How to Make Clay Candy Cane Ornaments

This is an easy project that is perfect for children. The ornaments are a fun addition to your collection. They also make excellent gifts from children to grandparents or family friends.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polymer modeling clay in red and white
• Aluminum foil
• Cookie sheets
• Putty knife (or play dough knife or butter knife)

1. Cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Remove the red clay from the package and knead it until it's soft and pliable. Roll the clay between your palm and the table into a long "snake" about 1/2 inch thick.

3. Remove the white clay from the package and knead it until it is soft and pliable. Roll the clay between your palm and the table into a long "snake" about 1/2 inch thick.

4. Use the knife to cut each "snake" into 4 inch lengths.

5. Pick up one length of red clay and one length of white. Pinch the ends together. Twist the two pieces of clay so that a swirl pattern is formed.

6. Gently roll the swirled clay in your palms until you have rounded the two pieces into a long tube (or snake) about 1/2 inch thick. Your red and white swirled "snake" should be about 6 inches long now.

7. Place the swirled clay onto the cookie sheet. Bend the top of the clay down to form a letter "J" (or candy cane shape). If necessary you can use the knife to trim the ends of the candy cane.

8. Bake the candy canes for about 15 minutes in a 250 degree oven. Check the instructions that came with the clay for slight variances in brands. Some call for a temperature of 225 degrees and others say 300. Make sure the room is well ventilated. If possible turn on the fan or open a window.

9. Let the candy canes cool completely before you remove them from the tray.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the candy canes every few minutes during baking. Over baking can cause melting or burning.
• You can use an acrylic glue (such as krazy glue or super glue) if needed on the dried ornaments.
• You can use acrylic paint to add a name or year to the back of the ornament.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation when baking. The polymer fumes can give you a headache if inhaled.

Resources

• Make clay Christmas Tree ornements
• Make clay sant ornements

[lilybean]

on 12/9/2007 That sounds like a great idea, grouch. I'm gonna try athat too.

[grouch]

on 12/9/2007 This idea is just in time for the holidays. Making some of these and attaching them to packages gives even a store bought gift that little homemade personal feeling. Thanks.