Cookie Ornaments

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving, our minds gear up for Christmas. Many of us have already begun Christmas shopping, and soon we'll be putting up our Christmas trees. Here, I've come up with a way to help you save money while involving your children in the decorating process.
At a local store they sell cookie-shaped ornaments starting at $2 a piece. Not bad... but when you're decorating a 6'-8' tree, that can really add up. Sure, the store bought versions are cute enough - but making them is just as simple as cutting out cookies and it's easily as fun.
To make a similar ornament you'll spend less than half the store price, you'll have shared in a fun memory with your children, and you'll end up with more than just ornaments - you'll end up with some sentimental keepsakes from your little ones.
You'll need:

• Polymer clay such as Sculpey. A large package of Terra-cotta colored clay, plus various other colors for decorating.


• Water-based varnish.. found near the acrylic paints in any craft store. Be sure that it is water-based, otherwise, colors will spread!

To Make:

Simply roll the terra-cotta colored clay out with a rolling pin, as if you were making cookies. This clay softens as you play with it, so be patient. I would also recommend not making them too thick, as this might affect how well they set-up. Cut out shapes with a cookie-cutter and decorate with various colors of clay. Punch a hole near the top with a drinking staw. Some other tools I found to be useful were: kitchen scissors, toothpicks, and a pizza cutter. Use your imagination and have fun! Follow package directions for baking the finished ornaments. Once they've cooled you may brush with a clear varnish for a glossier look.