These cute tiny house air-dry clay ornaments make up a Christmas village on your tree. And for a few bucks in materials, you can make beautiful decorations.
I’ve been obsessed with making projects using air-dry clay because of its versatility, it’s inexpensive (you can even DIY air-dry clay- check the recipe here), and you don’t need to buy special tools to work with it.
For this craft project, you’ll create 2D Christmas village ornaments. It’s easy to make and with the driftwood accent, you can make ornaments that look pretty cool especially if you’re going for a rustic, handmade look for your holiday tree. No paints required – just straight clay as long as you are using the white DAS modelling clay.
DIY Chrismas Village Ornaments Using Air-Dry Clay
Watch the video on how to make these beautiful rustic Christmas village ornaments or read the tutorial below.
Materials
DAS Modelling Clay (White)
Wooden Dowel
Bottle / Rolling Pin
Cookie Cutter
Small Drift Woods (Make sure to read down below about taking driftwoods)
Glue Gun
SHOP MATERIALS HERE
Roll out the air-dry clay using a rolling pin or an empty bottle. Also, try to roll and turn the clay so that the clay won’t stick to the surface.
Use a wooden dowel to level the thickness as you roll the clay.
Pick driftwood; this will serve as an accent on the roof part. And cut the clay according to the shape of the driftwood.
Then, cut the sides and the bottom parts of the house.
Now use a tiny square cutter to cut the window part. And use a little star cutter for more accents.
Let it dry completely. Projects like this usually take around two days for the clay to completely dry.
Use sandpaper to clean the edges.
Paint it according to your preferences. I chose not to paint it because I like the white colour finish of DAS clay.
Attach the driftwood to the top of the house using hot glue.
Finally, put a string to hang the ornaments.
I love how these tiny houses turned out. It’s simple, countrified, and unique. It is perfect decorations for farm house enthusiast, or rustic decor lover like me.
If you can’t find an air-dry clay, you can simply make it using my recipe. Just try either the cook or no-cook air-dry clay. I prefer the latter because it retains its white colour and your piece won’t curl once dried out.
DECORATING SUGGESTIONS
If driftwoods are not available you can add any Christmas accents such as ribbon, pinecones, hollies, and berries. Or you can simply add twine.
These air-dry clay ornaments are very versatile. You can make them any colour you want by painting them after they dry, and the shape and design are entirely up to you.
There are all kinds of things you can do with them beyond hanging them on your tree. If you make enough of them you could make a wreath. Or make cute garlands and would make a very pretty window display.
IS IT OKAY TO GET DRIFTWOODS?
I have to include this topic because as a crafter we love to use anything that we can find around us. So we need to know the restrictions on using natural resources in our provinces or countries.
Here is some information about taking driftwood:
You can take driftwood from within privately owned areas as long as the owner does not object.
National Parks are controlled by the federal government and are found throughout Canada, including in the province of Ontario.
Their website clearly states that it is illegal to collect driftwood from any of the National Parks.
“It is illegal to collect plants, mushrooms, berries, animals, animal parts (including antlers), fossils, driftwood, rocks, signs, or any other historic or natural object. If you believe you have found something significant, leave the item in place and report your finding to the nearest Parks Canada office. Please leave these natural items for others to enjoy”.
Taking driftwood from a National Park the consequences could result in large fines and/or a court appearance.
(Source: https://howtodriftwood.com/)
Also according to this post from Times colonist:
People are permitted to take driftwood if it is less than three metres long, if it is for personal use only and not sold, is beach-worn and doesn’t have bark on it and is rounded at both ends. It also can not be taken if it has a hammer mark or timber brand at either end.
You can’t take wood if it is in or next to an ecological reserve or parkland owned by any level of government, or on private or First Nations land.
I think it’s still best to do research or better go to a privately owned beach to collect driftwoods for your next craft project.
Thanks so much!