Handmade Christmas Gift Idea Clay ornaments

With the holidays fast approaching, we wanted to make sure we gave to everyone on our list handmade style. In an effort to save money, give from the heart, and for an added bonus, kept my kids busy for an afternoon or two.  We decided to make our own Christmas ornaments to give along with our cookies. These make great gifts to friends neighbors, teachers, and especially grandparents, who interestingly enough gave me the idea to make them.

So what you need to make these:

1) Clay ( either bakable or air dry) we used air dry because we had some on hand  I have a hunch that bakeable might be a little better. My mom used Sculpy brand.

2) Cookie cutters  (any will do, we used our Christmas themed)

3) Rolling pin

4)  Paint and Glitter to decorate

This idea is really self explanatory, but just in case.... Roll out your clay about 1/2 an inch to an inch thick. Cut out, don't forget to leave a hole at the top for hanging. Now follow directions for baking or set out to air dry. Air drying usually takes 24 hours depending on thickness, bakeable is much faster. You can however against recommendation on the clay package put the air dry in the oven on a low temp for a few minutes, but keep a close eye, otherwise they crack. Then when the clay is all dried out decorate till your hearts content!! :)

Hope this inspires some great gifts!!