| Baker’s Clay Ornaments | | | | consists of different parts put together, water |
| | | | | should be used as glue, but it is necessary to use |
| We all have treasured Christmas ornaments | | | | it sparingly as too much will weaken the joint. |
| stashed away in boxes labeled “Christmas | | | | Impressions can be made on decorations with an |
| Decorations.” These were made over the | | | | assortment of different items such as forks, |
| years by family, friends, and especially dear to all | | | | pencil erasers, and bottle caps. A cheese grater |
| of us are the ones created by our children. | | | | makes dough shavings that can be used for |
| Make more holiday memories this year with the | | | | creating a snowman’s hat or nose. A garlic |
| simple, old-fashioned dough called “Baker’s | | | | press creates small strands perfect for adding |
| Clay.” This clay is easy to make and allows | | | | “hair.” |
| the smallest ones and those of us who are totally | | | | |
| lacking in creativity to create stunning, durable | | | | Lay ornaments on a cookie sheet along with a |
| ornaments for decoration and gift giving. | | | | small “test” piece of dough and bake |
| | | | | them at 275 degrees for three hours. You can |
| Start by making the simple dough consisting of | | | | tell by breaking the “test” piece of |
| flour, salt and water. | | | | material if the drying is complete after three |
| The recipe follows: | | | | hours. If additional time is needed, usually ½ |
| 4 cups flour | | | | hour is sufficient. Allow cooling time before |
| 1 cup salt | | | | starting the painting process. |
| 1 ½ cups water (approximately) | | | | |
| | | | | Acrylic paints are easy to apply, inexpensive, and |
| This can be mixed by hand or with a food | | | | are available in small jars from the craft section |
| processor using the bread dough attachment. | | | | of most department stores. While acrylic spray |
| Mix the flour and salt and add water until the | | | | cans are available, it is not advisable to use them |
| dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. Dough | | | | around small children. |
| must be kneaded until it becomes smooth and | | | | |
| satiny. If you are doing this by hand, it may | | | | Decorate ornaments and allow them to dry |
| take up to ten minutes. If you have not | | | | completely before applying sealer. This dough |
| kneaded it long enough, it may fall apart when it is | | | | must be sealed well as exposure to moisture will |
| drying. | | | | cause mold and disintegration will occur. Any |
| | | | | good, transparent coating can be used as long is it |
| The dough should be made at the start of the | | | | is not penetrating. Apply a coating in a well |
| project and used up rather than stored. | | | | ventilated area and let it dry completely before |
| | | | | adding another coating. If you prefer a strong |
| Assemble an assortment of items to create | | | | protective coating for your art, up to four coats |
| ornaments. Paper clips make a good hanger and | | | | can be used. |
| should be firmly pressed into the top back of the | | | | |
| ornament. A rolling pin and cookie cutters are | | | | Homemade ornaments are always appreciated |
| handy. While adults and older children may form | | | | and become family treasures for future holidays. |
| intricate Santa Clause figures or angels, smaller | | | | But the greatest benefit is derived from the fun |
| children can roll the dough out to about ¼ inch | | | | enjoyed by all during the creation of these |
| thickness and cut the clay with a snowman or a | | | | cherished decorations. |
| star cookie cutter. If making an ornament that | | | | |