Christmas Crafts: Clay Ornaments

1 cup cornstarch
2 cups baking soda
1 1/2 cups of water

1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2 Sift together the cornstarch and baking soda; gradually add the water.
3 Grease baking sheet with butter or margarine.
4 Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture resembles smooth mashed potatoes.
5 Turn out on to a counter and knead until smooth.
6 Cut out designs using holiday-themed cookie cutters. Decorate as desired.
7 Using a pencil, pokes a hole in the top of each ornament.
8 Place in the oven for about 5 minutes to harden the clay.
9 Remove from oven. If desired, spray polyurethane on the ornaments to make them last longer. Set aside for 24 hours.
10 Paint the ornaments as desired.
11 Leave the ornaments for another 24 hours or until dried completely.

Tie a colored ribbon through the hole in the ornament and hang on the Christmas tree (can also use a metal ornament hanger).

These christmas crafts will last for years, write the year you made them on the back of the ornament for sentimental purposes.

Clay Ornament Ideas:
Ad food coloring to small batches of the clay.

Twist together red and white clay strips for candy canes.

Make figures from the colored clays.

Use cookie cutters for the shape, dry 24 hrs, then paint with water colors or ceramic paints. Bake & seal.

Make a dog figure and wrap it around a doggie treat.

Glue magnets to small clay ornaments to hang on a refrigerator.

Tiny ornaments can be used as earrings or string them on ribbon or yarn for necklaces.

String ornaments for use a garlands.

Use your imagination & have fun!