Make Clay DIY Ornaments

What can we use if we don't have oven-bake clay, a rolling pin, or cookie cutters?

Use air-dry clay and follow its drying step instead of baking, roll the clay flat with a clean glass bottle or sturdy water bottle in place of a rolling pin, and press bottle caps or carefully cut cardboard shapes instead of cookie cutters.

What should we do if the ornament cracks, sticks to the wax paper, or the hole closes up?

To prevent cracking, roll the clay to about a quarter-inch as the instructions say and knead until smooth, dust the wax paper lightly with cornstarch or flour to stop sticking, and re-poke the hole near the top with the toothpick right before baking or while still slightly damp so it stays open.

How can I adapt this project for different ages?

For preschoolers have an adult lay out the wax paper, pre-roll the clay, press the cookie cutters and make the toothpick hole while they press textures, and for older kids let them roll to a quarter-inch, create detailed textures with small tools, paint detailed designs, and thread their own ribbon hangers.

How can we personalize or upgrade the finished ornaments?

Before baking or air-drying, press initials or dates into the shape, then after the paint dries add glitter or metallic paint and a clear varnish for shine, and finish by threading beads onto the ribbon or twine before tying the hanger.