Christmas Ornaments

 

 

Christmas Craft Project - Christmas Ornaments

 

Equipment: Large bowl. Plastic bag. Small knife. Cookie sheet. Toothpicks. Small flat and fine-pointed paintbrushes. Brush for varnish.

Materials: Cookie clay recipe (see below). Fine wire for loops. Tempera or poster paints. Clear high-gloss varnish or gloss wood finish.

Cookie Clay: 4 cups flour; 1 cup salt; 2 teaspoons mustard powder; 1 1/4 cups water.

Using fingers, mix ingredients together in a large bowl. If clay is too stiff, add a little more water. When thoroughly mixed, lift from bowl and knead for five minutes. To prevent drying, put clay in a plastic bag and keep closed until needed.

Directions: Pinch off a piece of clay; re-close plastic bag. Roll the clay into a ball in the palm of your hand. Following illustration, form the basic body shapes. Form separate heads, hats, arms, pompons, and shoes, using smaller amounts of clay. Some shapes may be formed with just one piece of clay (see illustrations above, which are about 1/4 smaller than actual size). Make shapes about 3/4" to 1/2" thick. Use small knife and small tools such as manicure equipment. To join pieces, dip fingertips in water; moisten edges of pieces; press together. Pieces added on front surfaces, such as figures on tree and heart. are about 1/8" thick.

Place pieces on cookie sheet for final shaping. When Ornament is completed, form short piece of wire into loop; insert wire ends into top piece for hanging.

Prick shape with a toothpick in three or four places to prevent uneven rising. Bake at 300� F. for 2 to 3 hours, depending upon thickness of ornament. Ours are approximately 3/8"-1/2" thick. Test with a toothpick; if still soft, bake a little longer. Let shapes cool completely.

Paint shapes as shown or as desired; leave tan areas in natural cookie color. When paint is completely dry, brush on the varnish or gloss finish as a protective coating. Give ornaments two or more coats, drying between each, depending on amount of glossiness desired.

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