Valentine DIY Clay Gift Tag…
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When Valentine’s Day approaches, I like to make special gifts for my loved ones. Not that we do a lot for Valentines Day, but I do like to create something with my own two hands that is a little special. I decided to make clay gift tags. I remembered a recipe I used decades ago when I was a preschool teacher. What I really love about this recipe, is that the clay is made from two items that I’m sure you have in your pantry right now…baking soda and corn starch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup corn starch
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
Preheat over to 175 degrees.
Combine the baking soda, corn starch and water in a medium sauce pan and mix together over medium heat.
Do not let the mixture boil or become too hot. Only keep over heat until completely mixed and smooth.
Pour hot mixture into a mixing bowl. Place a cool, damp cloth on top of dough. Let dough cool a little before you begin toughing it.
Place warm dough onto wax paper and begin rolling out until 1/4" thick.
Begin cutting out shapes.
Using a straw or instrument of your choice, poke a hanging hole into the dough.
Place cutouts on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Bake cutouts in 175 degree oven for two hours, turning halfway through baking. Depending on your oven more bake time may be necessary. If you see any moisture, add more baking time.
Turn oven off and leave try in oven until cool
https://2beesinapod.com/valentine-diy-clay-gift-tag/Baking soda, corn starch and water are added to sauce pan…
…mix until dough is smooth.
While the mixture is melting, it is the consistency of icing.
After it has cooled slightly, it is more like pizza dough.
Roll out dough to 1/4″ thickness.
Cut out shapes of your choosing.
All cut out…
…Make sure to create a hole for your gift tag.
All baked and hardened.
I chose to lightly sand the rough edges of my cut outs.
Although I love the bright whiteness of this clay, I decided to paint one of the cardinals and two small hearts red. I was very happy that I did – I love the brightness of this acrylic paint. Cardinals remind me of our wonderful time living in North Carolina.
And as I said, I love the bright white too.
This is my Honey Bees gift tag. I don’t have a gift for him yet, but he has this beautiful tag :)) I just hand painted his name and added this pretty red and white ribbon.
Doesn’t the cardinal look great? I think I’m keeping her 🙂
The miniature hearts got some red acrylic paint as well.
One important thing to remember: Do not get these clay tags wet after they have been baked, as they will disintegrate. The finished product is very hard and sturdy. Also, be careful when painting. I used one thick coat on top and I was sure to let the paint completely dry before I handled again.
So, what do you think? Are you going to give this a try? I think you will be very happy that you did. This is an easy, fun project…Good Luck!!
These clay ornaments are so cute! I love how you painted the cardinals red and added the mini hearts. I know any gift from you is a special one!
You are so sweet CoCo! Thank you so very much! Cardinals are very special to me 🙂
Vicki, wow you are sooooo creative and I LOVE these. How fun they are and how cute too and they look pretty easy to make. I had no idea how to make them so this tutorial is fabulous. LOVE all the love your putting into these darling Valentine’s ideas. xo Lisa
You are so very sweet Lisa! Glad you like them and the tutorial!
These are so cute!! Definitely keeping this clay recipe. Thanks for the tutorial!! Love how you layered the cardinal and heart 🙂
Hey Angie…Glad you like this craft. I love cardinals and they hold a special place in my heart 🙂
These are adorable, especially the little cardinal! Your loved ones will will feel so special getting these for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for the tutorial. I think I know what I’m making now 🙂 Shell cut-outs, hearts and a little creativity will be fun!! Bwg ~~~