DIY White Clay Dough - Christmas Ornament Recipe
The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with handmade decorations, and nothing says"personal touch" like crafting your own Christmas ornaments. This white clay dough recipe made with cornstarch and baking soda is a simple, affordable way to make beautiful, rustic ornaments for your tree or holiday gifts.
If you're looking for a fun, budget-friendly craft this holiday season, this DIY clay dough recipe is the perfect choice. Made with simple ingredients like corn starch and baking soda, white clay dough is ideal for creating beautiful Christmas ornaments. It’s so much fun to watch the dough come together! This recipe is also perfect for creating children’s handprints, making it a wonderful keepsake project.
Up until a few years ago, I had no idea that mixing cornstarch, baking soda, and water could create such a soft, pliable dough that dries hard with a bright white finish. My granddaughter and I were at the library one day, browsing through Christmas craft books, when we stumbled upon this DIY white clay dough recipe. We couldn’t resist trying it out. Making the dough was incredibly easy, and I absolutely love their bright white finish. Not only are they simple and affordable to make, but they also turn out beautifully. Whether you're adding them to your Christmas tree or including them as part of a gift, these ornaments are sure to bring a handmade charm to the season.
If you’re looking for a fun winter craft, kids will love creating their own little clay dough snowmen. It’s the perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon together. These DIY snowmen are a fun twist on white clay dough ornaments. They use the same simple ingredients, baking soda, cornstarch, and water in different amounts to create a soft, moldable dough perfect for crafting adorable snowmen. This recipe is just as easy and budget-friendly, making it a great holiday activity. Find the full recipe below.
Why Choose White Clay Dough?
White clay dough is an excellent alternative to traditional salt dough. It dries to a smoother, bright white finish that's perfect for painting or leaving natural for a minimalist look. Plus, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry!
Will white clay dough ruin my pan? No, the mixture of corn starch and baking soda won't damage your pan. I wondered the same thing the first time I made it, but both the ingredients dissolve almost instantly in water.
Tips for Success
• Store unused dough: Wrap leftover dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Avoid cracks: Work quickly to shape the ornaments, as the dough can dry out. Keep a damp cloth nearby to cover the dough when not in use.
• Smooth edges: Use a damp finger to smooth any rough edges before drying.
Let's Get Started
Ingredients for White Clay Dough
To get started, you'll need:
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup baking soda
• 3/4 cup water
These simple ingredients combine to create a soft, pliable dough that's easy to work with and safe for kids, making this a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
How to Make White Clay Dough
Step by Step Guide to Making White Clay Dough
Combine Ingredients: Mix the cornstarch, baking soda, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Cook the Dough: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. As it heats, the mixture will thicken into a dough. When it starts to pull away from the sides of the pan it's ready.
Cool and Knead: Transfer the dough to a bowl and cover with a damp cloth to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, knead the dough until smooth.
Making White Clay Dough Ornaments
1. Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes.
3. Add Details: Use stamps, textured materials, or a toothpick to create patterns or designs. Don't forget to poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
4. Dry the Ornaments: Air-dry the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 24-48 hours, flipping them occasionally.
Alternatively, bake them at 175°F (80°C) for 1-2 hours, checking frequently to avoid cracking.
Decorating Your Ornaments
Once dry, these white clay ornaments are ready to shine! Here are some decoration ideas:
• Keep them natural: Leave the ornaments white for a clean, minimalist look.
• Paint them: Use acrylic paint or metallic markers for vibrant designs.
• Add glitter: Brush on a thin layer of glue and sprinkle glitter for sparkle.
• Tie with ribbon: Use twine or colorful ribbons to hang the ornaments on your tree.
These homemade white clay dough Christmas ornaments are a delightful way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor. They also make thoughtful gifts or keepsakes that loved ones will cherish for years to come. So gather your supplies and let your creativity shine this holiday season!
This holiday season, set aside store-bought ornaments and invest time in creating custom decorations with this easy recipe for white clay dough. Not only will you enjoy the creative process, but you will also establish a cherished tradition that your family can continue for generations. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be filled with joy and creativity!
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