How to Make Custom Clay Head Ornaments

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Custom Clay Head Ornaments For Loved Ones

So here’s the thing, I thought making clay heads of my family members for Christmas gifts would be a funny little idea. But once I started working with the clay, I quickly realized it was way more fun than I expected. And to my surprise, my clay family ended up looking a lot like them!

Creating these custom clay head ornaments turned out to be so much more than just making decorations. It became a way to capture memories and preserve those little moments that truly mean more than any store-bought gift could. Each tiny model was a personal touch, a piece of my family from Texas that I could bring into our holiday décor. Every time I worked with the clay, I found myself thinking about those simple Sundays—gathering at my mom’s house for dinner or running errands with my sisters. It was the kind of everyday stuff that somehow felt special just because we were all together. It’s the kind of mundane moments I took for granted while living there, and now, I find myself wishing I could experience them more often.

Even though I’ve been in San Francisco for over a decade now, part of my heart will always be in Texas. Making these little clay heads was my way of holding onto those memories and showing my family just how much time and thought I put into each gift. It’s the kind of DIY project that turns into a meaningful tradition—and maybe a new holiday favorite. Who knew?

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through my process of making custom clay head ornaments. You’ll find that some faces will practically sculpt themselves, while others might end up looking downright creepy before you get them just right. But hey, however they turn out, your family will at least appreciate the effort!

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Materials You’ll Need:

1. Polymer clay in various colors

2. Sculpting tools (such as clay modeling tools)

3. Rolling pin

4. Toothpicks or skewers

5. Oven-safe baking tray

6. Acrylic paint and brushes

7. Varnish or sealant (optional)

8. Ribbon or string for hanging

   
   

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before I started sculpting, I took a moment to really think about each person’s features. I wanted to capture what makes each family member unique—whether it’s my nephew’s crooked smile, my niece’s tiny teeth, or my mom’s unintentional RBF (as my family likes to joke). It’s all about those little quirks that make them who they are. Gathering 3-4 photos from different angles of the person you want to sculpt will really help guide you through the process!

Step 2: Sculpting the Clay

Start by kneading the polymer clay until it’s soft and smooth. Once it’s pliable, roll it into a solid ball, making sure there are no air bubbles inside to avoid cracking. Next, use your sculpting tools to lightly mark where the features (eyes, nose, and mouth) will go.

Step 3: Adding Details

Once you’ve shaped the basic form of the heads, grab some extra clay and roll it out into a thin sheet. Carefully build up layers to shape the nose, eyes, lips, cheekbones, and other features. I found dental tools to be especially helpful for adding those fine details, but skewers work great too for more precise touches like eyes, noses, and mouths. Don’t be intimidated by the process—adding just one more layer or making a small indentation can surprisingly bring the sculpture to life and start looking more like the person you’re creating.

Step 4: Baking the Ornaments

After meticulously sculpting and shaping the clay, I carefully baked the ornaments, watching as they transformed from pliable clay into durable keepsakes.

Preheat your oven according to the instructions on your polymer clay packaging. Place your clay head ornaments on an oven-safe baking tray and bake them according to the recommended time and temperature. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 5: Painting and Decorating

Once your ornaments have cooled, it’s time to bring them to life with color! Use acrylic paint and fine brushes to add details like skin tone, hair color, and any additional decorations you desire. Let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

To protect your ornaments and give them a glossy finish, you can apply a coat of varnish or sealant. I’m still learning the ropes of sculpting and made the mistake of using Mod Podge sealant, which doesn’t react well with polymer clay and leaves a sticky residue. Instead, opt for something like Sculpey Satin Glaze or Polycrylic Clear. This step is optional, but it can really help your ornaments stand the test of time.

Step 7: Adding Hanging Loops

Finally, attach a length of ribbon or string to each ornament to create a hanging loop. You can either embed the ribbon into the clay before baking or glue it on afterward.

Step 8: Display and Enjoy!

Once your custom clay head ornaments are complete, it’s time to display them with pride! Hang them on your Christmas tree, adorn your mantel, or give them as heartfelt gifts to friends and family. No matter how you choose to display them, these handmade ornaments are sure to add a personal touch to your holiday décor and become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

My family is everything and traditions are sacred, my custom clay head ornaments have become more than just decorations; they’re a symbol of love, connection, and the enduring spirit of family. My hope is that with each passing year, as we gather around the tree and admire our cherished ornaments, we’re reminded of the precious moments we’ve shared and the bonds that hold us together, no matter where life may lead.

I hope you have fun creating your clay head masterpiece! It's a unique and creative way to add personality to your space. If you're looking for more DIY ideas to inspire your next project, be sure to visit my Instagram for tons of fun and quirky creations. Let’s keep the creativity flowing!

Get Inspired!