Hanging clay herb ornaments

This sensory craft uses natural textures and air-drying clay to create beautiful hanging ornaments that will last for years, and can also be used to make small bowls. 

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

This sensory craft uses herbs to create natural textures” (because the smell is an important part of the session).

How to do this activity

Air-drying clay, some cookie-cutters, string, a rolling pin and fresh herbs in a bowl on a wooden background

What you’ll need

  • Air-drying clay
  • A cookie-cutter
  • String
  • Rolling pin
  • A knife (blunt is fine)
  • A skewer or toothpick
  • A collection of herbs
  • A surface for crafting that can be easily wiped clean 

Step 1

Using the rolling pin, roll out a piece of clay that is around 5mm thick and big enough for the cookie cutter.
Rolling the fresh herbs into flattened clay

Step 2

Lay the herbs, leaves or flowers you want to use across the clay, then gently use the rolling pin to flatten them in. 
Cutting out the herb textures with cookie cutters

Step 3

Remove the herbs. Using the cookie cutter, cut pieces out, thinking about the placement of the imprints in your shape. 
Poking holes in the circular herb ornaments

Step 4

Poke a hole about 5mm from the top, and leave to dry. 
Dried hanging clay herb ornaments with string

Step 5

Then just thread the string through, and hang them up!

Top tips

  • To make small bowls instead of hanging ornaments, gently press the clay circles over the bottom of a bowl or cupcake tray, and leave them to dry in this position – being careful not to disturb the natural imprint you made
A circle of clay drying out over a glass