Homemade baked-clay ornaments (baking soda and cornstarch) | Vegetablog

Combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and water in a medium pot over medium heat. STIR CONSTANTLY!! As the mixture thickens, keep stirring! Remove from heat when the consistency is like smooth mashed potatoes.Cool the dough in a glass bowl, covering it closely with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to cool completely.Pre-heat oven to 175 to 185 degrees F (you should test this recipe in your own oven– too hot of an oven can result in slightly toasted-looking ornaments). Line a baking sheet/tray with parchment paper.Knead cooled dough on a smooth surface until smooth and silky. Helpful hint: a silicone mat is a great surface (not just your countertop!).On the silicone mat, roll out the dough to about a 1/4″ thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes, and move them to a baking sheet prepared with parchment paper. Make sure to punch holes (using a toothpick, skewer, or even a plastic straw) if the shapes are to be used as ornaments or tags.Bake for 2 hours, turning the pieces over after 1 hour. If the pieces still seem damp on the first side after two hours, turn them one more time (first side up again), and bake for an additional 30 minutes.At the end of baking, turn off the oven, but do not open it. Allow the clay pieces to cool completely in the oven (overnight is easiest).