Easy DIY Botanical Imprint Clay Heart Ornaments

Step 2: Make Flower Imprints

Once the clay was rolled out, I carefully arranged the dried botanicals on top.

There are two methods for creating the botanical imprints:

1. Rolling Pin Method: Gently roll over the flowers with a rolling pin to create the imprints.
2. Finger Pressing Method: Gently press the flowers into the clay using your fingers.

Step 3: Cut Out the Shapes

Next, I used the heart cookie cutter to cut out the shapes.

• Design Tip: Carefully position the cutter over the botanical imprints to create the desired design. Some hearts looked lovely with the imprint centered, while others were more striking with the imprint towards the edge.
• Reusing Clay: When I ran out of space to cut more hearts, I simply rolled up the excess clay and repeated the process. You can make as many ornaments as you’d like

Step 4: Finishing Touches

To hang your ornaments, use a straw to poke a small hole in the top center of each heart (right under the bow). The clay will come right out when you lift the straw.

For smoother edges, gently run a damp finger around the edges of the hearts. This technique also helps to smooth out any cracks or lines in the clay.

Step 5: Let Clay Dry

I placed all of my clay hearts on a drying rack to allow for proper air circulation and speed up the drying process.

You’ll know the hearts are completely dry when they feel hard and firm to the touch

Step 6: Paint the Heart Ornaments

For this project, I used glossy white spray paint for the quickest application.

However, you can also use glossy acrylic craft paint in any color you prefer. I opted for a neutral color scheme for my ornaments.”

For extra detail, I painted unfinished wood beads with blush-colored paint. To make painting easier, I threaded each bead onto a toothpick. Then, I inserted the toothpicks into a small pine cone to hold them securely while drying

• Individual Ornaments: Cut pieces of jute twine to your desired length for each ornament.
• Cluster of Hearts: Cut pieces of jute twine approximately one yard long (adjust as needed).

To hang an ornament:

1. Fold a piece of jute twine in half.
2. String a bead onto the two ends of the folded twine.
3. Thread the closed loop of the jute twine through the hole in the top of the ornament.
4. Tighten the twine by pulling on the ends until the bead rests at the top of the heart.

Creating a Hanging Set of Hearts:

To create a visually appealing hanging set, gather an odd number of ornaments (e.g., 3, 5, 7).

• Example with 5 Hearts: I staggered the hearts by varying the length of the jute twine for each ornament, ensuring they are visible when hung together.
• Example with 3 Hearts: Place the longest twine in the middle and shorter twines on either side or stack them so they hang in a straight line.

Once I determined the desired spacing, I tied a simple knot near the top of the jute twine to secure the hearts together. Finally, I added a decorative bow made from pink chiffon ribbon.

Here is an example of a hanger with 3 clay hearts.

Here is a 5 heart hanger. Both ways looked so pretty, it just comes down to personal preference.

I love the look of something hanging on an old mirror like this one. First I hung a delicate artificial piece of greenery onto the mirror before hanging the clay hearts.

Delightful DIY Valentine’s Day Ideas

Looking for more ideas? Check out these 25 pretty heart DIY ideas for a lovely Valentine’s Day.