How to Make Clay Ornaments Using Pet Portrait Cookie Cutters 🤍✨

Ivan Gersonskiy
Oct 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 20

One more fun use for Pet portrait cookie cutter 🙌 If you love the idea of having Pet portrait cutter, but aren’t that much into baking or just want to try something new, this is a really cool idea for unforgettable handmade Christmas gifts and making your Christmas tree extra special 🎄🫶

If you love crafting or want a fun DIY project featuring your furry friend, making clay ornaments with pet portrait cookie cutters is a perfect way to combine creativity and love for pets. Whether you use one of our stock dog breed cutters or a custom portrait cookie cutter made from your pet’s photo, this project is simple, relaxing, and makes a beautiful keepsake or gift 😍

✂️ What You’ll Need:

🔹Self-drying (air-dry) clay

🔹Rolling pin

🔹Pet portrait cookie cutter (custom or ready design)

🔹A straw or skewer (for making a hanging hole)

🔹Acrylic paint or gouache

🔹Small brushes

🔹Varnish or sealer (optional)

🔹Ribbon or twine for hanging

Step 1: Roll Out the Clay

Start by rolling out your self-drying clay on a clean, flat surface. Aim for a thickness of about 5–7 mm (¼ inch) - thick enough to stay sturdy but still light for hanging. If the clay sticks to your surface or roller, sprinkle a little cornstarch or flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cut Out Your Ornament

Choose your cutter - you can use one of our stock dog breed cutters (like Labrador, Golden Retriever, Poodle, Beagle, or French Bulldog) or your own custom pet portrait cutter made from your pet’s photo.

Press the cutter into the clay to imprint all the fine details. Clay can be a bit trickier to use, if it gets stuck, use a knife or spatula to help release it, just like shown in the “How to Use” article.

🎀 Step 3: Add a Hole for Hanging

Use a straw or skewer to make a small hole near the top of each ornament — that’s where your ribbon or string will go later. Smooth out any rough edges with your fingers or a little water.

🌬️ Step 4: Let It Dry

Place your clay pieces on parchment paper and leave them to dry naturally. Drying time depends on the brand of clay, but 24–48 hours is usually enough. Flip them halfway through to prevent curling.

🎨 Step 5: Paint Your Clay Ornaments

Once your ornaments are fully dry, it’s time for the best part - painting! Use acrylic paint to bring your pet portrait to life. You can paint realistic colors, or go creative with pastel or metallic shades for a festive touch 😍

If you want to keep the natural clay look, just highlight details with a fine brush and seal with clear varnish for a matte or glossy finish.

✨ Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Thread a ribbon or piece of twine through the hole, and your handmade ornaments are ready to hang or to be beautifully packed as gifts! 🎄👏

They look lovely on Christmas trees, but also make sweet year-round keepsakes. You can even write your pet’s name or the the year on the back before sealing.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Project

It’s easy and beginner-friendly.
Works with custom or stock dog breed cookie cutters.
Great for holidays, gifts, or as personalized decor.
Each piece is unique — just like your pet.

Whether you’re crafting for fun or making a meaningful gift, these clay ornaments capture the love between people and their pets in a timeless, handmade way.

You can find both custom portrait cookie cutters (made from your pet’s photo) and 200+ ready dog breed designs in our shop — perfect for clay, cookies, or creative projects.