Holiday Ornaments Kids Can Make
Using Baker's Clay to Make Bread Dough Christmas Decorations
Dec 14, 2007
Ask an adult to handcraft a gift and they are likely to pass with the explanation that they just are not creative or don’t have that crafting knack.
Regardless of how creative adults think they are, children love to try their hands at making things and are willing to jump in with both hands (and feet!) to make something they (and their parents) can be proud to display.
Baker’s clay is as old as time dating back to the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who would pay respect to their gods with dough figure offerings. Then in 19th century Germany when the Christmas tree gained popularity, peasants would make their ornaments from bread dough.
Today baker’s clay (sometimes called bread dough) has become a popular medium for making things as diverse as baskets and wall art to candle holders and wreaths. And it’s the perfect medium for creating holiday ornaments; one which children can easily work with and parents will find entertaining as well.
Dough Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup salt
1 to 2 cups water
Mix flour and salt in large bowl and slowly add water until the consistency of pie crust dough. Ideally the dough should be stiff yet smooth, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Dough that is too dry will crack, and if it is too moist it can puff like pastry. Once mixed, remove the dough and knead it until it is workable and pliable.
Making Ornaments
Roll out the dough to 1/4” to 1/2” in thickness on a floured board and use cookie cutters or other household objects to cut shapes. Or feel free to mold objects by hand for a real personal touch.
Be sure to slip a bit of string, medium gauge wire, or an ornament hook into the top – before drying -- for hanging on the tree later. For the wire or hook, gently push the end(s) into the top. For the string, try using a toothpick and pushing the two ends in or create a whole at the top of the ornament large enough to pull ribbon through. After drying, add a dollop of clear drying glue to secure.
Because this dough can be dried by air (a few days to a week depending on thickness and size of the piece), remember to store any unused dough in an airtight container, plastic wrap or tin foil. The dough can also be baked in a 275 to 300 degree oven until it is completely dry and rock hard, approximately half an hour per 1/4” thickness.
Decorating Ornaments
While some people like to add a few drops of food color to the dough in advance of drying, many times the color can look faded later on.
Painting and adding decorative pieces can be more fun, especially for the kids. Wait until the ornaments completely dry and cool and use acrylic or water-based paints. Glue on ribbons, buttons, glitter and anything in the craft box. Be sure to seal the project with a spray acrylic medium.
Some Final Tips
- Moisten parts with a little water to connect them together
- Use a toothpick, fork, or other items to make designs in the soft dough
- Press dough through a garlic press to make hair
- Prepare only as much dough as will be used to avoid waste
- Bake items of similar thicknesses to avoid burning thinner items
Have fun and happy holidays!
