Make & Paint Gingerbread Clay Ornaments: Easy Holiday Craft

Quick Answer

Use the Bright Stripes Make & Paint Gingerbread Clay Ornaments kit to create a dozen festive decorations. The air-dry clay shapes are ready to paint in just one hour.

Step-by-Step Ornament Tutorial

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your table with wax paper or a silicone mat to prevent clay from sticking. Lightly dust your rolling pin with flour or cornstarch if the clay feels sticky. Skipping the dusting step can make the clay tear when you lift the cut shapes.
2. Roll Out the Clay: Knead the air-dry clay for about 30 seconds to soften it. Use the rolling pin to flatten the clay to about 1/4-inch thickness — thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to dry quickly. Clay that is too thick will take longer than an hour to dry, so aim for even thickness across the whole sheet.
3. Cut the Shapes: Press the cookie cutters firmly into the clay and wiggle them gently to release the shape. Use a toothpick to create a small hole near the top of each ornament for the twine. Make the hole larger than you think you need — the clay shrinks slightly as it dries, and a small hole may close up completely.
4. Add Decorative Details: Before the clay dries, use a toothpick or the back of a paintbrush to add details like buttons, smiley faces, or stripes. You can also press small beads or sequins into the clay. Work quickly — once the clay starts to dry (about 15 minutes), it becomes harder to imprint details cleanly.
5. Let the Ornaments Dry: Place the cut shapes on a flat surface and let them dry for at least one hour. Flip them over halfway through to ensure even drying on both sides. Humidity can slow drying time. If your shapes still feel cool or soft after an hour, give them another 30 minutes.
6. Paint and Finish: Once the clay is fully dry, paint your ornaments using the included paints. The glittery silver works well as a base coat or for accent details. Let the paint dry completely before threading the baker's twine through the hole. Apply thin coats of paint — thick layers can crack as they dry. Two thin coats give a smoother finish than one thick coat.
7. String and Display: Cut a piece of baker's twine about 8 inches long, thread it through the hole, and tie a knot. Hang the ornament on a tree, wreath, or gift package. If the hole is too small after drying, use a skewer or a small drill bit to gently ream it out before threading the twine.

Kit Highlights

• Make & Paint Gingerbread Clay Ornaments: Set includes 6 cookie cutters, air-dry clay, rolling pin, 6 paints including glittery silver, and baker's twine. Makes 12 ornaments. You do not need to buy extra tools or paint — everything arrives in one box, which simplifies setup and cleanup.