A terracotta clay ornament DIY project that’s too cute to resist!
I love making DIY ornaments over the holidays— they make thoughtful, handmade gifts and are usually quick and simple to create. This year I made a big batch of ornaments to share, and these terracotta clay pieces are my favorite, so I’m featuring them first.
Terracotta clay ornaments are easy, affordable, and stylish enough to hang on your tree, tuck into stockings, or use as year-round decorations. Make rainbows, flowers, stars, clouds, and more—these designs work for holidays, birthdays, party favors, or small home art pieces.
A single 2-pound block of terracotta air-dry clay can yield more than 20 ornaments for roughly $10 in materials, and the finished pieces look like something you’d find in a small, curated shop. Here’s how to make your own.
Supplies
To make these ornaments you’ll need:
- Terracotta air-dry clay (I used a 2-pound block)
- Cookie cutters in the shapes you prefer
- A rolling pin reserved for non-food crafts
- Nail polish in your favorite colors (for a glossy, glazed look)
- A skewer or similar tool to poke hanging holes
- String and scissors
- Scrap fabric, canvas, or a craft mat to roll the clay on
How to Make Terracotta Clay Ornaments
1. Separate the clay if needed, then roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. If your clay comes as a brick, cutting it in half and rolling each piece separately can be easier.
Tip: place a piece of scrap canvas or a craft mat beneath the clay so the terracotta color won’t transfer to your table.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes repeatedly. For each shape, poke a hole near the top with a skewer so you can thread string through later. Collect the small leftover pieces, roll them into a ball, and re-roll—use every scrap of clay to make as many ornaments as possible.
3. Follow the clay manufacturer’s drying instructions. I left my shapes to air dry for about 24 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even drying.
4. When the pieces are fully dry, paint them. I prefer nail polish to craft paint because its glossy finish simulates a ceramic glaze. Apply a coat, let it dry, and then add a second coat for a smooth, shiny look.
5. After the polish is completely dry, cut lengths of string, thread them through the holes, knot them, and the ornaments are ready to hang.
Is this project suitable for kids?
Absolutely. This is a simple, low-mess activity that kids can help with—rolling out clay, pressing shapes with cookie cutters, and painting the dried pieces are all kid-friendly tasks. Younger children will need supervision with the skewer and nail polish. Adults can also enjoy this as a relaxing afternoon craft and can produce a large batch to give as gifts or to keep for yearly decorating.
Other uses for the clay ornaments
These ornaments aren’t just for the holidays. Since the shapes are versatile, use them as party favors, wall or door decorations, zipper or keychain charms, or small personalized gifts. Hanging a small set as a grouped wall display or attaching one to a wrapped present adds a handmade touch to many occasions. If you have creative ideas, try them and adapt the shapes and colors to suit the recipient.
Do I have to use terracotta clay?
No — any air-dry clay will work. I love terracotta for the warm, earthy tone that contrasts nicely with greenery, but choose the clay that fits your aesthetic. Polymer clay is another option if you prefer colored clay—polymer clay comes in many colors so you may not need to paint, but remember polymer clay must be baked in an oven rather than air-dried.
I often use oven-bake clays for projects like handmade jewelry, mini vases, and other small pieces, but air-dry terracotta is a quick, no-bake solution that yields an authentic, ceramic-like appearance when finished with glossy polish.
Terracotta Clay Ornaments DIY
Author: Brittni
Summary: Terracotta clay ornaments are an affordable, easy, and stylish DIY that make excellent gifts and decorations. With basic supplies and simple steps—rolling, cutting, drying, and painting—you can create dozens of charming ornaments that look shop-bought.
Ingredients / Materials
- Terracotta air-dry clay (2-pound block recommended)
- Cookie cutters in the shapes you want
- Rolling pin for non-food crafts
- Nail polish for a glossy finish
- Skewer or similar tool to punch holes
- String and scissors
- Scrap fabric, canvas, or craft mat for rolling
Instructions
- Roll out the air-dry clay to about 1/4–1/2 inch thickness. Cutting the brick in half and rolling each piece separately can be easier.
- Place canvas or a craft mat beneath the clay to protect your work surface and avoid color transfer.
- Use cookie cutters to repeatedly cut shapes. Poke a hole at the top of each shape with a skewer to allow hanging later.
- Gather leftover scraps, roll them into a ball, and re-roll the clay to maximize use of the material.
- Let the shapes dry per the clay package directions—about 24 hours works well, flipping halfway through for even drying.
- Paint the dry pieces with nail polish for a glazed, glossy look. Apply two coats, allowing each to dry between coats.
- Once fully dry, cut and knot string through the holes and hang the ornaments.
I love gifting sets of these budget-friendly ornaments—customize shapes and colors to fit each person’s style. Will you try these DIY ornaments this year? What shapes would best represent you and your family?