How to Create Stamped Clay Heart Ornaments with Rustic Twine Hangers

I love keeping a few simple craft projects on my table during the holidays, and these stamped clay heart ornaments always make the cut. They’re clean, cozy, and easy to customize. If you love that soft white farmhouse look, this project will fit right in with the rest of your Christmas decor. These stamped clay heart ornaments are simple, affordable, and perfect for a quiet afternoon of crafting.

Here’s How to Create Stamped Clay Heart Ornaments with Rustic Twine Hangers!

Materials You’ll Need

• Air dry clay
• Heart cookie cutter
• Rolling pin
• Rubber alphabet stamps
• Skewer or straw for the twine hole
• Rustic twine
• Cutting board or smooth work surface
• Small bowl of water for smoothing
• Parchment paper for drying

Step 1. Roll out the clay

Work the clay in your hands for a moment to warm it up, then set it on a smooth surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten it to an even thickness. I like something just under a quarter inch so the ornaments feel sturdy without being heavy. If the edges get rough, dip your fingers in a little water and smooth them out before cutting.

Step 2. Cut out your heart shapes

Press your heart cookie cutter straight down into the clay. Give the cutter a small wiggle to help release the shape cleanly. Lift the excess clay away rather than lifting the heart itself. It keeps the edges crisp and prevents distortion. Reroll any leftovers so you get the most out of your clay sheet.

Step 3. Stamp your letters or words

Choose the word you want before you start stamping so the spacing stays balanced. Press each stamp slowly and evenly into the clay. Too much force can create dents around the edges, so aim for a steady, gentle pressure. Wipe any clay dust off your stamps between words so every impression looks clean.

Step 4. Create a hole for the twine hanger

Use a skewer or straw to make a small hole toward the top of the heart. Keep it far enough from the edge so it won’t weaken as the clay dries. A clean, straight-down motion works best. If the clay pushes up around the opening, smooth it lightly with a damp fingertip.

Step 5. Let the ornaments dry

Transfer the hearts to a sheet of parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms from sticking and helps them dry evenly. Leave them in a cool spot with good airflow, and flip them after a few hours so both sides cure fully. Depending on the clay and humidity, drying can take up to twenty-four hours.

Step 6. Add the rustic twine

Cut a length of twine that feels right for the size of the ornament. Thread it through the hole and tie a small knot at the top. If the twine feels too stiff, run it between your fingertips a few times to soften it. This gives the ornaments that relaxed farmhouse look.

Tips from my kitchen table

Keep a little water nearby

I always keep a small bowl of water beside me. A quick dip of your finger smooths edges, fixes small dents, and keeps the clay workable. It makes the whole project easier and helps the hearts dry with cleaner lines.

Center longer words before stamping

If you’re spelling out a longer word, start in the middle and work outward. This keeps the word centered on the heart instead of drifting to one side. It also helps you avoid running out of space near the edge.

Light sanding goes a long way

Once the ornaments are dry, a quick sanding softens the edges and gives everything a polished feel. You don’t need much pressure. Just enough to clean up the borders and keep the farmhouse look tidy.

Try ribbons when you want a different finish

Rustic twine is my go-to, but thin ribbon works just as well. A neutral ribbon gives the ornament a softer, cleaner look. It’s an easy way to switch up the style without changing the project.

Displaying and Storing Your Handmade Ornaments

Your stamped clay heart ornaments deserve to shine during the holidays and stay protected when the season ends. I’ll share my favorite farmhouse-style display ideas and practical storage methods that keep these handmade treasures safe year after year.

Farmhouse-Inspired Ways to Use and Gift

I love hanging my clay ornaments on a Christmas tree with their rustic twine, but they work beautifully in other spots too. Try clustering several hearts on a wooden ladder leaning against a wall or draping them along a mantel garland for a cozy farmhouse look.

My favorite idea is to tie clay ornaments onto wrapped gifts as reusable gift tags. The recipient gets a present and a keepsake ornament they can hang on their own tree. I also attach them to Mason jar candles or tie them around rolled kitchen towels for hostess gifts.

For everyday display during December, I loop the twine hangers over cabinet knobs or curtain rod finials. A simple ceramic bowl filled with stamped clay hearts makes a sweet centerpiece on a coffee table or kitchen island. You can even attach them to napkin rings for a festive holiday dinner setting.

Long-Term Storage Tips for Clay Ornaments

Clay ornaments need gentle handling to prevent chips and cracks. I wrap each one individually in tissue paper before packing them away. This keeps them from bumping against each other and protects any painted or stamped details.

I store my Christmas ornaments in a shallow plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Cardboard boxes work too, but plastic keeps out moisture better. I add a layer of bubble wrap between rows if I’m stacking multiple ornaments.

Keep the container in a cool, dry spot like a closet or under a bed. Avoid attics or basements where temperature swings and humidity can damage the clay over time. I label my storage box clearly so I don’t have to dig through everything next December.