How to Make an Air Dry Clay Pinwheel Ornament

I am going to show you step-by-step how to make an air dry clay pinwheel ornaments.

DAS white air dry modeling clay

3 1/8in fluted biscuit cutter - DO NOT use this item on food after using on clay

Clay knife

Small dowel/pen/tool to use as a support

3/4 in circle cutter - DO NOT use this item for food after using on clay

2 pieces of 3/16 in thick foam board

A large roller (I used a straight glass wine bottle - no label)

Textured plates page

Non-stick work surface (I used a silicone mat)

Permanent marker

Small container of room temp water

Gallon size plastic bag or sealable container

Pull a chunk of clay (approximately 2in wide section) from the DAS package. Place the unused clay in an airtight gallon size bag or container. This clay can be kept for a few months if sealed properly.

Knead the clay to warm and condition. No need to work it long. Mush it with your hands. Get in that clay and work out your frustrations of the day - it can take it.

Flatten the clay with your hands until it's about a 1/2in thick. Pull the clay up and turn over. This keeps the clay smooth and prevents it from sticking to your surface.

Place the clay between the foam board (see picture).

Roll the clay with the bottle or roller.

Turn the clay over.

Roll again.

Keep turning and rolling until the clay is as thin as the foam boards.

Make sure the strip of clay is slightly wider than your biscuit cutter (about 4in wide).

When the clay is the same thickness as the foam board, turn it over once last time.

Place the texture page on top of the clay.

Gently press the texture sheet into the clay. I used my bottle to apply even pressure across the entire piece.

DO NOT press hard. This will cause the clay to flatten more and become too thin.

Carefully pull the texture sheet off.

If the texture isn't even or to your liking you can pull the clay up, knead it, and start over.

When the texture and thickness are even, press the biscuit cutter then the circle cutter into the clay. Here I have cut 2 only because I could fit them. You will only need 1square and 1 circle for the ornament.

Pull the outer clay off and place it in your bag to use in another project.

This is a good time to pull up the square and circle then place in a section of your mat where it can stay for several hours.

To lift without damage - put your hand under the silicone mat and turn the clay into your hand, then gently pull the mat away from the square. Place it texture side up on your mat.

On one of the foam boards use a permanent marker to mark the corners of your square. Go in about 1 1/14in and make another mark (see picture).

Use the clay cutting tool to cut a slit from the 1 1/4in mark out to the corner. The clay cooperates better if you slice from the inside outward.

Repeat on the other corners.

By now your clay has started drying - not much but just enough.

Carefully pull up the top left corner. If it's being persnickety you can put your hand under the silicone mat and gently push the corner up to get a hold without crushing it.

Turn the corner in over a dowel (or other ridged round item). Dip your finger in a tiny bit of water then dab it under the corner. Smoosh the corner down into the center of the square not too hard but hard enough so it sticks. It's ok to flatten the tip - it will get covered by the circle later.

Carefully pull out the support dowel.

Repeat the step on the right top corner. See photo to get the correct point.

Repeat curling the next 2 corners until... you have a pinwheel.

Carefully turn your 3/4in circle over. You can put your hand under the silicone mat to help turn it over.

Take your finger nail or a pin (anything that can make a mark) and make hash marks on the back.

Make some hash marks on the center of your pinwheel also.

Dab your finger in just a touch of water then add it to the center and the back of the circle.

Turn the circle right-side up and gently press it (hash mark down) into the center for the pinwheel. I wiggle it just a touch as I press. The key is to attach it without obliterating the texture you pressed into it earlier.

Using a tad bit of water on your finger tip, rub any rough edges smooth. Smooth out any nick you may have made with your finger nails. Pay attention to those cut edges. A tiny bit of water is all it takes to smooth them.

I know you're going to be tempted to pick it up but don't. It is in a delicate state. Leave it alone. Let it dry several hours - over night even.

You will see it start to turn white on the edges. It's supposed to do that.

The next day turn it over so the bottom can dry.

3-4 days later look it over. You can sand any rough edges with fine grit sandpaper or an emory board.

This clay is paper-based. It needs to be sealed if you want it to last (especially in humid climates).

If you want to keep it white, seal it with a clear polyurethane type product. I use Mod Podge dishwasher safe gloss water-based sealer.

You can also paint it. I have used water colors and acrylic paints on this clay. The sky is the limit! Experiment. Have fun. Play. Once you've painted it you need to seal it. Use a clear coat or Mod Podge.

String a ribbon, yarn or cord through one of the curls as a hanger.

Hope you have as much fun as I did making these!