Tag Archives: crafts

Clay Handprint Impressions & Ornaments

I tried something new this year, using clay to make  ornaments.  I dare say that it worked fabulously.  It onlclayy takes a few supplies.

The clay takes about a week to dry. If you want to make these for holiday gifts, then there is still time.

just gather the following supplies:

  • Air Dry Clay (available at craft stores or even on Amazon)
  • Triple Thick Glaze
  • Straw
  • Parchment or Wax Paper
  • knife or round biscuit cutter
  • Rolling pin
  • Ribbon
  • wipes

Lay out some wax paper or parchment paper.  Roll out the clay to the desired shape.  Bobby and I made candy canes as well as handprints.  For the hand impressions, roll the clay until it is about 1/4 of an inch thick.  Press your little ones hand into it.  Wipe off their hand with wipes. Then cut out around the handprint.  I used a biscuit cutter, but a knife would work as well.  Then use a straw to make hole(s) at the top. Smaller handprints only need one hole, but larger ones hang better with two.

Clay BobbyLet it dry for about five days.  Then you can paint it as you like.  For the impressions, I used a triple thick gloss and glitter.  For the candy-canes, I used red paint and then after it dried the triple thick gloss.

Use ribbon to hang.  Viola!  Cherish for years to come!Clay Gloss

Advertisement

Fall Foliage Fun

One of my favorite things about fall is the abundance of beautiful leaves.   They provide hours of entertainment.  Bobby has had fun raking them into huge piles; then, running through the pile and lastly tossing the remnants of the pile into the air.  Of course, CJ has been part of the action too by crawling through the piles.

Living amongst trees provides not only rambunctious activities but also crafty ones as well. After collecting a few special leaves, Bobby and I have made impressions in salt-dough, centerpieces and paintings.   My favorite project so far has been the classic leaf print.  It’s easy, fast and provides lots of creative fun.

All you need to do is gather a few leaves, paints, brushes and paper.

Paint the leaf and then press the painted leaf on a blank paper.  Remove it carefully and let it dry.  Voila, a beautiful autumn decoration to cherish for years to come.  Make extras to send along to family or to bring with you as a hostess gift on Thanksgiving.