We’re getting down to the wire; Christmas is right around the corner. The Christmas tree should be up and fully decorated (mine is finally, satisfactorily full) and my munchkins are eager, if not downright ballistic, over Santa’s arrival.

For many, holiday shopping is coming to a close or so those who've just begun are wishing! For the latter crowd here’s a little help on that list should you find yourself in dire straits with needing something for a child’s school teacher, the mail carrier or a co-worker for the company gift exchange.

What in the world to get them?

How about something simple, not too expensive, because everyone’s wallet could use a breather this time of year, and one-of-a-kind!

You will need from your local arts and craft supply store:

  • Polymer clay of various colors
  • Polymer liquid clay
  • Paint brush
  • Aluminum foil
  • Small steel jump ring
  • Ribbon, yarn or string
  • Exacto knife

Items recommended but not necessary:

  • Clay oven
  • Knitting needles of various sizes*
  • Tiny glass black beads


When it comes to working with clay my first suggestion is to roll the clay into quarter size or smaller balls, softening and warming the clay thoroughly in your hands.

The Santa ornament starts with a scarf. Roll out your chosen color as evenly as possible to desired length. Think of a snake. I suggest laying the clay on a flat surface and rolling the clay with one finger to help keep an even thickness. Coil your “snake” as many times as you want, keeping in mind that the “head” of Santa will need to nest in the center, so make sure to test how well the Santa head fits.

Next, flatten a dime size ball of clay, the same color as your scarf, with a pasta machine at a setting of 6 or 7. Using an Exacto knife, cut out two squares of varying length, cutting “fingers” on one end for fringe, these two pieces will go at either ends of the scarf to disguise the rounded edges. Lightly push your coil down on a protected surface, this flattens the bottom just enough to keep it from rolling around your work area.

Now, let’s work on Santa’s nose by making first a tear drop shape with two tiny circles on either side for the nostrils. Attach nose to Santa’s face using knitting needles to poke holds for eyes that are then filled with one black glass bead each. (You can use small balls of black clay as well.)

I decided to put Santa’s mustache on at this point, another two tear drop shapes, before nestling his head on the coiled scarf. Push his head gently into the coil, just enough to make sure he doesn’t roll away. Once the head is secure, you're set to work on the beard, which is a dime size ball of clay, flattened at a 6 or 7 pasta machine setting.

To start the hat make another snake and coil around Santa’s head. For the remainder, take a ball of your chosen color about the diameter of a quarter between both hands and roll out to pinky length. Force your thumb through the center at one end while pulling out the surrounding edges. As the edges become larger work out the top of the hat to a point. Bend and then place hat on Santa’s head working it around the coiled edges already placed about his forehead.

A small ball is perfect for the end of Santa’s hat or use a steel bell (glue on after baking).

Now place the jump ring by pushing halfway into the center of the top of the hat, close to the forehead. A little tip here, after pushing the jump ring halfway into the hat, use a tiny ball of the same color clay as the hat and blend in above the indention to secure the jump ring to the ornament.

Once Santa’s hat is secured work on his hair, blending it into his mustache and beard. Use the Exacto knife to make creases around the eyes, and on the hat and scarf. This gives the clay texture and "life".

Use liquid clay to secure all pieces and then bake according to instructions.

Once Santa is thoroughly cooled use glitter paint on the hat or scarf, chalk for rosy cheeks and nose, before glazing.

*Knitting needles are my absolute favorite “must have” tool when working with Polymer clay. They help blend in areas your fingers can’t reach.

Try a snowman!

Or a bear!