EASY STEPS TO YOUR GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS DECOS

STITCH DIAGRAMS

CLAY KNOW HOW

Before you start making your clay decos, read these instructions on how to cut and imprint it.

Gather your supplies

• Air-dry clay
• Hessian and lace
• Craft knife or biscuit cutter
• Rolling pin
• Pencil
• Tracing paper
• Scissors
• Sponge
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Cutting shapes

Here’s how

STEP 1 For each project, trace the enlarged template onto tracing paper and cut out.

STEP 2 On a flat, clean surface, roll out clay to about 3mm thick with a rolling pin. If it’s cracking or dry, drizzle a little water over surface and rub lightly with a sponge.

STEP 3 Place paper templates over clay and cut out shapes – working from the outside in – with a craft knife or biscuit cutter. Lift up paper carefully and leave clay shape flat to dry. If dried edges are rough or uneven, gently smooth with sandpaper.

Imprinting clay

Here’s how

STEP 1 Roll out clay to rough size needed.

STEP 2 Place the hessian or lace (or textured material of your choice) over the clay and press firmly. Peel back gently to leave the imprint.

STEP 3 Cut out shape(s) from imprinted clay and continue on with project.

VILLAGE HOUSES

Finished sizes, 6-9cm high

Gather your supplies

• Air-dry clay
• PVA glue
• Damp cloth
• Battery-operated tea lights

Here’s how

STEP 1 Using diagrams for the houses (on opposite page), make all parts (see Cutting shapes, le ) in clay.

Glue together dry walls with PVA, use cloth to remove excess glue and let dry. Glue