Clay Feather Ornaments

Make these clay feathers for your Christmas tree! These fun ornaments are easy to make and only require a few supplies. Plus, you can customize these handmade clay ornaments in the sizes and colors that will match your Christmas decor theme!

How To Make Clay Feathers

Feather ornaments are amazing, right? I know I have been lusting after them, but they can be expensive!

Due to that, I wanted to try my hand at making a less-expensive version of some white bisque feather ornaments that I saw in a catalog. In the catalog, they were $49 dollars for a set of 3, but I knew I could make them for a lot less!

Actually, I made them for free! – Yes, I said FREE!

I had everything on hand that I needed to make my version, and I bet you do too! Are you ready to make your own set of clay feather ornament?! Then let’s get started! 

Supplies Needed To Make Clay Feathers

• air dry clay 
• Toothpicks
• Straw
• Some clay tools or a butter knife
• white paint
• white ribbon

NOTE: I used air dry clay because I had it on hand. Use whatever type of clay you have. Don’t feel like you need to buy anything special to make these. If you need to buy clay, you do not need much for this project. That hunk pictured below would have made a dozen or more of these feathers.

Step 1: Create Feather Shape Out Of Clay

Start by flattening out a piece of clay then cut a feather-like shape. Use wax or parchment paper under your project. I am using some plastic clay tools that came with a kit I purchased a few years back, but you could use a butter knife instead.

Step 2: Draw Feather Stem

Roughly draw in your feather “stem”. Again use what tools you have on hand. Trim away on one end to make a stem.

Step 3: Draw Edges

Begin pressing and dragging the clay to the edge using the tool pictured above or something similar. Repeat on both sides.

I would pull the clay and some would break away. I would just put those pieces in a pile to reuse later. A rough edge is okay. As a matter of fact, it is perfect! The rough edge will make your feather look more realistic.

Step 4: Cut Feather Away From Parchment Paper

I kept starting in the center and pulling the clay out until I was happy with the shape and appearance of my feather. I then took one of my flat tools and cut the feather away from the parchment paper underneath.

Step 5: Add Details With Toothpick

I then used a toothpick to put in the fine details on the feather. The lighter you can go with your toothpick the better. If you use any kind of pressure you will start to remove clay. If that happens, again just remove the material and set aside.

Step 6: Add Hole At Top Of Feather

Take a straw and make a hole in the top of your feather for hanging. I then draped my feathers on paint brushes to dry. This gives them more of a three-dimensional look.

Step 7: Let Feathers Dry & Paint Them White

Let them cure according to the package directions. I then gave mine a coat of white paint on both sides. Please note that my feathers are only finished on one side.

Step 8: Add White Ribbon Hanger

String your white ribbon through the holes you made with the straw.

Please note that these feathers will be delicate and breakable. Note that I had four feathers drying in the picture above and only came out with three to photograph. It also seems that the skinnier you make the feathers, the more delicate they become.

Step back and enjoy because your feathers are ready to hang on the tree! What a wonderful and slightly modern addition to any Christmas tree.

Now break out that clay and get to work!

Tips and Tricks for Clay Feathers

Now that you’ve seen these clay feathers, are you ready to make your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible!

• Don’t Have Air Dry Clay, No Problem! – If you don’t have air-dried clay, you can easily make this project with your favorite brand of oven-baked clay instead!
• Make Feathers A Bit Thicker – As I mentioned before the thinner you make the feathers the more likely they are to break. So, if you want to make your ornaments last as long as possible, I would make the feathers a bit thicker.
• Get Creative With Your Feathers – I was going for a white bisque look, but you can paint your feathers any color that you like! You can even add glitter or gold leaf if you want to get really fancy!
• Store Your Feathers In A Safe Place – You spent all this time creating your feather ornaments, make sure you store them in a safe place! I recommend wrapping your feathers in some bubble wrap and storing them in a container that is separate from your other ornaments, so they don’t get damaged.

5 More Ornament Crafts

Did you love these clay feathers and are looking for more ornament crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• Paint Your Own State Ornaments For Christmas
• Laser Cut Wood Ornaments for Coloring or Painting
• Free Printable Christmas Ornaments for a Rustic Tree
• Gingerbread House Homemade Clay Ornament
• Making Vinyl Christmas Ornaments with a Cricut