Get a jump on your gifts or holiday ornaments, with a few easy and inexpensive steps, from my kitchen and yard, to yours!

Holiday Wreaths – for additional wreath ideas visit CaliWildViolet’s Activities for Family and Children

Using a simple recipe of Baker’s Clay and found objects, you can create beautiful ornaments and gifts for the holiday.

Having very little income has motivated me to look at my own yard for all the items I need to create, as well as my own kitchen.

Baker’s Clay

Ingredients:

4 Cups Flour

1 Cup Salt
1 1/2 Cup Water
Cornstarch
Bake at 250 degrees for approximately 1 hour.
Tools:
Bowl
Rolling Pin or large Tumbler
Cookie Cutters
Bowls work as templates
Non-Toxic Glue

Additional Items:
Thread or Cord to hang
Lichen
Pine Cones
Shells
Feathers
Natures gifts from outside your own door
Clear  Spray Shellac

Mix your dough and knead it smooth. Add extra water or flour if necessary. If you are going to mix and store,
wrap the dough in cellophane or place in an air tight container to prevent drying out.
Once you have decided to use the dough, preheat your oven and begin.
Roll the dough out flat and cut the desired shape.
Make a small hole at the top of the flat piece.
Bake until  hardened, but not brown and let cool sufficiently
Begin decorating the base with moss or lichen. You can also use, leaves or tree fronds.
Let your base of lichen dry.
Add the desired decorations.
Once you are finished, apply a clear spray such as the lacquer to seal and preserve.
Pull a bit of string through the hole for hanging and knot.