How to Make an Elf Shoe: Air Dry Clay Ornament DIY Tutorial!
- Jane Sawyer Makes
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
Any beginner can make the comon cookie cutter clay ornament. But come one, you’re way craftier than that! You need a project that takes your clay and turns it into something a little more impressive. This elf shoe is an easy but impressive next-level clay project that actually makes use of the third dimension.
Added bonus: Your friends and fam will be utterly amazed that you FREAKIN’ made this!
You can watch the video tutorial for this project here. You can download the free template for this project by scrolling past the article below. Purchase the ad-free version of the template for a small fee here.
SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED
paper based air dry clay like DAS or Creative Paper Clay
cotton ball or small wad of paper towel
a bit of waxed paper or kitchen parchment
white glue (PVA)
painting supplies
embellishments like beads, mini bells, or pom poms
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
vinyl or plastic work surface
wooden rolling pin
two paint stir sticks
crafting knife
scultpting tools, toothpick, or similar
paper nail file or sand paper
small dish of warm water
STEP 1: PREP THE TEMPLATE
Print out and cut out the three template pieces.
It’s important to be as accurate as possible when cutting out the template.
Cut off about a quarter of your clay brick.
STEP 2: ROLL THE SLAB
Working on your plastic mat, use the heel of your hand to initially flatten the piece.
Roll the clay into an even sheet, rotating and flipping the clay often to prevent the clay from sticking.
If you have trouble rolling an even sheet, put paint stir sticks on either side of your clay and roll your rolling pin along them.
STEP 3: CUT THE PIECES
Place the 3 template pieces on the slab and cut cleanly around them.
Avoid stretching or squishing pieces as you lift them.
Ball up your scraps, sprinkle with some water, and store with your remaining clay in an airtight bag.
STEP 4: GLUE THE SOLE
Place a small piece of waxed paper onto your work surface.
Gently pick-up the sole piece and neatly spread some glue around the edge of the sole.
Place the sole piece onto the waxed paper. Now if you need to move the project, you can easily move the paper without having to manipulate the clay.
STEP 5: FORM THE TOP OF THE SHOE
Using a slightly damp fingertip to help the clay bend, gently curve the top of the shoe lengthwise.
Work slowly, encouraging the clay to bend naturally rather than forcing it.
Position the top of the shoe onto the sole, wrapping it over the glued edge.
STEP 6: SUPPORT AND SECURE
Gently place a cotton ball or small wad of paper towel wad inside the toe of the shoe for support.
Use the side of the knife to press the edges of the shoe top into the glue on the sole.
The glue will do most of the work here. Be careful not to press too hard because the clay of the sole is still very soft.
STEP 7: CURL THE TOE
Slide the tip of your knife under the toe of the shoe and curl it upward gently.
Slightly dampen your fingertips to help with stretching, if needed.
Be gentle with the clay and try not to use too much water - you don’t want the clay to get too mushy.
STEP 8: ATTACH THE BACK OF THE SHOE
Gently pick up the back of the shoe piece.
Line-up the center of the back piece with with the center back of the sole.
Wrap this piece around the sole of the shoe, using your fingertips to gently press the clay into the glue on the sole. Again, use the side of the knife to press the sides into the sole.
STEP 9: SECURE THE FLAPS
Put a bit of glue onto the inside of the two upper flaps.
Gently press these flaps down into the top of the shoe.
Curve the tongue of the shoe slightly over the flaps.
STEP 10: SHAPE & ADD HOLE
Gently pinch the sides of the shoe inward to refine the silhouette.
Use a toothpick, straw, or paintbrush to poke a hanging hole in the back of the shoe.
STEP 11: DRYING
Let the shoe dry for an hour or two, then remove the cotton ball.
Peel the shoe off the waxed paper. If your bottom seams have separated, gently push them back together.
Place the shoe back down on a fresh piece of paper. Dry fully for 1-2 days until the clay is a uniform colour and there are no spots that are cool to the touch.
STEP 12: SEAMS AND SANDING
If any have your seams have separated while drying, you can fill the gaps with clay and let dry.
Use a nail file to sand off any imperfections.
TIP: Always protect your lungs when sanding dry clay!
Use a damp cloth to wipe dust off your project and work surface before painting.
STEP 13: Paint
Paint directly onto the clay with acrylic craft paint.
Finish with a clear coat for protection, if desired. I don’t usually bother.
STEP 14: FINAL TOUCHES
Glue a pom pom, bead, or bell over the shoe flaps for a cute and festive shoe buckle.
Get creative, think of different personalities for the elves that might wear your shoes, and use what you’ve got!
Add a loop of ribbon or cord through the hole.
Hang or gift your DIY elf shoe ornament!
If you give this project a try, it would make my day if you’d share it with me. I’m @JaneSawyerMakes on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, Threads, and Twitter (X). You can find the template for this project by scrolling past the images below. Please share and pin this article!
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