How to Make Polymer Clay Ornaments

Making polymer clay ornaments is a fun and creative way to craft unique decorations for any occasion. Whether you’re designing holiday ornaments, personalized gifts, or custom home décor, polymer clay offers endless possibilities with its versatility and vibrant colors.

This guide on how to make polymer clay ornaments will walk you through the steps to create your own ornaments, from choosing the right materials to adding the finishing touches. Perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters, these projects are both simple and satisfying.

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is composed of PVC particles, plasticizers, and pigments. It can be easily molded and shaped when warmed in the hands, making it an ideal material for crafting. Once baked in the oven, polymer clay hardens into a durable plastic-like material that can be sanded, drilled, carved, and painted.

Choosing the Right Materials

To make polymer clay ornaments, you will need:

• Polymer Clay in Various Colors
• Rolling Pin or Pasta Machine
• Cookie Cutters or Shaping Tools
• Baking Sheet or Tile
• Oven Thermometer (Optional)

Before purchasing your polymer clay supplies, ensure that they are specifically designed for crafting and are safe to be baked in the oven. It is also important to have a clean work surface and tools, as any dirt or residue can affect the final product.

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make Polymer Clay Ornaments

Step 1: Condition Your Clay 

Before you begin shaping your ornaments, it is essential to condition your polymer clay. Conditioning involves kneading and softening the clay to make it more pliable and easier to work with. Take a small piece of clay and roll it between your hands or flatten it with a rolling pin. Repeat this process until the clay feels smooth, warms up slightly, and is free of cracks.

If you’re working with harder clay, consider using a pasta machine to speed up the conditioning process. Properly conditioned clay ensures better results and prevents cracking or breakage after baking.

Step 2: Choose Your Design 

Deciding on a design for your ornament is an exciting part of the process and allows you to tap into your creativity. You can create simple shapes like stars, hearts, or circles using cookie cutters or go for more intricate designs by sculpting freehand.

Consider the theme of your ornament—whether it’s for a holiday, a special event, or just for fun—and select colors and patterns that align with your vision. If you’re new to working with polymer clay, it might be helpful to sketch your design on paper first to visualize the outcome. Remember, the possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment with textures, layers, and embellishments for a unique look!

Step 3: Roll Out the Clay 

Once your clay is fully conditioned, it’s time to roll it out to your desired thickness. Place the clay on a clean, flat surface or a non-stick work mat to prevent sticking. Use a rolling pin or a pasta machine to flatten the clay evenly. Aim for a uniform thickness throughout to ensure consistent baking and durability. 

For ornaments, a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch is generally ideal—thinner pieces may break easily, while overly thick ones may not bake properly. If you’re working with multiple colors of clay, you can layer and roll them together for unique patterns or designs. Take your time to smooth out any air bubbles or uneven surfaces, as this will make decorating and cutting much easier later on.

Step 4: Cut Out Your Shape 

With your clay rolled out to your desired thickness, it’s time to cut out the shapes for your ornaments. Use your chosen cookie cutters or shaping tools to press firmly into the clay and create clean, defined edges. If you’re sculpting freehand, carefully use a craft knife or needle tool to cut out your design, ensuring precision and symmetry. 

Once your shapes are cut, gently lift them off the work surface using a thin blade or spatula to avoid distorting the edges. If needed, refine the edges of the shapes by smoothing them with your fingers or a soft silicone tool. At this stage, you can also poke a small hole near the top of each ornament using a toothpick or skewer—this will serve as the space for attaching a ribbon or string once the ornament is complete.

Step 5: Add Texture and Details 

To add depth and interest to your clay ornaments, you can incorporate texture and details before baking. This is where you can get creative with different tools or techniques such as stamping, impressing, carving, or adding small clay elements like beads or swirls.

You can also use a toothbrush, sandpaper, or a needle tool to create unique patterns on the surface of the clay. Baking will not ruin these textures; instead, it will enhance them! 

Step 6: Bake Your Ornaments 

Once your ornaments are shaped and detailed, it’s time to bake them to harden the clay. Preheat your oven according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the polymer clay packaging—typically, this is around 265°F to 275°F (129°C to 135°C). Place the ornaments on a baking sheet or a ceramic tile lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking or scorching. 

Using an oven thermometer is highly recommended to ensure the temperature remains consistent, as fluctuations can cause your clay to burn or not cure properly. Bake the ornaments for the recommended time, usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the clay. Monitor them closely during baking, but avoid opening the oven frequently, as this can disrupt the process.   

Step 7: Let Your Ornaments Cool 

Once the baking time is up, take the ornaments out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a heat-resistant surface. Be careful not to touch or move them while they are still hot, as they may be fragile at this stage. Once cooled, you can handle them easily and continue with any additional decorating or finishing touches.

It’s essential to let your ornaments cool completely before handling or hanging them, as this will ensure that the clay has hardened and will not bend or break.

Step 8: Decorate and Display 

The final step in making polymer clay ornaments is adding any final decorations or embellishments. This can include painting, glazing, varnishing, or attaching beads, glitter, ribbons, and more. Keep in mind the type of paint or finish you use—the wrong kind can damage the clay surface. Once your ornament is fully decorated and dry (if necessary), thread a ribbon or string through the pre-made hole at the top to create a loop for hanging. Your handmade polymer clay ornament is now ready to be displayed or gifted!

Following these simple steps on how to make polymer clay ornaments will ensure that you create beautiful and durable polymer clay ornaments that can be treasured for years to come. Get creative, experiment with techniques and materials, and have fun! Happy crafting!

Additional Tips and Ideas 

• For a glossy finish, you can apply a coat of clear glaze or varnish after baking. This will not only protect the clay but also give it a professional look.
• If you want to add color to your ornaments, use high-quality acrylic or enamel paints specifically designed for polymer clay. You can also mix different colors of clay before rolling it out for marbled effects.
• To create more complex designs, try using texture sheets, molds, or stencils with your clay. This will help you achieve intricate patterns and shapes effortlessly.
• Don’t limit yourself to traditional holiday themes—polymer clay ornaments can be made for any occasion or season.
• If you have leftover clay, don’t throw it away! You can combine different colors to create new shades, make miniature sculptures, or use them for small decorative elements on your ornaments. 

With these tips and ideas in mind, let your imagination run wild and enjoy the process of creating unique polymer clay ornaments that will add a personal touch to your holiday decor or make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Happy crafting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I Mix Different Brands of Polymer Clay? 

A: Yes, you can mix different brands of polymer clay. However, it’s essential to test them first to ensure they are compatible and have similar baking times and temperatures. 

Q2: Can I Bake Polymer Clay in a Toaster Oven? 

A: Yes, you can bake polymer clay in a toaster oven as long as it has a consistent temperature and a heat setting that can reach 275°F (135°C). However, it’s recommended to use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

Q3: How Long Do Polymer Clay Ornaments Last? 

A: If stored and handled carefully, polymer clay ornaments can last for many years—even decades! As with any handmade item, proper care is crucial in preserving its longevity. Avoid dropping or bending the ornaments, keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, and dust them regularly.

Conclusion

Making polymer clay ornaments is a rewarding and creative process that allows you to craft unique decorations or thoughtful gifts for any occasion. With a bit of time, patience, and imagination, you can design ornaments that reflect your personal style and creativity. Whether you’re crafting festive holiday pieces, seasonal décor, or custom keepsakes, the possibilities are endless.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide on how to make polymer clay ornaments, you can ensure your ornaments are both beautiful and durable. Most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun exploring your artistic side. Get creative this holiday season with a fun polymer clay ornaments DIY project, making personalized decorations in various shapes and colors.