Handmade clay strawberries that work as Christmas ornaments, gift toppers, jewelry charms, or simply as charming little figurines.
These clay strawberries are an easy, affordable craft that make delightful decorations and small gifts. After making mushroom clay ornaments last year, I wanted to try more clay projects and decided to create a big batch of strawberry ornaments. Strawberries are one of my kid’s favorite treats—he even calls them “hearts”—so I made lots of sweet little strawberry shapes to hang on the tree, top gifts, or use as tiny keepsakes.
Below is a concise, step-by-step guide to making your own clay strawberries, along with tips for finishing and alternative uses.
Materials for Clay Strawberries
- Air-dry clay (or polymer clay if you prefer baked durability)
- Thin wire
- Wire cutters and pliers
- Something to make small seed indentations (toothpick, skewer, or small drill bit)
- Acrylic paint or gouache and a small paintbrush
How to Make Clay Strawberry Ornaments
1. Shape the berry: Pinch off a small piece of air-dry clay and roll it into a smooth ball by rolling it on a flat surface—it helps remove wrinkles and cracks. Gently pinch one end to form a slightly pointed base, then press the top briefly against a flat surface to flatten it slightly and create the strawberry’s characteristic shape.
2. Add seeds: Use a toothpick, skewer, the prong of a fork, or a small drill bit to poke tiny, evenly spaced indentations around the berry to represent seeds. Set the shaped berries aside while you prepare the tops.
3. Make leaves: Pinch off a small ball of clay, flatten it into a disc, and trim small triangular notches around the edge to mimic leaves. Lightly score the base of the leaves and the top of the strawberry and press them together so they adhere securely.
4. Form the stem: Pierce a small hole through the center of the leaves and slightly into the berry. Roll a tiny piece of clay into a thin tube and insert it into the hole to make the stem. Trim any excess so the stem remains short and proportionate.
5. Add a hanger: Cut a 2–3 inch length of thin wire and form a small loop at one end with a short tail that will be embedded into the clay. Trim the tail so only a short piece remains, then press the wire tail through the leaves near the stem to anchor the loop. This loop will allow you to add ribbon, twine, or a hook for hanging.
6. Dry: Allow the assembled strawberries to dry thoroughly—overnight or up to 24 hours for thicker pieces—until the clay hardens completely.
7. Paint and finish: Paint the berries with acrylic paint or gouache. For a softer, more muted look, dry-brush the color on lightly instead of applying heavy coats. Once paint is dry, add a length of ribbon, twine, or a small wire hook through the loop. I like using velvet ribbon for a little extra charm, then a wire hook for hanging on the tree.
More DIY Clay Ideas
- Try small clay earrings or pendants—polymer clay is a great choice for jewelry because it’s baked and more durable.
- Make other holiday ornaments like clay mushrooms or terracotta-style rainbow ornaments for a cohesive handmade collection.
- Create tiny charms to use as gift toppers, zipper pulls, or bracelet accents.
Quick Reference: Ingredients and Steps
- Ingredients: air-dry clay (or polymer clay), wire, wire cutters and pliers, a poking tool (toothpick or small drill bit), and acrylic paint or gouache with a brush.
- Steps summary: shape the berry, add seed indentations, create and attach leaves, insert a stem, press in a wire hanger loop, dry fully, then paint and add ribbon or hooks.
What else can you use these clay strawberries for?
Beyond ornaments and gift toppers, these little strawberries make adorable jewelry elements—tiny charms for bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. If you plan to make jewelry that will be worn often, consider using polymer clay and baking it for extra durability. Otherwise, air-dry clay works beautifully for decorations, gift accents, and keepsakes.