Dec 6, 2011

Making an Ornament

This is officially one year late, but I wanted to make an ornament to commemorate the year we bought our first house. I thought making it would be more appropriate than buying one, since we are such avid DIYers. I meant to do this project last year, but we were so busy and there was too much chaos with half the house still a mess.

I bought a pack of white sculpy clay and rolled it out into a circle. I took my house key and pressed it into the clay to make an impression.

Then I poked a hole for a string with a drinking straw and baked it at 275 degrees as per the instructions. Once it was hard and cool, I painted on the date of when we bought our little yellow house - June 1, 2010. Now we just need to go out and get a Christmas tree to hang it on...


14 comments:

  1. What a great idea! Is that the original house key, like the one you got at closing, or is it a new one from re-keying the house?
    Love this idea... we ended up re-keying our house (my husband and I) but I still will always keep the original key, it's sentimental! That is why I love your project!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I used our current key - but now I wish I had used the original key! What a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is adorably awesome. OMG, I looked ALL over the internet for the source of your main image, and finally someone on Pinterest shared it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Found you via Dollar Store Crafts. Love this! What a great way to remember a house without having to hang on to extra keys.

    Erin @ The Great Indoors

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think I'll get a house cookie cutter (or maybe just a square and a triangle) and make my ornament that shape. Do I need any particular kind of paint?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a cute idea to use a house shape! I just used craft paint once the clay had cooled after baking. If you think that your ornament might need some extra durability and protection, I would give it a coat of clear spray paint before adding a string.

      Delete
  6. What kind of clay would I need to get to do this, and where is it available? Love the idea. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used plain old Sculpy clay - available at any local craft store.

      Delete
  7. I spent all afternoon scouring the web for the perfect new house ornament, once I found this my search ended! me and the kids are going to do this tomorrow and maybe make a few more since its been a few years since we've made ornaments! so excited, thanks for the ideas

    ReplyDelete
  8. did you leave the key in when you baked it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope! I made the imprint with the key, removed the key, then baked the ornament. :)

      Delete
  9. This is such a great idea Alissa - I'm pinning it for my son next year as he's currently building his first home. Thanks for the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great idea! Will be making one for my sister who FINALLY left home this year!!

    ReplyDelete