You can create great polymer clay Christmas gifts, such as polymer clay ornaments, which will be treasured by the recipient. Not only do photo ornaments mark the passing of time, they can also be made with colorful clay that will create a vibrant addition to the Christmas tree.

Choose the Right Photo
Photos used as transfer photos should be uncomplicated. Find a photo that is clear and crisp—preferably a head shot with a delightful expression on the face of the child in the photo. To keep the photo and ornament balanced, try to use a polymer clay color that complements the colors in the photo. If the child is wearing a blue dress, use blue in some form in the clay.

Making Polymer Clay Photo Ornaments
The use of Liquid Kato Polyclay Clear Medium is a good method for making transfers. This method can remove photos from just about any source. Liquid polymer works well on photocopied pictures, either in black and white or in color, as well as laser images, pictures cut from magazines or colored pencil images.

Choose the image you prefer and cut it out so that it’s about an inch larger than you need. Paint a thin layer of liquid polymer over the image and let it set for a minute while you examine it carefully to make sure all of the bubbles have been removed. Since hair, dust and fine particles tend to attract to the liquid, remove any of these remnants that might appear in the liquid clay before you set it. A line of bubbles usually means there is a hair caught in the liquid. Remove foreign objects with a pointed dental instrument or a toothpick, being careful not to make more bubbles as you remove debris.

Place the image into the oven at 275 degrees for about 15 minutes. After it has been cured or set, place the image into a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes to remove the paper. Make sure the water is cold, as warm water may cause the ink to smear. When the paper has been removed, the transfer is ready to be placed on a Christmas ornament either made of polymer clay or any other type of material you choose to use for your ornament.

Dangers of Working with Polymer Clay
While polymer clay has not been labeled dangerous or toxic, it can be both if handled incorrectly. Polymer clay can only be baked between 265 and 275 degrees. Higher temperatures will cause the clay to release gases and fumes that are toxic. Ingesting polymer clay is also dangerous, especially to children. Polymer clay items can still leach chemicals even after being baked. Do not allow children to work with this compound and do not use utensils for carving or sculpting this compound that will also be used in the kitchen for food preparation.