DIY Cutest Ever Lolly Ornaments

I think these lollies are my most favorite DIY project...ever.

It must appeal to my inner child, cause I had sooo much fun making them.

Sometime last year I decided I wanted to create a candy themed tree for my daughter's room this Christmas.

I bought a few ornaments on sale after Christmas last year, but there really wasn't too much available.

After searching online, I quickly realized I could have a whole plethora of candy themed ornaments...if I was willing to sell my right arm and leg for them.

I wasn't that eager or willing.

So I decided to figure out how to make as much as I could myself.

And from that...the cutest ever lolly ornaments were born! (at least I think they're the cutest ever!)

First I went to my fave in town shop...the Dollar Store...and searched for some modeling clay.

Some white, and several other bright colors.

I rolled out little logs of clay into flat pieces...about three inches long by an inch wide...

...then stacked the colored piece on top of the white...

Then carefully cut out a piece about one third of an inch wide.

Don't throw out the scrap side pieces though! You can still use them.

Then I rolled up the piece, making sure the colored clay was on top.

I pinched the end together a bit and then rolled, slightly pinching it all together while rolling.

Don't worry about cracking...we'll cover that up later.

I used my daughter's mini rolling pin to slightly flatten out the lolly piece and even out the sides.

Then I inserted a craft stick, gently pushing it through the center of the lolly, making sure it didn't poke out the other end.

Once I finished rolling all the store bought clay I had, I let them dry overnight in a glass.

There was no info on the package stating that I could bake it, or even that it would dry out, but I decided to try air drying, rather than experimenting with baking it if it wasn't intended for that. 

Then I rolled up all the little scrap pieces into smaller pieces of "candy".

So cute, right?!

I realized I needed more lollies for the tree, but was too impatient to pack everyone up for another trip to the Dollar Store, so I decided to make my own modeling clay.

You can click here for the recipe I used. Now - I have to say I wasn't thrilled with this recipe...it dried out pretty quickly and required quite a bit of babying. However, if you want to try making your own clay...there are oodles of recipes to be found online, so look around for something that you think will work nicely.

I made these lollies larger by cutting my strips longer - about 6 inches.

Then I let everything dry overnight.

Leaving them alone was definitely the hardest part!!

The next morning I painted the sticks white with acrylic paint.

I could have used regular lollipop sticks, but I personally liked the length of the craft sticks much better.

Then I used matte Mod Podge to seal the clay.

Mod Podge will cover up a multitude of mistakes and cracks!

I let the first coat dry completely, and then covered it with a thick second coat...

...and then I sprinkled opalescent glitter all over the lolly before the Mod Podge dried.

Don't be stingy with the glitter!

When glitter is involved...more is more!!

Remember those little pieces of candy? I sealed and glittered those too and then glued a little loop of fishing line to the back to make hanging ornaments.

Ooohhh! I just love them!!!

I arranged the brighter colored lollies into a little glass container to add to the little candyland vignette.

By the way, the end result on the Dollar Store clay? It definitely didn't dry out overnight, but it did firm up a little. Once I sealed it with Mod Podge, it hardened significantly and became very usable. Because I know that these lollies are not going to be handled often, I am totally happy with them even though they still are still a tiny bit malleable. I expect over time they will harden completely.

For now though, I'm finding myself sneaking into my room and drooling over her little candy tree.

Full reveal to come on that, so y'all come back now y'hear?!!

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To see the other great parties I'm linking up to, click HERE!