Is there such a thing as too many Christmas ornaments? Not a chance!😆 But let’s be real—when we see a project this inspiring, we can’t help but delve into a holiday crafting bliss (how could we resist?!). Boutique Paint inspired these lovely gingerbread ornaments with their terracotta ornament tutorial using the IOD Christmas Tapers Mould.

When we saw their project on our feed we were like, "First of all, these are absolutely lovely." "Secondly, how can we reimagine this with a gingerbread twist?" Que the crafting frenzy! We used deep brown gingerbread color in chalk-type paint and a white glaze finish as the icing to create traditional Christmas gingerbread ornaments. I think we’ve accomplished a blend of adorable and sophisticated (if we do say so ourselves😉♥️).

If you make this project or any project inspired by IOD for that matter, will you please share it with us in the Facebook Creative Tribe? It just makes us smile to see what you guys are up to!♥️

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the   store locator   and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Christmas Tapers Mould
• Air Dry Clay

Other Supplies: 

• White Glaze
• Warm Brown Chalk Paint*
• Warm Dark Brown Chalk Paint*
• Twine/Ribbon

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PREP AND CAST YOUR MOULD

Let’s begin by giving our Christmas taper mould a light dusting with cornstarch. If you get carried away, flip over your mould and give it a little pat so there isn’t too much hiding in the nooks and crannies (if there’s too much, the clay will shift too much as it's applied, and you won’t get a crisp impression). Today, we want to make shorter ornaments, so we won’t be filling the entire taper, sticking to the topmost designs. Smooth your clay into the cavity, remove the excess with your thumb, and then remove the casting. Repeat until you have all the ornaments you want. 

STEP TWO: ADD HOLES FOR HANGING THE ORNAMENTS

We’re going to be really techie with how we make our holes today. You can use the end of an artist's paintbrush, but we snipped a Q-tip in half and used the handle to make a hole. We aren’t going to paint our castings wet this time, instead, we’re going to let them set with a damp paper towel over top to create a moist environment for them to cure. This can take a few hours.   

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR CASTINGS

Once they’re dry, we can get to the painting! We want a rich, warm brown, similar to real gingerbread. However, that can look different depending on your region (dark British gingerbread, anyone?). Therefore, we wanted to give you the option of a dark, rich brown or a lighter version. We used a 1:2 ratio of dark brown and light brown chalk paint for the lightest mixture. Mix well, and paint your ornaments with both colors like we did or just with your favorite color of choice. 

STEP FOUR: ADD A WHITE GLAZE

Next, we added a white glaze to mimic the icing on gingerbread and really pop those yummy details. Our glaze was premixed, but if your stockists don’t sell those, don't worry! You can mix your own chalk paint glaze with a 1:4 ratio of white paint and water. Apply with an artist brush and wipe away the excess with a damp paper towel or lint-free cloth. Let dry. 

STEP FIVE: ATTACH RIBBON FOR HANGING

Grab your twine and thread it through the holes we made in step two. Tie a knot at the top of your loop and you’re all set! 

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!