19 DIY Clay Christmas Ornament Ideas to Spark Joy or Sell This Festive Season!

Making your own DIY clay Christmas ornaments is a fun and rewarding holiday project. You can create unique decorations that reflect your personal style and add a special touch to your tree.

With clay Christmas ornaments, you can unleash your creativity and make decorations in any shape or design you want. You can use cookie cutters for simple shapes or sculpt more complex figures by hand.

Clay ornaments can be painted, stamped, or left plain for a natural look. The options are endless, allowing you to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind decorations for your home.

DIY Clay Christmas Ornaments to Make and Sell

In this post, we’re going to explore 15+ of the most enchanting, easy-to-make DIY Christmas ornaments that are sure to bring a smile to your face and fatten your wallet. These DIY ornaments also make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Grab your glue gun, some glitter, and let’s turn this festive season into a holly jolly success story!

1) Snowflake Imprint Ornaments

Snowflake imprint ornaments add a delicate touch to your Christmas tree. You can make these beautiful decorations using clay and simple household items.

Start by rolling out white clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to create the base shape for your ornament.

Next, gather objects with snowflake-like patterns. Lace doilies, intricate buttons, or even actual snowflake ornaments work well for this purpose.

Press your chosen item gently into the clay to create an imprint. Be careful not to push too hard, as you want a subtle impression.

Use a straw or small round object to make a hole near the top of the ornament for hanging. Bake the clay according to the package instructions.

Once cooled, you can leave the ornaments plain white for a classic look. Or, add some sparkle with glitter or metallic paint to highlight the imprinted design.

Thread a ribbon through the hole, and your snowflake imprint ornament is ready to hang. These make great gifts or additions to your own holiday decor.

2) Marbled Clay Baubles

Marbled clay baubles add a touch of elegance to your Christmas tree. You can make these ornaments with air-dry clay and acrylic paint. Start by mixing different colors of clay to create a marbled effect.

Roll the clay into small balls and flatten them slightly. Use a straw or toothpick to make a hole for hanging. Let the clay dry completely according to the package instructions.

Once dry, paint your baubles with metallic or pearlescent acrylics for extra shine. You can also leave them unpainted for a more natural look. Clear Christmas baubles filled with colorful clay pieces are another eye-catching option.

To hang your marbled ornaments, thread ribbon or twine through the holes. These unique decorations will make your tree stand out. You can even give them as gifts to friends and family.

Remember to handle your clay baubles with care, as they can be fragile. Store them in a safe place when not in use to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

3) Gingerbread Man Shapes

Gingerbread man shapes are a classic choice for clay Christmas ornaments. You can easily create these festive figures using air dry clay. Start by rolling out the clay to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Use a gingerbread man cookie cutter to cut out the shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, draw the outline on paper and use it as a template to cut around with a knife.

Add details to your gingerbread men using various tools. A toothpick works well for making eyes, buttons, and smiles. You can also press texture into the clay for a more interesting look.

Don’t forget to make a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging. A straw works perfectly for this task.

Once your gingerbread men are shaped and decorated, let them air dry completely. This usually takes 24-48 hours, depending on the clay and humidity.

After drying, you can paint your ornaments. Use brown for a traditional look, or get creative with bright colors. Add details like candy canes or buttons with contrasting paint colors.

Finally, thread ribbon or string through the hanging hole. Your gingerbread man ornaments are now ready to adorn your Christmas tree or give as charming homemade gifts.

4) Personalized Name Tags

Make your gifts extra special with handmade clay name tags. These tags add a personal touch to your presents and can double as ornaments.

To create these, roll out air-dry clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.

Add names using alphabet stamps or by hand with a pointed tool. Don’t forget to make a small hole for hanging.

Let the clay dry completely. This can take 24-48 hours depending on the thickness and humidity.

Once dry, you can leave them natural or paint them. Acrylic paints work well for this project. Add some sparkle with glitter if you’d like.

Tie your clay name tags to gifts with ribbon or twine. After the holidays, recipients can hang them on their tree as ornaments.

These clay gift tags are not only useful but also become cherished keepsakes. They’re a great way to add a handmade touch to your gift-giving.

5) Nature-Inspired Leaf Prints

Bring the beauty of nature to your Christmas tree with leaf print ornaments. These unique decorations are easy to make and add a touch of the outdoors to your holiday decor.

To create leaf print ornaments, start with polymer clay in a light color. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut circles using a cookie cutter or glass.

Next, gather some interesting leaves from your yard or local park. Place a leaf on the clay circle and gently roll over it with a rolling pin. This will create a textured imprint of the leaf in the clay.

Remove the leaf and use a straw to make a hole near the top for hanging. Bake the clay according to the package instructions. Once cooled, you can leave the ornaments as is or paint them.

For a festive touch, try painting the raised leaf design with metallic gold or silver paint. This will make the leaf pattern stand out beautifully on your tree.

Thread a ribbon through the hole, and your nature-inspired ornaments are ready to hang. These make great gifts for nature lovers or a special addition to your own tree.

6) Golden Snowflake Discs

Create elegant golden snowflake discs to add a touch of sparkle to your Christmas tree. Start with wooden discs as your base. Paint them gold for a luxurious look.

Use white clay to make small snowflakes. Roll out the clay thinly and cut snowflake shapes with cookie cutters or by hand. Press these onto the golden discs while the clay is still soft.

Once the clay dries, add extra shimmer with glitter glue or metallic paint. You can highlight the snowflake patterns or add dots around the edges for more detail.

Attach a ribbon or twine to hang your ornaments. These golden snowflake discs will catch the light beautifully on your tree. They also make great gifts or decorations for wreaths and garlands.

You can personalize each disc by adding names or dates with paint pens. This turns them into special keepsakes. Try different color combinations like silver discs with gold snowflakes for variety.

7) Retro Star Cutouts

Retro star cutouts bring a touch of nostalgia to your Christmas tree. You can make these ornaments using air-dry clay or oven-bake clay. Roll out the clay to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Use star-shaped cookie cutters to create your ornaments. Pick different sizes for variety. Make a small hole near the top of each star for hanging.

For a vintage look, press textured items into the clay before cutting. Try lace, doilies, or vintage buttons for interesting patterns.

Let the clay dry or bake according to package instructions. Once cooled, paint your stars with metallic colors like gold, silver, or copper. You can also use muted tones for a more aged appearance.

To finish, thread ribbon or twine through the hanging hole. You might add glitter or antique wax around the edges for extra sparkle or depth. These retro star cutouts will add charm to your Christmas decor.

8) Festive Candy Cane Shapes

Candy canes are a classic Christmas symbol that make great clay ornaments. You can easily create these festive shapes using air-dry clay.

Roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a candy cane-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your ornaments. If you don’t have a cutter, you can freehand the shape with a knife.

Smooth the edges with your finger dipped in water. Don’t forget to make a small hole at the top for hanging before the clay dries.

Once dry, paint your candy canes with red and white stripes. For a twist, try other color combinations like blue and silver or green and gold.

You can add texture to your ornaments by pressing fabric or lace into the clay before cutting. This gives a unique, rustic look.

For extra sparkle, brush on some glitter glue or add tiny sequins. You could also attach small jingle bells to the curved end of the candy cane.

These clay candy canes make charming tree decorations. You can also use them as gift tags or package toppers for a festive touch.

9) Glitter-Dipped Trees

Glitter-dipped clay trees are a sparkly addition to your Christmas decor. To make these, start with small cone-shaped clay trees. You can form these by hand or use a mold.

Once your clay trees are dry, it’s time to add some shine. Dip the bottom portion of each tree in glue, then roll it in fine glitter. You can use traditional colors like green or silver, or try something bold like pink or blue.

For a more subtle look, try dipping just the tips of the tree branches in glitter. This creates a frosted effect that’s perfect for a winter wonderland theme.

Don’t forget to add a small hook or loop at the top of your tree before the clay dries. This will allow you to hang your glitter ornament on your Christmas tree.

These glitter-dipped trees make great gifts too. Package them in clear boxes with some tissue paper for a festive presentation. Your friends and family will love these handmade treasures.

10) Minimalist Bell Designs

Want to add a touch of elegance to your tree? Try making minimalist clay bell ornaments. These simple designs can create a stunning visual impact.

Start with white or light-colored air-dry clay. Roll it out thin and cut bell shapes using a cookie cutter. Smooth the edges for a clean look.

You can leave the bells plain white for a truly minimal style. Or add subtle details with a needle tool to create texture. Thin baker’s twine works well as a hanger and clapper.

For a modern twist, paint half the bell in metallic gold or silver. This creates an eye-catching two-tone effect while keeping the design simple.

Another option is to stamp a small geometric pattern on one side of the bell. Use a simple star or dot design to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

These clay bell ornaments pair beautifully with other streamlined decorations. They add a touch of handmade charm without overwhelming your tree. Their clean lines and neutral colors create a calm, sophisticated holiday look.

11) Stamped Message Charms

Stamped message charms add a personal touch to your Christmas tree. You can create these ornaments using clay and letter stamps. To start, roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut the clay into small circles or other shapes. Use a drinking glass or cookie cutter for this step. Make a small hole near the top for hanging.

Next, choose your message. Pick short phrases like “Joy,” “Peace,” or “Noel.” Press letter stamps firmly into the clay to create your chosen words.

Bake the ornaments at 260 degrees F for about 30 minutes. After they cool, you can add some flair. Try brushing metallic gold paint into the stamped letters.

For a finishing touch, paint the edges of your ornaments with gold. This will make them stand out on your tree. Thread ribbon or twine through the hole to hang your new stamped message charms.

These custom ornaments make great gifts too. You can create personalized charms with names or special dates. Your friends and family will love these unique, handmade decorations.

12) Traditional Holly Leaves

Holly leaves are a classic Christmas symbol. You can make beautiful clay ornaments that capture their distinctive shape. Start with some air-dry or oven-bake clay.

Roll out the clay to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a holly leaf cookie cutter or trace around a real leaf to get the shape. Cut out several leaves with a knife.

Press a toothpick into the clay to create the leaf’s veins. Make a small hole at the top for hanging. Let the clay dry or bake according to the package instructions.

Once dry, paint your holly leaves green. Add some red berries made from small clay balls. You can use gold leaf to add sparkle to the edges.

String a ribbon through the hole and hang your holly leaf ornaments on the tree. They’ll add a traditional touch to your Christmas decorations. You can also use them to decorate wreaths or gift packages.

13) Glazed Effect Balls

Clay ornaments can look extra special with a glazed effect. You can create this look using polymer clay and some simple techniques.

Start by making smooth, round balls from your clay. Once shaped, bake them according to the clay’s instructions.

After cooling, apply a thin layer of liquid polymer clay to the surface. This creates a glossy finish when rebaked. You can also use clear nail polish for a similar effect.

For a more colorful glaze, mix liquid clay with alcohol inks. This allows you to make custom colors and create swirled patterns on your ornaments.

Another option is to use resin for an ultra-shiny finish. Pour a thin layer over your baked clay balls and let it cure.

Glass ball ornaments can inspire your glazed clay designs. Try adding small decorations inside clear clay balls before glazing for a unique look.

Remember to add a hook or loop for hanging before your final bake or glaze. This ensures your ornaments are ready to display on your tree.

14) Lace Pattern Discs

Lace pattern discs are a beautiful way to add elegance to your Christmas tree. You can make these ornaments using air dry clay and simple dotting tools.

Start by rolling out your clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a circular cookie cutter to create disc shapes.

Next, grab your dotting tools. These can be anything from actual dotting tools to toothpicks or even the back of a paintbrush.

Begin creating your lace pattern by making small indentations in the clay. Work from the outside in, making symmetrical designs.

You can create various patterns like flowers, swirls, or geometric shapes. Let your creativity guide you.

Once you’re happy with your design, let the clay dry completely. This may take 24-48 hours depending on the clay you use.

After drying, you can paint your lace discs if desired. White or metallic colors work well to highlight the intricate patterns.

Finally, add a ribbon or string through a small hole at the top of the disc for hanging. Your delicate lace pattern ornaments are now ready to adorn your tree.

15) Pine Cone Impression Ornaments

Pine cone impression ornaments are a fun and easy way to bring nature into your Christmas decor. You can make these unique clay ornaments using real pine cones as molds.

To start, roll out some air-dry clay to about 1/4 inch thickness. Press a pine cone firmly into the clay to create a detailed impression.

Cut around the impression with a knife or cookie cutter to form your ornament shape. Don’t forget to poke a small hole at the top for hanging.

Let the clay dry completely according to the package instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.

Once dry, you can leave the ornaments natural or paint them in festive colors. Gold or silver paint can give them an elegant look.

These ornaments make great gifts or additions to your own tree. You can also use them as gift toppers or holiday decor around your home.

Try using different sizes and types of pine cones for variety. Small pine cones work well for delicate ornaments, while larger ones create bold statement pieces.

16) Ceramic Finish Tags

Want to give your clay ornaments a sophisticated look? Try making ceramic finish tags. These elegant decorations add a touch of class to your Christmas tree or gifts.

Start with polymer clay instead of air-dry clay. This type of clay gives a more polished, ceramic-like appearance when baked. Roll out the clay using a rolling pin or brayer until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.

Use cookie cutters to create simple shapes like circles, stars, or rectangles. Make a small hole near the top of each tag for hanging. You can use a straw or toothpick for this.

Before baking, stamp your tags with letters or designs. Custom stamps work great for personalizing your ornaments or creating unique gift tags.

Bake the clay according to the package instructions. Once cooled, you can leave them as is for a matte finish or add a glaze for extra shine. Thread some baker’s twine or ribbon through the holes.

These ceramic-style tags are perfect for ornaments, gift labels, or even wine bottle decorations. Their sleek look will impress your friends and family this holiday season.

17) Hand-Painted Baubles

Hand-painted baubles are a fun and easy way to make unique clay ornaments. You can create these lovely Christmas baubles using simple materials and techniques.

Start with plain white clay baubles. Roll out air-dry clay and cut circles using cookie cutters. Make a small hole at the top for hanging before the clay dries.

Once dry, paint your baubles with acrylic paints. Choose festive colors like red, green, gold, and silver. You can paint solid colors or add patterns like stripes, dots, or swirls.

For a personalized touch, add names or short messages to your baubles. Use a fine-tipped brush or paint pen for neat lettering. You can also add glitter or small decorations for extra sparkle.

Seal your painted baubles with a clear glaze to protect the designs. This will also give them a shiny finish. Thread ribbon or string through the hole to hang your baubles on the tree.

These hand-painted clay baubles make great gifts. You can customize them for friends and family members. They’re also perfect for adding a personal touch to your own Christmas tree decorations.

18) 3D Layered Snowflakes

3D layered snowflakes are a fun and eye-catching clay ornament idea for Christmas. You can make these stunning decorations using polymer clay or air-dry clay.

Start by rolling out thin sheets of white clay. Cut out snowflake shapes in different sizes using cookie cutters or a knife. Make at least 3-4 layers per snowflake.

Stack the clay snowflake cutouts from largest to smallest. Gently press them together, leaving some space between layers for a 3D effect. Add small clay balls or swirls between layers for extra detail.

Once you’re happy with your design, bake polymer clay snowflakes according to package instructions. For air-dry clay, let them dry completely.

After your snowflakes have cooled or dried, you can add some sparkle. Paint them with metallic paint or brush on some glitter glue for a frosty look.

Attach a ribbon or string to hang your 3D snowflake ornaments on your tree. These unique decorations will add a touch of winter magic to your home.

19) Animal Figurine Ornaments

Clay is perfect for making cute animal figurine ornaments. You can shape it into any creature you like. Try making woodland animals like foxes, deer, or owls.

Farm animals are fun too. Craft tiny pigs, cows, or chickens to hang on your tree. Sea creatures like whales, fish, or octopuses add an oceanic touch.

To start, roll small clay balls for the bodies. Add details like ears, tails, and legs. Use tools to make fur textures or scales. Don’t forget to poke a small hole for hanging before the clay dries.

Paint your animals after they’re dry. Use bright colors for a playful look or natural tones for a realistic feel. You can even add glitter for extra sparkle.

These animal ornaments make great gifts. Kids love helping to make them too. You can create a whole zoo for your Christmas tree!

Choosing the Right Clay

Clay selection is crucial for making Christmas ornaments. The type of clay you pick affects how easy your ornaments are to make and how long they last. Let’s look at some good clay options and why air-dry clay is popular.

Types of Clay Suitable for Ornaments

Polymer clay works well for ornaments. It’s easy to shape and comes in many colors. You can bake it in a home oven to make it hard.

Air-dry clay is another great choice. It dries on its own without needing to be baked. This clay is good for simple shapes and textures.

Porcelain clay gives a smooth, shiny finish. It needs to be fired in a kiln, so it’s best if you have access to one.

Salt dough is a homemade option. You can make it with flour, salt, and water. It’s cheap and safe for kids to use.

Pros and Cons of Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay is very popular for DIY ornaments. Here’s why:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• No baking needed
• Dries on its own
• Can be painted after drying
• Safe for kids

Cons:

• Can crack if too thin
• Takes time to dry fully
• Not as durable as baked clay
• May not be waterproof

You can make air-dry clay ornaments last longer by sealing them with varnish after they dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clay Christmas ornaments are fun and easy to make. You can create unique decorations using different materials and techniques. Let’s explore some common questions about DIY clay ornaments.

1. What materials are needed to create handmade clay Christmas ornaments?

To make clay ornaments, you’ll need clay, a rolling pin, and cookie cutters. Choose air-dry or oven-bake clay. Grab parchment paper to protect your work surface. Paint and brushes add color. String or ribbon helps hang your finished ornaments.

2. How to make polymer clay ornaments?

Start by kneading the clay until soft. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Make a small hole for hanging. Bake according to package instructions. Once cool, paint and decorate as desired.

3. How do you make clay ornaments using flour?

Mix flour, salt, and water to create salt dough. Roll it out and cut shapes. Bake at a low temperature until hard. Salt dough ornaments are great for kids’ handprints or stamping textures.

4. What are some creative ideas for DIY clay ornaments for Christmas?

Try making snowflake imprints or marbled clay baubles. Create gingerbread man shapes or personalized name tags. Press leaves into clay for nature-inspired prints. Use glitter, beads, or metallic paint to add sparkle.

5. What is the difference between using air dry clay and oven-bake clay for Christmas ornaments?

Air dry clay doesn’t need heat to harden. It dries on its own in 24-48 hours. Oven-bake clay requires baking to set. Air dry clay can crack if too thin. Oven-bake clay offers more durability and a smoother finish.

6. Are there any kits available for beginners to make clay Christmas ornaments?

Yes, craft stores sell clay ornament kits. These often include clay, cutters, paint, and instructions. Kits are great for beginners or group crafting. They provide all needed materials in one package.