Ingredients
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon white craft glue (optional)
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 sheet parchment paper, about 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 silicone baking mat, about 12 inches by 16 inches (optional)
- 4 cookie cutters, 2 to 3 inches wide
- 1 drinking straw, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 medium saucepan, about 2 quarts
- 1 silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 cooling rack, about 12 inches wide
- 1 small cup of clean water, about 4 fluid ounces
- 1 set of small paintbrushes, 3 to 5 brushes
- 1 set of acrylic craft paints, including navy, violet, magenta, teal, and white
- 1 disposable paper plate or palette, about 8 inches wide
- 1 small sponge, about 2 inches wide
- 24 inches cotton cord, cut into 4 pieces of 6 inches each
- 1 can water-based clear acrylic sealer (optional)
- 1 disposable table covering, about 24 inches by 36 inches
- 1 pair reusable household gloves (optional)
- 1 package paper towels
Instructions
- Cover your table with the disposable covering, then place parchment or a silicone mat over it.
- Measure 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, and 1 1/4 cups water into the saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon white craft glue if you are using it, then stir until the mixture looks evenly cloudy.
- Warm the saucepan over low to medium-low heat while stirring steadily with the spatula. After several minutes, the liquid will thicken from a loose paste into something like mashed potatoes.
- Turn off the heat when the mixture gathers into one soft mound and begins pulling away from the sides.
- Transfer the dough to the parchment and let it cool for about 15 minutes.
- Knead the dough gently for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing and folding until it feels smooth.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and keep three pieces covered. Roll one piece to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut shapes with the cookie cutters. Use the straw to make a hole near the top of each ornament.
- Move the shapes to the cooling rack or a fresh parchment sheet.
- Let the ornaments dry at room temperature for 24 hours, turning them once after the first 12 hours.
- Place navy, violet, magenta, teal, and white paint on the paper plate. Dab navy onto the center with the sponge, then add violet and teal around it.
- Use the small brushes to add magenta patches and soft streaks.
- Dip the smallest brush into white paint, then tap the handle gently over the ornament to create star-like dots.
- Let the painted ornaments dry for 2 hours. If the first coat looks patchy, add a thin second coat after it dries.
- Brush or spray on a light coat of water-based clear acrylic sealer if desired. Let it dry for 2 hours.
- Thread one 6-inch piece of cotton cord through each hole.
- Clean brushes with water while the paint is still wet and rinse the saucepan promptly.
Notes
The optional clear sealer adds protection but does not make the ornaments waterproof. Keep the ornaments dry and handle them gently.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
