DIY Clay Lollipop Ornaments
Hi sweets! I'm finally set to share this fun tutorial with you for making your own DIY Clay Lollipop Ornaments (as promised in the back of Gifted Magazine).
I tend to not share too many projects that involve multiple steps, because honestly I lose patience easily, and short and sweet generally has a better appeal for me. However in this case I've made an exception. There will be drying time involved between steps with these ornaments (other than that they are simple), but for results that will make eyes twinkle, I'm willing to take the time.
To start you'll need to gather your supplies:
Supplies for PHASE ONE:
- Premier Paper Clay by LaDoll — This is the same clay I used in last year's DIY Scandinavian Inspired Garland). It's a bit pricey, but so much easier to work with than Sculpey or other clays, and the air drying time is pretty darn fast too. I purchased my clay from a local Michael's craft store, but it is also available online here, and here.
- Bamboo Skewars — Also available from your local grocery (I found them in the isle with the baking supplies). Alternately, you can also use actual paper lollipop sticks found at craft and baking stores.
- Small round fontant cutter — also available in the cake decorating section at Michael's craft stores. I used the 1.25" cutter for these ornaments.
- Small eye hooks — Available at craft and hardware stores in silver or brass (I used both)
- Non-stick Rolling Pin (optional) — You can create these ornaments without a rolling pin, but they will look smoother and more uniform if you are able to use one.
- Freezer paper (optional) — I use this to protect my work surface. The waxed side makes working with the clay easy and practically mess-free. You can find freezer paper in the plastic bag isle at most grocery stores.
- Scissors (optional) — Simple craft scissors for softening the ends of your lollipop sicks will work great.
Supplies for PHASE TWO:
- Acrylic Paints — These are affordable and found at craft stores. Choose any color(s) that you like.
- Paint brushes — I like to use a smallish paintbrush for ease of use, but you can use whatever you are comfortable with.
- Aleene's Paper Glaze or gel-like craft Glue, preferably with a fine-tipped applicator — Available at craft stores.
- Glitter — Martha Stewart's fine glitter is my favorite (I used the smoky quartz color), but you can use whatever variety you would like.
Step 1: Begin by prepping your lollipop sticks. Since mine came in lengths of 10" I broke them into rough thirds. You can easily soften the ends (they will be a little bit rough) with a pair of craft scissors, so don't worry too much about making them perfect.
Step 2: Since this is an air dry clay, I like to work in small batches and keep the unused portion of clay sealed in an airtight container so that it doesn't dry out while I work. It is best to work on a protected non-stick surface (I used freezer paper with the waxed side up for my tabletop). You will start by using a rolling pin to flatten your clay until it is around .25" thick.
Next, use your fondant cutter to cut out your lollipop shapes. If the edges are rough you can smooth them easily with your finger. Set shape aside and repeat until you've punched out the desired number of lollipop tops.
Step 3: Hold a lollipop top in one hand and gently insert your stick through the middle edge until it is secured inside. It might take a couple tries to get the angle right, but it's easy enough to re-roll any messed up pieces, so don't get discouraged.
Step 4: Insert your eye hook. Press the hook into the top of your ornament directly in line with the stick. There is no need to twist the screw end of the hook in...it will slide into the clay easily. Be sure that the opening of the eyehook is facing opposite of the part of the lollipop that you'll want showing when it is hanging on a tree or garland. As you finish each ornament, lay it down on your protected work surface to dry. Allow ornaments to dry until they are just barely damp. You will need to flip them over once or twice to allow each side to dry. This should take approximately 1-3 hours.
Once mostly dry, ornaments can be threaded onto bamboo skewers and suspended to air dry overnight. That's the end of phase one.
Step 5: Once completely dry you can add character to your ornaments with paint. Brush on your favorite acrylic paint colors with a small or medium sized brush, taking care to avoid painting the metal hook or wooden stick.
Suspend ornaments on your bamboo skewers once again to allow the paint to air dry. This should only take between 5-15 minutes.
Step 6: Use your glue with a fine tipped applicator (such as Aleene's Paper Glaze) and create a circular swirl pattern starting from the middle of your lollipop circle, and working your way outward. Repeat on the reverse.
Step 7: Hold your ornament above a piece of scrap paper to catch excess glitter and liberally sprinkle the glued portions until they are completely coated in glitter. Gently tap your ornament to remove loose pieces of glitter and thread onto bamboo skewer for a final time and allow glue to dry.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Hang lollipops on your tree for a sugary sweet look.
String ornaments onto a length of ribbon for a sweet garland that can be used year-round.
Or use them as charming gift toppers!
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| by Ez Wednesday, December 7, 2011 
