Baking Soda Clay Recipe for Smooth White Ornaments 2026

Tired of crumbly salt dough or expensive store-bought craft supplies? You’re looking for a simple, reliable way to create beautiful, homemade ornaments that actually last. It can be frustrating when a fun project ends with cracked or lumpy results, wasting your time and effort.

To make perfect baking soda clay, you need a simple 2:1 ratio of baking soda to cornstarch, mixed with water. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of cornstarch, then slowly stir in 1 1/4 cups of cold water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a mashed-potato consistency.

Based on established best practices and verified crafting methods, this guide delivers a no-fail recipe for the smoothest, most durable baking soda clay. This is a non-toxic, air-dry modeling compound perfect for creating stunning white ornaments. You’ll discover the exact steps to make the dough, seven beautiful project ideas, and expert tips to guarantee success.

How Do You Make the Perfect Baking Soda Clay for Ornaments?

Achieving the perfect homemade air-dry clay is less about luck and more about understanding the simple science behind the ingredients. Many crafters get discouraged by clay that’s too sticky, too dry, or cracks upon drying. After testing numerous ratios, this proven recipe consistently yields the smoothest, most durable air dry baking soda clay. The secret lies in the precise ratio of baking soda to cornstarch and the correct cooking technique, which creates a stable but pliable dough. This method ensures your finished pieces, especially Christmas ornaments, have a bright white, porcelain-like finish that’s ready for paint or to be left beautifully plain. Forget the guesswork; this guide provides the exact steps for a flawless result every time.

The Ultimate No-Fail Baking Soda Clay Recipe

This is the heart of your crafting success. Here you will find the definitive, step-by-step baking soda clay recipe that guarantees a smooth, white, and crack-resistant dough. The key is combining the right ingredients—baking soda and cornstarch—in the correct proportions and cooking them correctly. By following these instructions carefully, you will create a versatile moldable craft dough perfect for all the projects that follow. We’ve included expert tips to explain the why behind each step, ensuring you understand the process and can troubleshoot with confidence.

The Perfect Dough for Smooth White Ornaments

Pin this no-fail recipe to your ‘DIY Crafts’ board!

What You Need

• 2 cups baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• 1 cup cornstarch (sometimes called cornflour in the UK)
• 1 1/4 cups cold water
• A non-stick saucepan or pot
• A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Parchment paper or a silicone mat for cooling

What To Do

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the non-stick saucepan (off the heat), mix the 2 cups of baking soda and 1 cup of cornstarch. Stir them together until fully combined to ensure a smooth final texture.
2. Add Cold Water: Pour in the 1 1/4 cups of cold water. It’s important to use cold water and add it while the pan is off the heat to prevent the cornstarch from clumping instantly. Stir until the mixture is a smooth, milky liquid with no lumps.
3. Cook on Medium Heat: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. You must stir constantly as the mixture heats up. Do not walk away from the stove during this step!
4. Thicken the Dough: Continue to stir as the mixture heats. After a few minutes, it will begin to thicken suddenly. Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, folding the mixture over on itself until it pulls away from the sides and forms a single, thick mass with the consistency of mashed potatoes. This entire process takes about 3-5 minutes.
5. Cool the Dough: Immediately remove the dough from the saucepan and place it onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Be careful, it will be very hot. Cover it with a damp tea towel or an overturned bowl and allow it to cool until it’s comfortable to handle (about 20-30 minutes).
6. Knead Until Smooth: Once cooled, knead the dough for a minute or two until it becomes perfectly smooth and supple. If it feels a little sticky, you can dust your hands and surface with a tiny bit of cornstarch. Your baking soda clay is now ready to use!

Pro-Tip: The “mashed potato” consistency is key. If you undercook the dough, it will be too sticky and weak. If you overcook it, it can become dry and crumbly. The goal is to cook out just enough moisture for the cornstarch gelatinization to complete, forming a stable but pliable dough.

7 Beautiful Ornament Ideas to Make with Your Baking Soda Clay

Now that you’ve mastered the perfect baking soda clay recipe, it’s time for the fun part: creating! This clay is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide range of craft projects, from classic Christmas ornaments to personalized keepsakes. The following ideas will guide you through specific techniques, showing you how to use simple tools like cookie cutters, stamps, and even your own hands to make beautiful, professional-looking decorations. Each project includes step-by-step instructions and expert tips to ensure your creations are a success.

1. Craft Classic Star & Heart Ornaments

Save this classic ornament idea for your holiday crafting!

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A set of star and heart-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes
• A rolling pin or smooth glass bottle
• A drinking straw or skewer
• Fine-grit sandpaper (optional, for smoothing edges)
• Baker’s twine or ribbon for hanging

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface (a pinch of cornstarch works well), roll out your prepared baking soda clay to an even 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) thickness.
2. Cut Shapes: Press your cookie cutters firmly into the clay to cut out your star and heart shapes. Carefully lift the excess clay from around the cut-outs.
3. Create a Hole: Use the end of a drinking straw to poke a clean hole near the top of each ornament. This will be used for threading the twine later.
4. Dry Completely: Carefully transfer the ornaments to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them air-dry for 24-48 hours, flipping them over halfway through to ensure even drying and prevent cracking.
5. Finish & Hang: Once completely hard and dry, you can lightly sand any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Thread a piece of baker’s twine through the hole, tie a knot, and your classic ornaments are ready to hang.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly smooth surfaces, gently rub the surface of the wet clay cut-out with a fingertip dipped in a tiny bit of water before drying. This erases any small imperfections.

2. Personalize with Handprint & Footprint Keepsakes

Pin this precious keepsake idea to your ‘Family Crafts’ board!

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A rolling pin
• A large round cookie cutter or a small bowl and knife to trace a circle
• A skewer for the hanging hole and for writing
• Fine-tip permanent markers or paint pens for personalization (January 2026)
• Ribbon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll a Thick Disc: For handprints, roll the clay slightly thicker than for regular ornaments, about 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick, to accommodate the impression.
2. Cut the Shape: Use a large round cutter or trace around a bowl to create a large disc of clay.
3. Make the Impression: Gently wash and dry your child’s hand or foot. Press it firmly and evenly into the center of the clay disc. Lift it straight up to avoid smudging the print.
4. Personalize and Pierce: Use a skewer to poke a hole for the ribbon. You can also carefully inscribe the child’s name and the year (2026) on the front or back.
5. Dry Slowly: Handprint ornaments are thicker and require a longer drying time. Let them air-dry on a wire rack for 3-5 days, flipping once a day to prevent cracking and ensure they dry evenly.
6. Decorate: Once fully dry, you can leave the ornament pure white or use a fine-tip paint pen to highlight the name and year. Thread a ribbon through the hole to finish your timeless keepsake.

Pro-Tip: Work quickly and have a partner help if you’re working with a very young child. A little bit of cornstarch on the hand can help prevent sticking, but test a small patch first.

3. Design Elegant Stamped Word & Initial Tags

Perfect for personalized gift tags! Pin this elegant idea.

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A rolling pin
• A small rectangular cookie cutter or a knife and ruler
• A set of alphabet stamps (rubber or metal)
• A skewer
• Jute twine or thin ribbon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll and Cut: Roll your clay to a 1/4-inch thickness. Use a knife and ruler or a small rectangular cookie cutter to cut out your tag shapes.
2. Stamp the Clay: Arrange your alphabet stamps to spell out a word (“JOY”, “NOEL”) or a name. Lightly dust the stamps with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Press the stamps firmly and evenly into the clay. Lift straight up to reveal the impression.
3. Pierce the Tag: Use a skewer to create a hole at one end of the tag for the twine.
4. Dry the Tags: Place the stamped tags on a wire rack and let them air-dry for 24-48 hours, flipping them once during the process.
5. Add Finishing Touches: Once dry, you can leave the tags natural or use a very fine-tipped marker to lightly color inside the letters to make them pop. Thread with twine to attach to gifts or hang on a tree.

Pro-Tip: For a more rustic look, don’t worry if the stamping isn’t perfectly aligned. For a modern look, use a ruler to ensure your words are perfectly straight before stamping.

4. Create Textured Lace & Doily Imprint Ornaments

Add a touch of vintage elegance to your tree. Pin this idea!

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A rolling pin
• Pieces of textured lace, doilies, or even textured wallpaper or stamps
• Round cookie cutters
• A skewer
• Satin ribbon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll the Clay: Roll out your dough to a 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Create the Impression: Place your piece of lace or doily flat on top of the rolled-out clay. Use the rolling pin to roll firmly over the lace one time, pressing the texture deep into the clay.
3. Reveal the Pattern: Carefully peel the lace off the clay to reveal the beautiful, intricate pattern.
4. Cut the Ornaments: Use a round cookie cutter to cut out your ornaments, centering the most beautiful parts of the pattern.
5. Pierce and Dry: Poke a hole for the ribbon with a skewer. Let the ornaments air-dry completely on a wire rack for 24-48 hours, flipping once.
6. Hang with Ribbon: Once dry, thread a piece of elegant satin ribbon through the hole to complement the vintage look.

Pro-Tip: Choose lace with a deep, defined texture for the clearest and most dramatic impression. Thin, flat lace won’t transfer as well.

5. Assemble a Charming Miniature House Garland

Create a cozy Scandi-vibe with this garland. Save it for later!

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A small house-shaped cookie cutter
• A rolling pin
• A skewer or large needle
• A long piece of jute twine

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll and Cut Houses: Roll your clay to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out multiple small houses using your cookie cutter. You’ll need 10-15 houses for a standard mantel garland.
2. Pierce for Stringing: This is the most important step for a garland. Instead of one hole at the top, use a skewer to poke two holes side-by-side near the roofline of each house. This will allow the twine to run through the back so the houses hang flat.
3. Dry Completely: Place all the houses on a wire rack to air-dry for 24-48 hours. Because they are small, they may dry faster, but ensure they are completely hard.
4. String the Garland: Cut a long piece of twine. Thread the twine through the two holes on the back of each house, like you’re sewing.
5. Space and Hang: Space the houses evenly along the twine, leaving extra twine at both ends for hanging. Drape your charming new garland on your mantel, a shelf, or a wall.

Pro-Tip: Before the clay dries, use the tip of your skewer to gently etch a tiny door or window onto a few of the houses for extra detail and personality.

6. Sculpt Delicate Botanical Leaf Ornaments

A beautiful, modern take on holiday ornaments. Pin this nature-inspired idea!

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A rolling pin
• A craft knife or small paring knife
• A skewer or clay needle tool
• Real leaves (like ferns, eucalyptus, or maple) for inspiration and texture
• Ribbon or leather cord

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roll a Thin Slab: Roll your clay slightly thinner for this delicate project, about 1/8-inch thick.
2. Imprint and Trace: Place a real leaf onto the clay and roll over it gently to imprint the veins. Then, use a craft knife to carefully cut around the outside of the leaf shape.
3. Alternatively, Freehand Cut: If you’re feeling artistic, use your craft knife to freehand-cut various leaf shapes directly from the clay slab.
4. Add Detail and Pierce: Use a skewer to etch extra vein details if needed. Poke a small hole at the stem-end of the leaf for hanging.
5. Dry Carefully: These delicate shapes are more fragile. Let them air-dry flat on parchment paper for 24 hours, handling them gently.
6. Finish the Look: Thread a simple leather cord or thin silk ribbon through the hole for a modern, organic look.

Pro-Tip: If the edges are a little rough after cutting, you can smooth them with a wet fingertip before drying, or with a fine nail file after the ornament is completely hard.

7. Make Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Tags

A craft that’s beautiful and functional! Pin this wellness DIY.

Materials Needed

• Prepared baking soda clay
• A rolling pin
• A small cookie cutter (any shape – round, hexagonal)
• A skewer
• Twine or ribbon
• Your favorite essential oils (e.g., lavender, peppermint, pine)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Create the Tags: Roll and cut your clay into small, simple shapes. These can be used as ornaments, gift tags, or car air fresheners.
2. Pierce for Hanging: Poke a hole for the twine. You can also use stamps to add a simple design, but don’t pierce the clay all the way through.
3. Dry Completely: Let the tags air-dry fully for 24-48 hours on a wire rack.
4. DO NOT SEAL: This is the most important step. For the clay to absorb the oil, it must be left in its natural, porous, unsealed state. Do not paint or varnish these tags.
5. Add Essential Oils: Once dry, place 2-3 drops of your chosen essential oil onto the back of the clay tag. The porous air dry clay will absorb the oil and slowly release the scent over several days.
6. Hang and Enjoy: Hang your diffuser tag on your tree, in a closet, on a doorknob, or from your car’s rearview mirror. Re-apply oil every few days as the scent fades.

Pro-Tip: Use different scents for different areas! A pine or cinnamon scent is perfect for a Christmas tree ornament, while lavender is great for a closet or bedroom.

Key Takeaways

• The Perfect Ratio is Key: The most reliable, proven recipe for smooth baking soda clay is a simple 2:1:1.25 ratio: 2 parts baking soda, 1 part cornstarch, and 1.25 parts cold water.

• Cook Until It’s Like Mashed Potatoes: The most critical step is to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Under-cooking leads to sticky clay; over-cooking leads to crumbly clay.

• Air Dry, Don’t Bake: This is a true air-dry clay. It hardens best when left on a wire rack for 24-48 hours. Baking it can cause it to puff up or crack. Flip ornaments halfway through for even drying.

• Prevent Cracking with Slow Drying: The main cause of cracking is drying too quickly. Keep ornaments away from direct heat sources or fans. Flipping them regularly ensures both sides shrink at a similar rate.

• It’s Versatile and Paintable: Once fully dry, baking soda clay is hard, lightweight, and has a beautiful matte white surface that is perfect for painting with acrylics or drawing on with paint markers.

• Leave It Unsealed for Aromatherapy: For projects like essential oil diffusers, the clay must be left unpainted and unsealed so its natural porosity can absorb and diffuse the oils.

People Also Ask About Baking Soda Clay

Why is my baking soda clay cracking?

The most common cause of cracking is drying too quickly or unevenly. To prevent cracking, make sure you roll the clay to an even thickness and allow it to air-dry slowly on a wire rack, away from direct heat or fans. Flipping the ornaments over every 12 hours helps both sides dry at the same rate, reducing stress on the clay.

How do you fix sticky baking soda clay?

Sticky clay is usually a sign that it was slightly undercooked. If the dough is still warm, you can try returning it to the pot to cook for another 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly. If it has already cooled, the best fix is to knead in a very small amount of cornstarch, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, non-sticky consistency.

Can you bake baking soda clay to make it dry faster?

It is not recommended to bake baking soda clay. Unlike salt dough, the chemical composition of baking soda can cause the clay to puff up, bubble, or become brittle and yellow in the oven. The best and most reliable method is to let it air-dry naturally for 24-48 hours for the strongest, smoothest result.

Is baking soda clay durable?

Yes, when made and dried properly, baking soda clay is surprisingly durable and lightweight. It is harder and smoother than salt dough but can be more brittle if dropped on a hard surface. For keepsake items, it’s very long-lasting. To increase durability and water resistance for items that will be handled, you can seal them with a clear acrylic spray or Mod Podge.

How do you store leftover baking soda clay?

You should use your baking soda clay on the same day it’s made for best results. Unlike playdough, it doesn’t store well for long periods. If you need to store it for a few hours, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or bag to prevent it from drying out.

What’s the difference between baking soda clay vs salt dough?

Baking soda clay dries to a smoother, whiter, and more refined finish than salt dough. Salt dough is known for its puffy, sometimes grainy texture and is typically more durable for robust kid’s crafts. For delicate ornaments and projects where a porcelain-like appearance is desired, baking soda clay is the better choice.

Can you paint on baking soda clay?

Yes, baking soda clay is an excellent surface for painting. Once the clay is completely dry, you can use almost any craft paint. Acrylic craft paints work best, and paint markers are great for adding fine details. The bright white color of the clay makes paint colors appear vibrant and true.

How do you seal baking soda clay?

To seal baking soda clay and make it water-resistant, use a clear sealant. You can brush on a thin layer of Mod Podge (in a gloss, satin, or matte finish) or use a clear acrylic spray sealant. Sealing is recommended for ornaments that will be stored for many years or any items that might be exposed to moisture.

Is baking soda clay safe for kids?

Yes, the ingredients—baking soda, cornstarch, and water—are all non-toxic, making it a very safe craft material for kids. However, the cooking process involves a hot stove and hot dough, so adult supervision is absolutely essential during the making of the clay. Once cooled, the dough itself is perfectly safe for children to handle.

How long does baking soda clay take to dry?

Drying time depends on thickness and humidity, but typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours. Thin ornaments (1/8-inch) may be dry in 24 hours, while standard 1/4-inch ornaments will take closer to 48 hours. Thicker projects like handprints can take 3-5 days. You’ll know it’s dry when it’s lightweight, completely hard, and cool to the touch.

Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Craft Material

You now have everything you need to successfully make and use baking soda clay. This simple, homemade air-dry clay opens up a world of creative possibilities right from your own kitchen. It proves that you don’t need expensive or complicated supplies to produce elegant, professional-quality crafts. From timeless Christmas ornaments and personalized handprint keepsakes to functional aromatherapy diffusers, the potential is vast.

The beauty of this material lies in its smooth, white finish and its incredible versatility. By mastering the basic recipe, you’ve gained a foundational skill for countless future projects. Embrace the process, experiment with textures and shapes, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands.

Which of these baking soda clay ideas will you try first?

Last update on 2026-01-25 at 12:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API