Saturday Crafting: Clay Place Setting Card

Hello Bloomers!

I love to set aside some time on Saturdays to craft. Crafting is a creative process that allows me to unwind and express my inner wannabe artist :) It relaxes my mind and fills my heart with happiness, reminding me that creativity is a powerful source of fulfillment.

Today's project - diving into the world of DIY clay tags.  I made these last Thanksgiving for our family dinner table and it added such personal thoughtful touch. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party or looking for that perfect finishing touch on a gift, clay tags are perfect accent.

In this version, I added dried lemons. Dried fruit is a fun way to add a natural, textured accent to the clay tag, and drying fruit is a very easy process!

To dry fruit:

The easiest kinds of fruit to dry for making decorations are apples and any citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit).

1. Slice the fruit into ¼ inch thick rounds.

2. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake at 175°F for 3–4 hours, or until the slices are dry and lightly browned.

4. Flip the slices halfway through baking.

5. Let the slices cool completely.

6. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

To make clay tags:

What You’ll Need

• Air-dry clay - I used Craft Smart Air Dry Modeling Clay in white

• Rolling pin

• Cookie cutters or rubber alphabet stamps

• Straw (for making a hole)

• Satin Glaze - I used Sculpey satin glaze

• Decorative paper napkins (choose designs that match the occasion or your aesthetic)

• Paintbrush

• Twine, ribbon, or string

• Parchment paper or a silicone mat (to protect your work surface)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. 1Prepare the Clay

2. Start by kneading the air-dry clay to make it soft and pliable. This will also help remove some of the moisture and make it less sticky. If you’re working with a large block of clay, cut off a manageable piece to work with. Place it on a wax paper or silicone mat to keep your surface clean.

3. Roll It Out

   Using a rolling pin, roll the clay to your desired thickness (around 1/4 inch works well). Ensure it’s even to create sturdy yet elegant tags.

4. Cut the Shapes and Stamp a Name

   Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Classic circles, hearts, stars, and rectangles are popular choices. For a more rustic look, try freehand cutting with a knife. Or use alphabet rubber stamps to add a personalized name!

5. 

   Add the Hole

   Use a straw to punch a hole near the edge of each tag. This will allow you to thread a ribbon or twine through later.

6. Smooth the Edges

   Gently smooth the edges with your finger or a damp sponge.

7. Oven Dry

   Place the tags on a flat baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a 200-250 degree oven, bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness (check often).

8. Thread and Finish

9. Thread twine, ribbon, or string through the hole and tie it to your gift. Voila! Your personalized air-dry clay gift tag is ready to impress! Add to a place setting, or add it as a gift tag to add a personal touch to a gift.

   
   

   

   
   

Tips for Success

• Work in small batches to prevent the clay from drying out.

• Keep a damp cloth handy to clean your hands and tools.

• Experiment with different napkin designs to suit various themes and seasons.

With just a little effort, you can create stunning, personalized air-dry clay gift tags that will make your gifts unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to add a thoughtful touch, these tags are sure to impress and delight. Happy crafting!