Christmas Ornament Clip Art

Baker's Clay Ornaments

We all have precious Christmas ornaments hidden in boxes marked "Christmas decorations." They have been made over the years by family, friends, and especially dear to us all are those created by our children. Capture memories of holidays more this year with the simple, old-dough called "Clay Baker." This clay is easy to do and allows the smaller and those of us who lack creativity to create beautiful ornaments for decoration and lasting gift.

Start by making a simple dough made of flour, salt and water.

The recipe below:

4 cups flour

1 cup salt

Water 1 ½ cups (about)

This can be mixed by hand or with a robot using the input of dough. Mix flour and salt and add water until dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. Dough must be kneaded until it becomes smooth and satiny. If you are doing this by hand, it may take up to ten minutes. If you have not kneaded long enough, it may fall apart when it is drying.

The dough should be made early in the project and used rather than stored.

Assemble an assortment of items to create ornaments. Trombones do well and a hanger must be firmly supported in the back of the top of the ornament. A rolling pin and cookie cutters are handy. Although children and older adults may form complexes Santa figures or angels, smaller children can roll the dough about ¼ inch thick and cut the clay with a snowman or a cookie cutter star . If you make an ornament that consists of different parties together, the water should be used as a glue, but it is necessary to use it sparingly because too much weakening the joint. Prints can be made on the decorations with an assortment of different items such as bands, pencil erasers, and bottle caps. A cheese grater chips made of dough which can be used to create a snowman hat and nose. A garlic press creates perfect little bits add "hair."

ornaments Lay on a cookie sheet with a small "test" piece of dough and bake at 275 degrees for three hours. You can tell by breaking the "test" piece of equipment if the drying is complete after three hours. If additional time is needed, usually half an hour is sufficient. Allow to cool before starting the painting process.

Acrylic paints are easy to implement, inexpensive and are available in small pots in the crafts section of most department stores. While aerosol acrylic are available, it is not recommended for use in small children.

Decorate ornaments and let dry completely before applying sealer. The dough should be sealed as well as exposure to humidity causes mold and decay will occur. Any good transparent coating can be used as what time it is not penetrating. Apply a layer in a well ventilated area and let dry completely before adding another coating. If you prefer a solid coating of protection for your art, up to four layers can be used.

house ornaments are always appreciated and become family treasures for holidays to come. But the biggest benefit from the fun enjoyed by all during the creation of these expensive decorations.