Crafts & Fun

Designed by Dayle Finlay

For each Gingerbread Man you’ll need:

• cornstarch clay
• gingerbread man cookie cutters
• straw
• cookie rack
• narrow red ribbon
• black and white shiny fabric paint

Roll out the clay to about ¼ in. (0.5 cm) thickness and cut with the cookie cutters. Using the straw, cut a small hole near the top of each cookie. Transfer to a rack to air-dry overnight. Using the fabric paint, make a row of buttons and 2 eyes, and outline the cookies with the white paint. Tie the red ribbon into small bows and glue one to the neck. Use more ribbon threaded through the hole or green craft wire to fasten to the greenery.

Cornstarch Clay
• 2 cups salt
• 1 1/3 cups cold water, divided
• 1 cup cornstarch
• brown food colouring

Put salt and 2/3 cup water into a pan and bring to a boil. In another bowl, combine cornstarch and 2/3 cup cold water and mix well. Blend the 2 mixtures together in the bowl and add the food colouring. Knead until smooth and form into a ball. Store the clay wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Originally published in Today's Parent Family Living, Winter 2005