This DIY Dog Christmas Ornament Will Have Everyone Thinking It’s from a Boutique
If you’re anything like me, you love to recreate things you see out in the “real world” at home (for cheaper, let’s be real). I was recently in a specialty boutique and saw the cutest personalized clay Christmas tree ornaments. They were absolutely adorable but came with a hefty price tag. I wanted to see if I could make my own DIY dog Christmas ornament for cheaper and customize it exactly the way I wanted.
These are great keepsakes for your dog’s first Christmas you can hang on the tree year after year. They would also make a great gift for any dog lover in your life. I ended up putting my dog’s name and his birth year on the ornament, but you can get creative with what you choose.
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Essential Supplies
To bring your DIY dog Christmas ornament to life, you’ll need some essential supplies. Here’s your checklist:
- White Sculpey Clay: This will form the base of your ornament.
- Bone-Shaped Cookie Cutter: It gives your ornament a cute, dog-related shape.
- Toothpick: Perfect for adjusting and placing small details.
- Gold Stickers: Use these to add your dog’s name or a memorable date.
- Sculpey Gloss: This adds a shiny finish to your masterpiece.
- Chiffon Ribbon: Use this to hang your ornament proudly.
- Straw: Essential for making the ribbon hole.
- Rolling Pin: Helps flatten the clay evenly.
- Parchment Paper and Baking Sheet: For safe baking of the ornament.
- Small Craft Paintbrush: Handy for applying the gloss.
Optional Supplies
While the essential supplies are all you need to get started, adding a few optional items can enhance your ornament’s charm.
- Acrylic Slab: Offers a smooth surface for rolling out clay, preventing sticking.
- Bells: Add jingly flair to your ornament, making it even more special.
DIY Dog Christmas Ornament Instructions
Preparing Your Clay
Before shaping your ornament, let’s get the clay ready. Begin by preheating your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, take the block of white Sculpey clay and start warming it up by kneading between your fingers for 2-3 minutes. This step helps you to more easily shape it into the perfect ornament.
Shaping the DIY Dog Christmas Ornament
Time to bring your ornament to life! On a clean, flat surface, roll out the clay (using an acrylic slab, if you have one, makes this easier). Keep it about an inch thick; make sure it’s not too thin, or it might break.
Use the bone-shaped cookie cutter for this next step. Carefully peel the cut-out from your surface to avoid reshaping.
Next, grab a straw to poke a hole at the top, but not too close to the edge—you’ll thread your ribbon through here later.
Baking the Ornament
This is where your craft becomes solid. Place your clay creation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—make sure it’s the only item in the oven.
Bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep a vigilant watch to ensure it bakes evenly. After baking, allow your ornament to cool for about 20 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Decorating Your Ornament
Now, it’s time to add a personal flair to your dog ornament. Use gold stickers to carefully spell out your dog’s name or mark something special like “1st Christmas.” For added accuracy, a toothpick can help you position each sticker precisely in the center of the bone-shaped ornament. Once you’re satisfied with their placement, press firmly so they stick.
Finishing Touches
Finally, let’s make your creation shine. Use a small craft paintbrush to apply a coat of Sculpey gloss, covering both sides completely. This will help protect your stickers and add a nice sheen. Let the gloss dry thoroughly. This will take about 30 minutes.
Once dried, cut about 4 inches of chiffon ribbon. Loop it through the hole you made earlier, and tie a knot to form a loop, much like shoelaces.
If you’re feeling extra festive, add small bells for that charming jingle. Adjust the ribbon length to your preference, tie another knot, and snip any excess.
There you have it! A beautiful DIY Dog Christmas Ornament that looks like it came from a high-end doggie boutique. The great thing is you can use your supplies and make multiple for friends and family as well. I hope you enjoyed this project and have a great holiday season with your pup!
