Place a flameless tealight candle under these clay Christmas trees to give your room a cozy winter feel. These clay trees look amazing on the mantle, or used as a centerpiece for Christmas dinner!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission which helps us run this website.
Helpful Tips:
Download the Free Clay Christmas Tree template:
Click on the link or image below to download our free, printable clay Christmas tree template! The PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the template on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) cardstock. The template below makes clay Christmas tree cones that are 5-1/2 inches, 6-1/2 inches, and 7-1/2 inches tall. You’ll need to print off multiple templates to make more than 1 size of tree.
»> Clay Christmas Tree «<
What type of clay is used to make a Christmas clay tree?
These clay trees are made with DAS modeling clay, an air dry clay. This clay starts off grey, but becomes a nice, crisp white as it dries. We’ve also used Sculpey air dry clay in the past, to make our ghost tea light holder, and it’s really nice to work with. Or you can make your own clay!
How can I light up my clay Christmas tree?
We put flameless tealight candles under our clay trees, to give them a flickering candle look. Don’t use real candles with flames! (Air dry clay can’t handle the heat the way that ceramic clay can. Some clays could also be flammable.). Or you can put a string of fairy lights under your clay trees, like we did with our string Christmas tree.
Can I make my clay Christmas tree shiny?
We like the matte look of the air dry clay, but you can definitely give your clay tree a shiny glazed look. Use a sponge brush to add a coat of glossy Mod Podge, or spray it with acrylic sealer. This will give the clay tree a glossy look, and also seal it. Sealing it protects it from moisture in the air and will extend the life of your clay trees.
How many Christmas trees can I make with a package of clay?
This depends on the exact size of your clay Christmas tree and how thick you roll the clay. You should be able to make at least 6 clay trees from a 2.2 pound (1 kilogram) package of DAS clay. If you roll the scrap clay together and smooth it with water you’ll probably be able to make more than 6 clay trees.
How to create cut-outs on the clay Christmas tree?
We used the end of a straw to make the holes in our trees, allowing the light to shine through. Paper straws will work, but you’ll need to cut the straw when the tip gets damaged. Washable stainless steel straws will also work, but you’ll need to blow out the little circles of clay that get stuck in the straw each time you make a hole. You can also create shapes in the tree with mini clay cutters or shaped fondant cutters. These are like tiny cookie cutters that come in fun shapes, like stars or snowflakes.
How else can I decorate my clay Christmas tree?
Try adding a patterned texture into the wet clay using piping tips, or paint your tree after it’s dry with acrylic paint. You can even add light bulbs to your ceramic tree! If you do this, make the holes in the tree smaller to fit the lights.
This clay Christmas tree is so elegant! We love the neutral look of these clay trees. They look so peaceful placed over a flickering battery operated candle. Make just one of these luminaries as a holiday keepsake, or make a whole grouping of different sizes! These clay Christmas trees also make a great homemade gift that the recipient will treasure for years to come.
Here’s even more Christmas craft ideas:
Clay Ornaments
DIY Clay House
String Christmas Tree
DIY Candy Cane Wreath
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
