If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and fun festive DIY project, why not make a cute Christmas polymer clay slab with me?

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It’s almost Christmas, and that means it’s time for some fabulous Christmas DIYs.

I’ve really enjoyed trying new clay tricks and techniques this year. I made an autumn clay slab a little while back and realized that I hadn’t attempted a Christmas one yet. So here’s a little tutorial to give you some inspiration.

What is a “clay slab”?

It’s exactly what it sounds like! Basically, it’s a sheet of clay with designs on it. You can paint designs on, use texture rollers, or, in this case, cut out little shapes and apply them to the slab. You can use any shapes, colors, and types of clay that you want. In this example, I’m making a Christmas-inspired slab, but you can make them for any season, holiday, or theme. Why not make a rainbow slab? Or a beachy slab?

What can I do with a clay slab?

I love making clay slabs and then creating jewelry pieces from them. You can make earrings, pendants, and even elastic ribbon bookmarks (check out the tutorial!) There are probably tons of other things you can do with clay slabs – let me know in the comments what you use them for!

How to make a Christmas polymer clay slab

This project, like so many of mine, is highly adaptable. I’m going to show you the tools and clays that I use, but you can follow the general technique to make something more in line with your own aesthetic. Or you can use the exact same clays and tools and make something that looks almost identical! (I say almost because no two slabs will ever be exactly the same!)

So let’s get into it!

To make this project you’ll need:

• Polymer Clay: I almost always use Sculpey Premo. For this project, I grabbed a bunch of colors that I had on hand already, including red, green, blue, white, and glittery black. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend this Sculpey Premo multi-pack. If you want to mix your own colors, check out my post on mixing your own palettes and my archive of free color recipes! (I’m adding to it weekly, so check back often!)
• Christmas Clay Cutters: I used these Keoker Christmas clay cutters, but you can use any clay cutters for this project. Or you can cut out shapes individually for a truly one-of-a-kind slab!
• Clay Roller: I love using a clay rolling tool as it makes the process quick and easy. But you can also use a simple acrylic roller and depth guides, like this!
• Other Supplies: Cutting blades for your clay are always good to have on hand. If you don’t have any, and/or don’t want to buy yet another specialty supply, you can use a dollar store knife or a utility knife blade (but be careful, they’re sharp!). I also like to work on a ceramic tile – I can make my pieces on it and transfer it directly to the oven. You could also get this great make-and-bake mat from Sculpey if you prefer to work with things made specifically for clay. (But again, I use cheap ceramic tiles from the hardware store, and they work great!) I also use cling wrap in this project to work more easily with the little clay cutters!

Directions

Step 1

Gather your materials!

Step 2

Roll out the clay that will make up the backing of your slab. You’ll want to make this fairly thick, as it’s what supports all the other little pieces. I roll mine out to the thickest setting on my clay roller, but you can make it whatever thickness works best for the project you’re making.

Roll out the clay you’re going to use for your design thinner than you rolled out the base clay. I rolled mine out half as thick as the base clay.

Step 3

If you are using really small clay cutters, like I am, I highly recommend placing some plastic wrap over the clay before you use your cutters. It stops the clay from getting stuck in the cutter. However, it does also leave a rounded edge to the cut piece. If you don’t like that look, dip your cutter in corn starch before using it.

I like the corn starch method sometimes (it’s messy, though!), but for this project, I wanted the rounded edges.

Step 4

Cut out your pieces and start to place them all over the base slab.

Step 5

Soon, you will have a fun, colorful, and very Christmasy slab that is ready to become earrings, pendants, pins, and more!

Step 6

Now cut out whatever pieces you need for your final project, just like you would with plain colored clay. Here I’m making some cute earrings.

Pull away the remainder of the slab. You can save it (put it in an air-tight container or wrap it in plastic wrap) for later projects or mix it all together to get a fun new color.

Step 7

Bake your pieces, and assemble them! (Yes, there is cat hair on my workspace. Because I have three of them, and they like to make sure to leave hair everywhere. I’m sure it’s deliberate.)

Step 8

Look at these adorable Christmas earrings made with my super cute Christmas clay slab!

Step 10

I had fun wearing these on Christmas Day!

Will you make this Christmas polymer clay slab?

This is mostly an inspiration post; you can make clay “slabs” for any reason. Try an Easter slab covered in little eggs, bunnies, and baskets or a St. Patrick’s Day slab with gold coins, rainbows, and shamrocks.

Let me know in the comments if you’re going to give this a try!

Happy Making!