Creating a Hand-Stamped Christmas Ornament

Step 1. Choose a photo and coordinating stamps.

I’ve used a photo of my niece, Jessie. For the stamps I picked out a pine branch and a ribbon bow. Large simple objects or long border stamps work best.

Step 2. Prep the clay.

Soften a small package of polymer clay by kneading it in your hands. Roll out a slab of clay large enough to cover the stamp. You can use a clay roller, a rolling pin, or an old pasta maker.

Step 3. Create the frame.

I find you get the best impression if hold the stamp in your hand and press the clay into it and then peel the clay back to reveal the pattern. Trim away the excess clay. Repeat until you have enough pieces to create the frame. Add a piece of clay with a hole in the top for the hanger.

Step 4. Bake the clay.

Place the frame on a baking tray covered with parchment paper or a light sheet of cardboard. If you want some dimension in your finished frame then add some small pieces of tin foil wherever you want to add curves.

Loosely cover the tray with some tin foil and place it in a cold oven. Set the oven temperature to 270 degrees. Heat the clay pieces for 10 minutes and then turn the oven off. Allow the clay to cool in the oven.

Step 6: Add a sealer.

The clay frame can be used right out of the oven, or you can add a finish to make it shiny. It you want to use sealer, make sure it is approved for use on polymer clay.

Step 6 Assemble the ornament.

Cut out a back slightly larger than your photo out of card stock or felt and glue the photo to it. Glue the frame to the front and you are done!