If you’ve been here before, you know I love unusual Christmas ornaments. Today I’m excited to share a large collection of handmade clay ornaments that feel delightfully whimsical: DIY mushroom ornaments.
I’m genuinely obsessed with these — I spent a long time making them. If you’ve seen my Instagram stories, you may have followed the process. The good news: you don’t have to spend forever on them unless you, like me, decide to make 75 or more. They’re surprisingly simple in small batches.
Mushrooms are very on-trend right now, and with a couple of tubs of air-dry clay on hand, I decided to dive in. Want to make your own? Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to create charming clay mushroom ornaments you can hang on the tree, use as gift toppers, or display as tiny seasonal sculptures.
Did you know mushrooms are considered a symbol of good luck?
That little bit of folklore makes these ornaments even more fun to give. A set of handmade mushroom ornaments is a thoughtful gift for someone who could use a bit of luck—or a cheerful treat for yourself.
Regardless of superstition, these clay mushrooms are a playful, original addition to any holiday décor.
Below are the materials and step-by-step instructions to make your own clay mushroom ornaments.
Materials to Make Clay Mushroom Ornaments
- Air-dry clay — any brand will work (Model Magic is an especially light option)
- Jump rings
- Fine-tipped brush (for smoothing clay over jump rings — use an inexpensive or old brush)
- Small paint brush for painting finished pieces
- Simple carving tool (I used a paper awl and the end of a paint brush)
- Acrylic or gouache paints
- Matte varnish or another sealant
- Water (to thin paints if you want a softer, watercolor-like finish)
- Heavy-duty glue (super glue or E6000 recommended)
- String and scissors
If you want to expand into more clay projects, a small clay tool kit is handy, but nothing fancy is required for this project.
How to Make Clay Mushroom Ornaments
1. Shape the caps: Knead a small piece of clay and roll it into a sphere. Flatten it slightly and press the center with your thumbs while smoothing and thinning the edges with your fingers. Work around the piece to form an even cap, but don’t worry about perfection—natural irregularities make them charming. Aim for a cap thickness of about 1/4″ (they can be a bit thinner, but avoid making them too thin).
2. Add gill texture: Turn each cap over and press lines into the underside using a paper awl, the back of a paintbrush, or another pointed tool to mimic mushroom gills. You can imprint or lightly scrape lines—either method works. Leave a small flat area in the center of the underside so the stem will glue on securely later.
3. Insert jump rings: Press a jump ring into the top center of the cap, leaving about half the ring exposed. Use a fine-tipped brush to gently press a thin layer of clay over the exposed part of the ring so it will stay embedded once the clay dries. Set the caps aside to dry.
4. Shape the stems: Roll another small piece of clay into a short tube for the stem. Taper one end slightly thinner—this is the end that will sit against the cap. Press the thin end briefly on a flat surface to make it easier to glue later. You may choose to flatten the bottom of the stem for a neater look, but it’s optional.
5. Dry the pieces: Arrange caps and stems on a canvas or other breathable surface to air-dry. I let mine dry overnight, then flipped each piece and allowed them to dry again to ensure both sides were fully cured. Drying times vary by clay brand—follow the package instructions if you’re unsure.
6. Paint and assemble: Once completely dry, you can paint and glue in whatever order you prefer. Painting the pieces before gluing or attaching them and then painting details afterward are both fine; I used both approaches. When painting, add a little water to the paint for a softer, layered effect and to blend colors like a watercolor wash.
Use a strong adhesive to attach the stems to the caps—only a small amount is needed. After gluing and any final painting touches (I sometimes add tiny dots on the caps), seal each piece with a matte varnish or other clear sealant to protect the paint and finish.
7. Add hanging loops: Thread a 4–6 inch piece of string through each jump ring and tie the ends to form a loop for hanging on the tree.
Now your clay mushroom ornaments are ready to hang, use as gift decorations, or give away as handmade presents. They’re simple, distinctive, and full of personality.
Not sure you need more ornaments?
If you’re on the fence, consider skipping the metal loops and string to create a small collection of forest figurines instead. They make sweet shelf décor and could still bring a little luck to your home.
Unique Christmas Ornaments: Clay Mushrooms DIY
Create these whimsical clay mushrooms for unique Christmas ornaments that might bring you a bit of good luck in the new year.
Ingredients
- Air-dry clay — any brand will work (including Model Magic)
- Jump rings
- Fine-tipped paint brush (for smoothing clay over jump rings)
- Small paint brush (for painting finished mushrooms)
- Simple carving tool (paper awl or similar)
- Acrylic or gouache paints
- Matte varnish or sealant
- Water to thin paint (optional)
- Heavy-duty glue (super glue or E6000)
- String and scissors
Instructions
- Knead a small amount of clay and roll it into a sphere to form the cap.
- Flatten and press the center with your thumbs while shaping the edges to create a cap about 1/4″ thick.
- Turn the cap over and add lines or impressions to the underside to mimic gills, leaving a flat center area for attaching the stem.
- Press a jump ring into the top center of the cap, leaving half exposed. Brush clay over the ring with a fine brush so it stays embedded, and let dry.
- Roll a short tube of clay for the stem, taper one end to sit under the cap, and flatten the tapered end on a flat surface for easier gluing.
- Air-dry all pieces fully, following the clay manufacturer’s drying time recommendations. Flip pieces and allow the other side to dry as needed.
- Paint and assemble in your preferred order—either paint pieces before gluing or glue first and paint later. Add water to paint for a softer, layered look and use a strong adhesive to attach stems to caps.
- Seal with matte varnish, thread string through the jump rings, and tie a loop for hanging.
- Hang on the tree or gift them to friends and family.
What do you think of the finished mushrooms? Do these feel like the kind of unique Christmas ornaments you’d like to try making this season?