How to Make Leaf Imprint Christmas Star Ornaments
Making your own Christmas decorations is so much fun, and these air-dry clay ornaments with beautiful leaf imprints are a perfect project for the holidays. We used sage leaves for their lovely texture, but you can pick any type of leaf you like. Let’s dive in!
| Item | Link |
|---|---|
| Air Dry Clay | Check price on Amazon |
| Acrylic Paint | Check price on Amazon |
| Craft knife | Check price on Amazon |
| Mod Podge Sealer | Check price on Amazon |
| Paintbrush | Check price on Amazon |
| Rolling pin | Check price on Amazon |
| Star-shaped cookie cutter | |
| Leaves | |
| String or ribbon | |
| Toothpick or skewer (for the hanging hole) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean, flat surface to work on. Use parchment paper or a mat to prevent sticking, and have all your tools nearby.
Step 2: Roll Out the Clay
Take a chunk of air-dry clay and knead it until it’s soft and smooth. Roll it out evenly with your rolling pin to about ¼ inch thickness.
Step 3: Add the Leaf Imprints
Place a leaf (vein side down) onto the clay and press it gently with the rolling pin to leave a clear imprint. Carefully peel the leaf off, revealing the textured design.
Step 4: Cut Out Star Shapes
Use your star-shaped cookie cutter to cut around the leaf imprints. Press firmly and remove any excess clay around the edges.
Step 5: Make a Hole for Hanging
Using a toothpick or skewer, poke a small hole near the top of each star. Make sure it’s big enough for your string or ribbon to go through later.
Step 6: Let Them Dry
Place your stars on a flat surface and let them dry completely. Depending on your clay, this may take 24 to 48 hours. Flip them over halfway through drying to keep them flat and even.
Step 7: Paint the Stars
Once your stars are dry, it’s time to add some sparkle! Use golden acrylic paint to cover each star, making sure to get into all the leaf details. Let the paint dry completely.
Step 8: Seal for a Shiny Finish
To protect your ornaments and make them shine, add a layer of sealer or Mod Podge. This will also help them last for many Christmases to come!
Step 9: Add the String
Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the hole you made earlier, and tie it into a loop. Now your ornaments are ready to hang on the tree or gift to someone special!
That’s it—your beautiful leaf imprint Christmas stars are done! They’re simple, elegant, and a fun way to bring a touch of nature to your holiday décor. 🎄
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