200 g white or natural air-dry clay (one standard small block is enough for two ornaments)
Rolling pin or smooth glass
Round cookie cutter or cardboard circle template, approximately 10 cm diameter
Craft knife or sharp kitchen knife (adult only)
1 drinking straw (for making the hanging hole)
Black acrylic paint, 1 small tube
Fine round brush, size 2
Orange twine or narrow orange ribbon, 30 cm
Baking sheet lined with parchment
Step by Step
Knead the clay for two minutes until it is pliable and smooth. Roll it out on the parchment-lined tray to about 5 mm thickness, using the rolling pin or glass. A consistent thickness is important: if the slab is uneven it will crack as it dries.
Press one baby hand firmly into the centre of the clay slab. The fingers should be spread. Press down evenly and hold for five seconds, then lift the hand straight up. You should see a clear impression of every finger and the palm lines.
An adult uses the cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut a circle around the handprint, leaving about 1.5 cm of clay around the outside edge. Round shapes are more forgiving than squares for this kind of ornament.
An adult uses the straw to punch a clean hole near the top of the circle, about 1 cm from the edge. Press the straw straight down and twist slightly, then remove it. The hole needs to be large enough for the twine.
Transfer the parchment with the ornament on it to a flat surface to dry. Flip it gently after 12 hours so both sides dry at the same rate. Full drying takes 24 to 48 hours depending on the thickness and the humidity in the room. It is ready when it feels completely hard and does not give at all when you press the edge.
Once fully dry, paint the front of the ornament with black acrylic paint. One thin coat, let it dry for 30 minutes, then assess: you may need a second coat to cover the clay fully. Leave the back plain or paint it too.
Thread the orange twine through the hole and tie a knot to form a hanging loop. A simple overhand knot on each side of the hole keeps it from sliding.
Good to Know
Suits: newborn and up, adult does all steps including cutting and handling wet clay.