There’s something so magical about handmade Christmas ornaments — especially when they add that handmade personal touch to your tree. This year, skip the store-bought décor and make your own air dry clay bow ornaments! These sweet, simple bows are easy to shape, paint beautifully, and look stunning on your tree, gifts, or even garlands.
This DIY is perfect for kids, craft nights, or anyone who loves a good handmade project for the holidays.
What You’ll Need:
- White Crayola Model Magic clay
- Silicone Bow Mold
- Acrylic paint
- Ribbon/twine
- Hot Glue/ strong craft glue
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the clay
Start by softening your clay with your hands.
2. Mold Your Bows
Press the model magic clay into the Mold. I found Model Magic works really well as it doesn’t stick to the mold at all. It is also much lighter than traditional air-dry clay and less breakable. This makes it perfect for Christmas decorations!
4. Let It Dry
Place your clay bows on a piece of parchment paper and let them dry completely. This usually takes 24–48 hours, depending on humidity. Flip them halfway through to help them dry evenly.
5. Paint and Decorate
Now the fun part – Paint your bows to match your Christmas Decor! To get the anique gold colour I was after, I ended up doing a base coat of dark brown and painting the metallic gold over in a second coat. The result was the perfect antique gold for my tree!
6. Add String
Tie a knot in a piece of ribbon or twine and glue to the back of your bow. Now your bow ornament is ready to hang!
Craft Tip
If you’re crafting with kids or planning a group craft night, pre-make the bows so they’re ready to paint once dry. These also make adorable gift toppers or party favors for your holiday gatherings.
Style Ideas
Hang them with candy-striped baker’s twine, satin or velvet ribbon depending on your Christmas style. Paint names on each bow for personalized place cards or use them as gift tags to decorate your wrapped presents.
Handmade ornaments like these air dry clay bows capture what Christmas is really about — slowing down, creating, and making memories. They’re simple, elegant, and full of heart.
So grab your clay, put on some cozy Christmas tunes, and get crafting!
FAQ
How long does Model Magic take to dry?
Model Magic usually dries within 24-48 hours depending on the thickness. Larger projects may take longer.
Can I use air dry clay instead of Model Magic?
Yes, you can use air dry clay. It does tend to stick a bit to the mold so be sure to sprinkle some cornstarch in the mold before adding the air dry clay. It is heavier and more fragile than model magic when dry.
How long until I can paint the Model Magic Clay Bow?
Wait until your Model Magic bows are fully dry before painting.
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