Clay & Cinnamon Ornaments – 10 Days of DIY Gifts

November 30, 2020

Let’s kick this off! I thought I would start day one with and oldie but a goodie. I originally was going to do these separate but I ended up putting them together because, really, they are one in the same. Just decide which you would prefer, or do both!

The thing about these ornaments though is they are pretty delicate. I would no suggest doing these for anyone you have to ship them to. Stick with local friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.

Let’s start with the Air Dry Clay ornaments, I picked up my clay at Hobby Lobby and bought a ten pound box for $10.99 (not including the 40% off coupon they always have.) Find mine HERE

I just rolled it out as you would any dough and used cookie cutters to make my shapes.

Things I learned:

Work in small batches
Don’t roll too much, in fact, use you hand as much as possible and use the roller to smooth
Flip as you flatten, this clay can stick to surfaces quick

Once you have all your shapes cut out be sure to make a hole for your ribbon. I just used a straw, you could also use toothpicks. Now just let dry.

**Note: I let my ornaments air dry for three days and they were still kind of damp and crumbly. I live in Florida where it is very humid, so I put mine in the oven at 200 degrees for 20 min and it really helped dry them out and make them more solid.

For a fun little addition I brushed some gold paint on some of them 🙂

Cinnamon Ornaments

Moving on to the cinnamon ornaments – these are old school, ask you mom or grandma – they will know exactly what you are talking about. None the less, they are great to add that cinnamon smell to your Christmas home.

Start with the recipe below:

Now, much like baking, if your “dough” is to wet – add some cinnamon. If it is too dry, add some applesauce. You want it to be the same constancy as sugar cookie dough.

Now, like the clay, roll it out – working in small batches – and cut out your gingerbread men (or whatever you want to make).

If you are in a climate where it is less humid or perhaps you already have the heat on in your home – just let them sit out for about 24 hours. If you are like me in a humid climate – 200 degrees for 20 min.