DIY Polymer Clay Star Garland

One thing I love about our new house is that we actually have a fireplace mantle! This is exciting since our old house had a mantel-less fireplace, which I always felt was a sad looking sight once Christmas time rolled around each year.  So the fact that I can now do amazing things like hang stockings and garland makes me beyond happy :)

I wanted a somewhat simple garland for the fireplace and something that added a little hint of Christmas cheer without being too loud.  Not sure if that even makes sense but half of the decorating thoughts in my head don't make sense.  This turned out exactly like I visioned (almost never happens) and I love the little sparkle it gives my living room.

 What you will need:

• 1 large block of white Sculpey polymer clay 
• Gold glitter
• Small star cookie cutter (I found mine at Hobby Lobby in the clay section) 
• String 
• Clay roller
• Hot glue gun 
• Small bowl

Start by conditioning your clay so that is is pliable.  Roll a large chunk of clay into a ball and then use the roller to flatten it out like the picture shown above.

Use the cookie cutter to cut out all of your stars.  I made about 34 stars for my garland.  When you run out of space to cut out additional stars, mash up your clay add a little more to the ball and roll it out again.

Pour a little gold glitter into a bowl and give each star a dunk in the glitter until it is thoroughly coated on each side.

Once all the stars are covered in glitter, place them all on a designated craft baking sheet and bake at 275 degrees for 25 minutes.

Let your stars cool and get your glue gun nice and hot.  Apply a good amount of glue on the back of a star.  Press the string into the hot glue and then quickly (it dries FAST) place another star on top making sure it is laid on top of the other star in the same direction. The string will be sandwiched in between the two stars like shown above.  Press hard to make sure that stars are tightly adhered to the string.

Evenly space your stars along the string.

 Hang your garland and you're done!