or food coloring.
- Dry well, then coat with clear shellac or nail polish.
- Mount hangers on the back with glue or press into the back before drying.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the baking soda and cornstarch are thoroughly blended before adding water. If you want to add color, consider using food coloring for a vibrant finish. If you run out of cornstarch, you can substitute it with equal parts of flour, though the texture might differ slightly. Keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out during the process.
Serving Suggestions
These ornaments make delightful gifts or decorations for special occasions. Pair them with a festive display, or use them as unique gift tags for family and friends. They also pair beautifully with the creative spirit found in vegan recipes, allowing for a fun and artistic crafting session with kids or adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store any unused play clay in an airtight container to keep it fresh for future use. If the clay dries out, you can add a few drops of water and knead it until it's workable again. Once your ornaments are finished and dry, display them or store them in a cool, dry place to preserve their color and shape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Play Clay To Make Ornaments contains roughly 353 calories, with 3g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1240mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
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 the ornaments take to dry completely?
The ornaments typically take 2 to 3 days to dry completely, depending on the thickness of the shapes you cut out. Ensure they are in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process, and check them periodically to prevent any moisture from causing them to become soft.
Can I paint the ornaments with any type of paint?
While watercolor and food coloring work best for these ornaments, you can also use acrylic paints for a more vibrant finish. Just ensure the paint is non-toxic, especially if children will be handling the ornaments. Let the paint dry thoroughly before sealing.
What should I use to seal the finished ornaments?
To protect your painted ornaments, use a clear shellac or non-toxic nail polish as a sealant. This will give them a glossy finish and help preserve the colors. Apply a thin coat and allow it to dry completely before displaying or hanging.
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).