Easy Clay Handprint Christmas Ornaments for Kids

A little handprint makes a Christmas decoration feel personal. The tiny fingers, the shape of the palm, and even the slightly uneven edges turn a simple clay ornament into something worth saving.

For a farmhouse Christmas, I like the look of warm white clay finished with a cranberry ribbon. It keeps the handprint as the focus and pairs beautifully with evergreen branches, natural wood, and the family ornaments already on the tree.

These clay handprint Christmas ornaments are a simple project to make with children, and they also make thoughtful handmade gifts for grandparents. The hands-on part is short, but the clay needs time to dry, so plan ahead if you are making them for Christmas gifts.

Project Details

• Hands-on time: About 20 minutes.

• Drying time: Follow your clay’s instructions and allow several days in your plans.

• Skill level: Beginner, with adult help.

• Finished size: Large enough for the child’s handprint with a border around it.

• Best for: Children who meet the clay’s labeled age recommendation.

An adult should handle cutting, making the hanging hole, and attaching the ribbon. Supervise throughout and keep clay and craft supplies out of children’s mouths.

Supplies You’ll Need

• White air-dry craft clay suitable for your child’s age

• A rolling pin reserved for crafting

• A nonstick craft mat or wax paper on a flat tray

• A large round plastic cutter or a bowl to trace

• A blunt clay tool for adult use

• A drinking straw

• Cranberry, forest-green, or natural cotton ribbon

• Scissors

• Optional compatible paint and a small paintbrush

• Optional compatible clear varnish for an adult to apply

Choose a cutter or bowl that leaves room around the whole hand. A circle around 5 inches across may work for a small hand, but check the fit before cutting.

How to Make Clay Handprint Christmas Ornaments

1. Prepare the Work Surface

Cover a flat tray with your craft mat or wax paper. Making the ornament on a tray lets you move it to a drying spot without lifting the soft clay.

Set out the supplies before bringing your child over. Keep the unused clay covered according to its packaging while you work.

2. Roll Out the Clay

Knead a portion of clay until it feels workable, then roll it into an even slab about ¼ to ⅜ inch thick, unless your clay’s instructions specify otherwise.

Leave enough thickness for the hand impression without pressing all the way through. Help younger children roll gently so the middle and edges stay fairly even.

3. Cut the Ornament Shape

Cut a circle large enough to hold the entire handprint, leaving extra space at the top for the ribbon hole.

An adult can trace around a bowl with a blunt clay tool. Smooth any rough cut edges gently with a fingertip.

4. Press in the Handprint

Ask your child to open their hand and spread their fingers comfortably.

Help them press their palm and each finger into the clay, then lift the hand straight up. Aim for a clear impression without making the clay underneath too thin.

If the print smudges, you can knead and roll the clay again while it is still soft. There is no need for a perfect first try.

5. Make the Hanging Hole

Use a straw to punch a hole near the top of the ornament, outside the handprint.

Leave a generous border of clay between the hole and the outer edge. Remove the little clay plug and check that the opening will fit your ribbon.

6. Let the Ornament Dry Completely

Leave the ornament flat in a protected indoor spot and follow the manufacturer’s drying directions. Turn it only if those directions recommend doing so.

Dry to the touch does not always mean fully dry. For example, Crayola says its Air-Dry Clay generally takes about 24 hours to become dry to the touch and about 72 hours to dry completely, with timing affected by the piece’s size and surrounding conditions.

Wait until the clay is fully dry before painting, sealing, or hanging it.

7. Add Color If You Like

For a simple farmhouse finish, leave the clay its natural ivory color.

If your child wants to paint, choose paint that is compatible with the clay and appropriate for their age. A little soft green around the edge or a lightly painted handprint can add color while keeping the details visible.

An adult can add the child’s name and the year to the back once the ornament is ready for decorating.

8. Finish with Ribbon

Once the ornament and any paint are completely dry, thread a short piece of ribbon through the hole and tie a secure loop.

Cranberry ribbon gives it a classic Christmas feel. Natural cotton ribbon creates a softer, neutral look.

Choose a sturdy branch that can support the finished ornament. Larger handprints also look lovely hanging from a small indoor display hook.

Simple Ways to Make It Your Own

• Make one ornament for your tree and another for a grandparent.

• Use the same ribbon color for siblings’ ornaments.

• Add the year so you can remember when each handprint was made.

• Let an older child paint a narrow border in their favorite Christmas color.

• Package a fully dried ornament in a small box lined with soft tissue for gifting.

Do Clay Handprint Ornaments Need to Be Baked?

This version uses air-dry clay and dries at room temperature. Follow the directions on your exact product. Crayola specifically advises against putting its modeling compounds in an oven, microwave, or kiln.

Should You Seal the Finished Ornament?

Sealing depends on the clay and the finish you want. If you choose to seal it, wait until the clay and paint are fully dry and have an adult apply a compatible varnish according to its label.

Crayola recommends testing varnish compatibility before applying it to a finished piece. It also notes that sealing its Air-Dry Clay does not make it waterproof, so these ornaments should stay indoors and away from water.

How to Store Your Handprint Ornaments

After Christmas, wrap each fully dry ornament loosely in soft tissue and place it in a sturdy box. Keep heavier decorations from pressing against it and store the box in a dry indoor space.

A little care when packing it away will help protect those small finger impressions for another Christmas.