CLAY RECIPE FOR ORNAMENTS
4 c. flour
1 c. salt
1 tsp. powdered alum
1 1/2 c. water
Mix well in a large bowl. If the dough is too dry, work in another tablespoon of water with your hands. Dough can be colored by dividing it into several parts and kneading a drop or 2 of food coloring into each part. Roll or mold as desired. TO ROLL: Roll dough 1/8" thick on lightly floured board. Cut with cookie cutters dipped in flour. Make a hole in the top 1/4" down for hanging by using the end of a plastic straw dipped in flour. Shake the dots from the end of the straw and press on for decorations. TO MOLD: Shape dough no more than 1/2" thick into figures such as: flowers, fruits, animals, etc. Insert a fine wire in each for hanging. Bake ornaments on ungreased cookie sheet for about 30 minutes in a 250 degree oven. Turn and bake another 1 1/2 hours until hard and dry. Remove and cool. When done, sand lightly with fine sandpaper until smooth. Paint with plastic based poster, acrylic paint or markers. Paint both sides. Allow paint to dry and seal with a clear shellac, spray plastic or clear nail polish. This recipe makes about 5 dozen 2 1/2" ornaments.