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DIY Christmas Winter Garland
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DIY Christmas/Winter Garland

This DIY Christmas/Winter Garland will add seasonal beauty throughout your home. It’s the perfect craft for your kids to make while on school break or use it as a homeschool lesson. Adults, like myself, enjoy making this too.

Materials

  • Air Dry Clay
  • Rolling Pin
  • Cookie Cutters (stars, hearts, circles, trees, etc.)
  • Straw or Skewer
  • Pretty Paper Napkins (optional)
  • White School Glue or Mod-Podge
  • Paint
  • Paintbrush or Foam Brush
  • Twine, Yarn, Ribbon or String
  • Scissors

Instructions

Make the Cutouts

  • Prepare the clay: Knead the air-dry clay until soft. Roll it out on a smooth surface to about ¼ inch thick. Too thin will be fragile; too thick will be heavy and slow to dry.
  • Cut shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gently peel away excess clay and re-roll scraps.
  • Poke holes: While the clay is still soft, use a straw/skewer to poke a hole near the top of each shape (for stringing later).
  • Dry the clay shapes: Place shapes on a flat surface (or baking sheet/cooling rack for airflow). Let dry 24 - 48 hours. Drying time depends on humidity and thickness. They're ready when completely hard and lightweight.

Decorate the Cutouts

  • Using napkins (optional): Most printed paper napkins have 2 - 3 layers. Gently peel apart so you only have the thin top printed layer (the white backing layers get discarded).
  • Découpage the napkins onto the clay: Brush a thin layer of white glue or Mod Podge on the front of a dried clay cookie cut-out.Lay the printed napkin piece over it (cut slightly larger than the shape).Brush another layer of glue/Mod Podge on top of the napkin, smoothing gently with the brush (it will look milky but dries clear).Let dry 30-60 minutes, again trim excess napkin around the edges with scissors.
  • Paint your cut-outs: If you want to paint any of the cut-outs, dab your foam brush with the paint. Paint the front part of the cut-out the way you want it to look. You can go light or do several coats. Get creative.
  • Optional sealing: If you want them extra durable (to last for next year) or slightly glossy, add one more coat of Mod Podge on top and allow to dry.
  • String the garland: Cut a long piece of twine/yarn/ribbon. I go measure where I'm hanging my garland and add 5-7 inches for overhang. Thread it through the holes of the cut-outs, spacing the ornaments as desired. Add knots or dried oranges between each section, if you like. Add more ribbon if you will be making knots. This will allow you to have enough ribbon for tying onto the push pins/nails.

Notes

  • For a softer look, tear the napkin edges instead of cutting straight.
  • Use a fine sanding block to smooth out the edges.
  • Use stamps to imprint words like "Merry Christmas" or "Away in a Manger". You'll do this optional step after you cut the clay out of a cookie cutter.