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If you’re looking for a handmade gift that you can whip up yourself with little cost and endless possibilities, look no further than our air dry clay bunting! A gorgeous idea that can express any sentiment and will have you hooked in no time, using air dry clay is quite simple and looks so very effective when finished.

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To get started, simply decide what you would like to spell out and which colours you’d like to use. Even though you’ll have 24 hours drying time to wait before painting, this is a simple project that will have you dreaming of all the variations you can make for your next event – think weddings, engagement parties, baby showers or anniversary celebrations!

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What you will need

  • Air dry clay (I bought mine at Spotlight)
  • Baking paper or cling film
  • A rolling pin
  • Paint in colours of your choice
  • A paintbrush
  • Toothpick or skewer
  • String/thread
  • Knife to cut clay

Step 1. Open your packet of air dry clay and cut the amount you’ll need. I used about one third of this packet to make 3 medium (9cm) sized pieces, and there was plenty of off-cuts to pop back in the packet.

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Step 2. Place your clay between two sheets of baking paper (or cling film) and roll out to desired thickness. I left mine reasonably thick, approximately 5mm. Be careful not to crinkle the paper as you go, as this will mark your clay.

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Step 3. Cut out your bunting in your chosen size and shape, with enough pieces for each letter – and don’t forget to include punctuation in your count! If you’re very steady you can free hand this part, but I chose to make a little template to keep all my pieces the same.

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Step 4. Gently smooth the edges to give a neat finish. The instructions recommend you use some water, however I found just the warmth of my hand was less messy and left a neater edge. Gently press the skewer or toothpick through the top of the bunting to create holes for your thread (ensure they go all the way through and are wide enough for your chosen thread).

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Step 5. Leave to dry overnight. If you have a little extra time, turn them upside down and leave to dry another 12 hours to ensure they’re completely ready.

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Step 6. Choose a paint colour and brush, and if you’re unsure how the finished product will look, have a practice on an off-cut. I had a little practice on the reverse side of mine, but if they’re for a gift you may want to keep the back clear.

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Step 7. Once you’ve painted your bunting and have let the paint dry, thread your bunting. If it’s sliding about on the thread, you can tie knots at the back of the pieces to hold them in place. If you’re struggling to get the thread through the holes, use a needle or wrap some sticky tape tightly around the thread and use this to pull it through.

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To hang the bunting, make sure it is tied securely as the bunting itself can be quite heavy.

Have fun! And remember, the possibilities are endless!

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: How much fun would this be to make with your bridesmaids; your could make your wedding date or spell out your initials to hang at your reception!

About Nicola Goring – I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).