How to Make a Christmas Tree From Polymer Clay

Polymer clay should always be properly conditioned before shaping.

Polymer clay is a versatile medium that can provide holiday craft enthusiasts with myriad project possibilities. One polymer clay project that can be whipped together in an afternoon is a chic, gold-accented Christmas tree about the size of a coffee mug. Simple to make, the tree can be used as a table decoration or filled with candy and given as a gift.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic funnel, 3 to 4 inches in diameter
• 2 oz. package green polymer clay
• 2 oz. package glitter gold polymer clay
• 1 bottle translucent liquid polymer clay
• 2 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 medium paintbrushes
• Small cup
• Rolling pin
• Rolling surface
• Kitchen knife
• Plastic drinking straw
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Instructions

1. Unwrap the package of green polymer clay on a work surface. Cut the clay into pieces roughly the size of playing dice, then knead them together until they form a pliable ball. Press down on the ball and roll it back and forth to create a long worm shape. Pull the ends of the clay to stretch it out, then double it over on itself and mash it back into a ball. Repeat this process at least a dozen times to condition the clay for proper hardening.

2. Pour two tablespoons of cornstarch into a small cup. Use a medium-sized paintbrush to brush the cornstarch onto the inside of the funnel. The entire inner surface should be covered in a light, even dusting.

3. Press the clay gently and evenly into the funnel, lining the sides to create a hollow cone
   approximately one-eighth-inch thick.

4. Cover a baking pan with parchment paper. Hold the clay in place while turning the funnel upside down and setting it on the paper. Pull the funnel away to reveal the cone of green clay. Smooth down the tip of the tree with your fingers if the clay juts out at the top.

5. Unwrap the package of gold clay and condition it in the same way as the green clay.

6. Use a rolling pin to roll the clay into a sheet that is roughly one-sixteenth-inch thick and 9 inches in length. Cut two strips of the clay with a knife, each strip measuring about 9 inches long and one-eighth-inch wide for garlands.

7. Squeeze a line of liquid polymer clay onto the tree, starting at the base and winding upward, as if drawing a garland with the clear gel.

8. Press one of the strips of clay onto the line, using the liquid polymer as glue, adhering the strip to the tree. Draw a second line of liquid polymer on the tree to create the base for a second garland, then press the other strip onto it.

9. Push the end of a plastic straw into the sheet of gold clay 10 or 15 times to create small discs. Apply a dot of liquid polymer to the back of each disc and press them onto the tree as ornaments.

10. Roll a small piece of gold clay into a ball. Using your fingers, shape it into a star. Press a fingertip into the bottom of the star to create an indentation and attach it to the top of the tree with liquid polymer clay.

11. Bake the polymer tree according to the directions on the clay packaging.

Tips & Warnings

• To fill the tree with candy as a gift, flip the finished, baked tree over and pour in the sweets, then cover the bottom with a piece of cellophane and secure it with a red or green rubber band.

• If overheated, polymer clay can emit toxic fumes. Always follow the manufacturers directions and reduce the oven temperature if the clay appears to be burning or melting.

• Polymer clay can permanently stain tools and rolling surfaces. Use tools that are disposable or earmarked for polymer clay projects.

References

• Polyclay: Frequently Asked Questions About Polymer Clay
• Polymer Tutorials: Getting Started with Polymer Clay
• Polymer Tutorials: Polymer Clay Finishing