Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup water, divided as needed
- 2 tablespoons white school glue (optional)
- 1 small saucepan, about 1 quart
- 1 silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 sheet parchment paper, at least 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 rolling pin, about 12 inches long
- 1 set of small cookie cutters, 2 to 3 inches wide
- 1 drinking straw, about 1/4 inch wide, for hanging holes
- 1 baking sheet, about 12 inches by 18 inches
- 1 sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, cut into a 3 inch by 3 inch piece
- 1 small bottle dark navy or black acrylic paint, at least 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle blue acrylic paint, at least 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle purple acrylic paint, at least 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle white acrylic paint, at least 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle silver or pearl acrylic paint, at least 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small sponge, about 2 inches wide, cut into a small dabber
- 2 small paintbrushes, one flat 1/2 inch brush and one fine detail brush
- 1 old toothbrush, for making star splatters
- 24 inches cotton cord, cut into four 6 inch pieces
- 1 small mixing bowl, at least 2 cups
- 1 protective table covering, such as a drop cloth, newspaper or reusable plastic mat
- 1 pair disposable or washable craft gloves, optional
- 1 small cup of clean water, about 8 fluid ounces, for rinsing brushes
Instructions
- Cover your table before you measure anything.
- Set the baking sheet, parchment, cutters, cord, and tools within reach.
- Measure the baking soda and cornstarch into the saucepan. Add 3/4 cup water and stir until the mixture looks smooth and milky, then add 2 tablespoons white school glue.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly for about 4 to 6 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Turn off the heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes, then knead it gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment until it reaches about 1/4 inch thick.
- Press the cookie cutters into the dough to make four shapes, each about 2 to 3 inches wide.
- Use the drinking straw to cut one hole about 1/4 inch below the top edge of each ornament.
- Move the shapes to the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them at 175 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2 hours.
- Let the ornaments cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes.
- Lightly rub the edges with 220 grit sandpaper.
- Paint the back and front of each ornament with a thin coat of dark navy or black acrylic paint.
- Let the first coat dry for about 30 minutes, then add a second thin coat if needed.
- Use the small sponge to dab blue and purple paint over parts of the dark background.
- Dip the fine detail brush into silver or pearl paint and add a few loose swirls or dots.
- For stars, thin a small amount of white paint with a few drops of water and use the toothbrush to scatter dots.
- Let the painted ornaments dry for 1 to 2 hours.
- If desired, brush on a very thin layer of water-based clear sealer and let it dry for another 2 to 4 hours.
- Thread one 6 inch piece of cotton cord through each hole and tie the ends in a small knot.
- Clean the brushes while the paint remains wet, and once dry, hang the ornaments indoors or wrap them for gifting.
Notes
You can replace white school glue with an extra tablespoon of water if needed. Use a drop cloth to protect surfaces.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
