Most potters and ceramic makers would agree that the holiday season offers a perfect chance to experiment with creative, playful, and seasonal projects that may not usually be part of their everyday work. In recent years, handmade ceramic ornaments have become increasingly popular, inspiring many artists to design their own one-of-a-kind decorations.

After exploring different approaches, I developed a slab-built ornament method that adds extra depth and dimension while still allowing plenty of room for personal creativity.

My own decorating style focuses on surface textures, stamped patterns, and raised slip dots. I usually finish each ornament with transparent or coloured glazes and occasionally add decorative lusters. However, these ceramic ornaments can be customized in countless ways, allowing each artist to create pieces that reflect their own style and imagination.

Forming the Ornament Body

Start by preparing a clay slab that is approximately ⅛ inch thick. Use wooden dowels placed on both sides of the clay as guides to help create an even thickness while rolling. When working with very thin slabs, it is easier to begin with a thicker piece of clay and gradually reduce the thickness in several stages.

For example, you can begin with a slab around ⅜ inch thick and continue rolling it thinner until reaching the desired measurement. Remember to flip and rotate the slab regularly during the process. This helps prevent uneven thickness, warping, and unwanted distortion after firing.

Using a thin slab keeps the finished ornament lightweight, making it suitable for hanging on a Christmas tree without placing too much stress on the branches.

If you prefer working with thicker clay, successful results can still be achieved with slabs measuring 3/16 inch or ¼ inch thick. Whichever thickness you choose, smooth both sides of the slab with a metal or rubber rib. This refines the clay surface, compresses the particles, and removes unwanted canvas marks left during rolling.

Adding Texture and Decorative Details

Once the slab is prepared, decorative textures can be added according to your preferred style. Stamps, texture tools, fabric, lace, and other materials can all be used to create interesting surface designs.

Many ceramic artists create their own texture tools from the same clay body used for their finished pieces. These handmade stamps and rollers can be bisque fired and reused for future projects. Smaller stamps can also be combined to create larger texture plates with unique patterns.

To make larger texture surfaces, begin with a thicker slab, usually around ⅜ inch to 7/16 inch thick. Press a variety of smaller stamps into the clay to form a larger design. Allow these texture slabs to dry slowly between sheets of drywall to reduce the chance of warping.

Creating personal patterns adds a special connection between the artist and the finished work. Designing custom textures for specific projects, such as circular patterns for round ornaments, can make each piece feel completely original.

Cutting and Shaping the Ornament Pieces

Use a metal circle cutter or paper template to cut two matching circles for each ornament. For this project, a cutter approximately 7 cm in diameter works well. Stainless-steel round cutters, often used for baking, are also excellent tools for ceramic handbuilding projects.

After cutting the circles, gently shape each piece into a curved form. Press the clay carefully over a sphere-shaped object covered with plastic wrap to create the rounded shape.

The object used for shaping can vary depending on the size of the clay circle. A tennis ball, golf ball, light bulb end, or another rounded item can work effectively.

Allow the shaped clay pieces to become firm until they reach a medium leather-hard stage. At this point, storing them overnight in a damp box helps maintain moisture and prevents cracking.

Joining the Two Halves

When both curved pieces are firm enough to handle without losing their shape, prepare the edges so they fit together perfectly. Use a Surform tool to flatten and level the rims, then score both joining surfaces.

Attach the two halves together using slip or Magic Water. Many handbuilders prefer Magic Water because it is cleaner and easier to apply than traditional slip. Apply it with a brush over the scored edges, working it into a thin bonding layer without adding excessive moisture.

Carefully join the two pieces and compress the seam using your fingers or a small pony roller. Smooth the connection with a rubber rib to create an even surface.

Next, make a tiny pinhole somewhere on the ornament. This opening allows trapped air to escape as the clay dries and shrinks, helping prevent cracking or damage.

Return the ornament to a damp box for several hours or overnight so the moisture level can balance throughout the piece.

Adding the Hanging Attachment

While the ornament rests, prepare a few small clay coils about 1 cm in diameter. These will later be used to create the top attachment point for the hanging wire.

Cut a small section from one coil, approximately 1 cm long, and create a small notch at one end. Attach the notched section to the top of the ornament.

Insert a high-temperature wire hanger into the notch while the clay is still workable. Pre-cut and shaped high-temperature ornament wires are convenient options for this step because they are designed to withstand ceramic firing temperatures.

Make sure the wire is securely placed so the finished ornament can easily hold a string, ribbon, or hook after firing.

Finishing and Decorating the Ceramic Ornament

After the ornament has been fully dried and fired, it can be decorated in any style you prefer. Transparent glazes, coloured finishes, and decorative lusters can all enhance the texture and details created during the building process.

The slab-building method provides a strong foundation while leaving plenty of creative freedom. Each ornament can become a small piece of ceramic artwork, combining seasonal charm with the artist’s individual expression.

Whether created as holiday decorations, handmade gifts, or personal keepsakes, these dimensional ceramic ornaments offer a wonderful way to explore texture, form, and creativity in clay.