Zero Waste Baked Clay Ornaments

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Zero Waste Baked Clay Ornaments | I love the look of homemade ornaments. The rustic, and unique traits really make the holidays feel homey. From popcorn garlands to gingerbread men, they all embody what I fell the holidays are. There’s also a sentimental piece of involving the family or little ones in making them every year. Making memories should happen at home, together.

Related: How to Make a Popcorn Garland

I’m been really into white and natural looking decor for some time now and really wanted to find something that was first, minimalist, and second, white. I pretty much stick to natural and white tones for all of my decor.

Related: Zero Waste Holiday Decorating Ideas

Yes, I could run down to the local Target and buy white ornaments but I’m trying not to contribute to the over consumption of everything and be zero waste, here.

It’s too dang easy to buy everything that’s also easy to become addicted to instant gratification. Slowing down is a process – a painful process sometimes. It’s basically a diet. Like a diet, the journey is usually tough but the end result is what we live for.

Related: Alternatives to Traditional Family Gift Giving

These homemade clay ornaments were a blast to make and SO EASY. My 4 year old had a great time with mixing the ingredients. I think this dough would also work great as a homemade play dough substitute but I haven’t check it’s longevity yet. TBD.

Zero Waste Baked Clay Ornaments

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 Cup of Corn Starch
• 1 Cup of Baking Soda
• 3/4 Cup of Water

How to get the ingredients zero waste:

Look for the above ingredients at your local bulk goods store. Take your own containers and fill up with the necessary amounts. I have a complete guide on how to shop with out packaging in this article here:

Related: How to Buy Groceries Zero Waste

Of course, I completely understand that it’s harder now more than ever to buy food without packaging. There are still many items I cannot find “zero waste”, so I do my very best to buy items in packaging that is not plastic.

Related: 7 Ways to Reduce Food Packaging Waste Without Access to Bulk

I look for items in paper, glass, or metal. I then recycle, compost or upcycle that packaging.

Instructions

1. Mix the cornstarch, baking soda and water until thoroughly combined. Don’t freak out, it’s supposed to be that runny!

2. Heat the mixture on medium heat until it thickens into a pate a choux type dough.

3. Transfer the dough into a pull and promptly place a wet cloth over the top of the dough so that it does not form a skin. Trust me, it will get crunchy if you don’t.

4. When the dough cools, transfer it do a cornstarch-powdered surface. Knead until smooth.

5. Roll the dough to the desired thickness, I rolled mine to about 1/4 inch.

6. Cut into your favorite holiday shapes. Don’t forget to punch holes for the string.

7. Bake at 175 Degrees for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

8. Let the Zero Waste Baked Clay Ornaments cool then hang on your tree or add to a festive holiday garland.

Notes:

Feel free to press designs into the ornaments before baking or paint them after. Get creative!

Along with my Zero Waste Baked Clay Ornaments try making my DIY Citrus Garland!