“Mommy, I really want a pickle necklace. A sour pickle necklace! Sour pickles are yummy. They’re not really sour. They’re yum.” is an unconventional request coming from a four-and-a-half year old, but…. challenge accepted!

My kids rarely ask me to make anything – besides for Cricut shirts, that they ask for all the time – and so if my child will present me with the ultimate challenge, how can I say no?

The cool thing about making a polymer clay pickle necklace is that it’s incredibly simple, and you don’t really need to have much experience working with clay to get it to look really good.

I did debate making this from air dry clay – but I wanted to have it done in one session (no drying time.) I will, though, share a basic air dry clay adaptation. If you’re more of an air dry clay person, check out my list of things to make with air drying clay.

One of the coolest things about this beginner polymer clay craft is that it really doesn’t require specialty equipment! It requires just polymer clay and basic hand tools for clay (which can really be improvised with things around the house of the correct shape.) Any clay tool that I recommend in the supplies list can be replaced if you really don’t want to invest in it.

Two ways to make a sour pickle necklace

My original idea was to make a cartoonish pickle necklace, with a “sour face”. And while it did come out quite cute, it’s not perfect (my technique isn’t 100% with working with tiny parts yet) and so I decided to try it again, but in simple. It also feels like not the thing I want my sweet little daughter to wear – and the simple pickle is just so much cuter.

I did include instructions for making both, though. You also have the choice of whether to add the “tail” or not. Again, I REALLY prefer the simple one.

It also lends itself to adding more realistic touches if you’d like, with finishes like chalk pastels. It can be mixed with classier jewelry for a quirky little touch without being overly tacky.

Tips for beginners making this pickle necklace

One of my things I always like to share before approaching a tutorial that I’m not an expert in is: I have a general expertise in crafting. I have done many different craft types in the past, and am at an intermediate level with most.

One of the advantages of teaching from this perspective is the ability to understand what the beginner needs to be taught, rather than what might be thought of as “understood” or a given with a teacher who’s deeper into the journey.

I do my best to do due diligence and not mis-teach anything. However, if you see a bigger expert than me teach something that contradicts my advice (especially since this is mostly about idea sharing, not technique sharing) definitely go with theirs – or at least try both!

However, as someone with a high level of experience in general crafting, there are some tips I can teach from experience here.

Mixing the right colors

I worked with a pack of clay that only had a bright green. While it might be tempting to pick up a pack of a zillion colors, you’re better off getting a high quality clay with fewer colors and mixing up your own. I used DAS Smart air dry clay, and wanted to get a much more muted clay.

This is where color theory comes into play. You can mix in black to get it darker, but it will give you a dull, muddy color. Instead, you mix in a complementary shade to majorly tone down your color. I mixed in too much red, so I pinched off a piece of that and mixed it with a fresh batch of green to get this pickle-perfect shade.

Connecting parts

One rookie mistake when crafting anything with clay is to assume that clay is adhesive and will stick to itself. In reality, you do need to use some sort of liquid clay to connect parts – and usually you’ll want to distress the connection points first. This can be challenging when working with very small pieces.

The basic pickle version of this necklace doesn’t require connecting parts, however the sour face pickle does.

The screw-eye that turns this pickle necklace into a pendant has something to hold it, but it can unscrew. I do recommend baking your clay with it inside, unscrewing it, and gluing it in place after.

Adapting this tutorial for air dry clay

If you want to stick to air dry clay for this, you definitely can! While you can definitely color your plain white air drying clay, you will get a more muted color that way. I recommend simply painting your finished project with craft acrylics!

You will definitely want to seal your project since acrylic paints can chip. You can use polymer clay sealers on air drying clay too.

You’ll also want to avoid very fine parts as air dry clay works better with thicker creations – so skip that tail!

How to make a (sour) pickle necklace

You’ll need

• Polymer clay – a deep green or green and red. I used this set from DAS
• Basic clay tools – I used this tool set from DAS
• An acrylic board
• If adding details, liquid clay
• Something to bake on (a clay-dedicated baking pan, for example)
• A screw eye
• A pendant bail
• Glue (such as Weldbond or E6000)

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Step by Step Tutorial

1. If you don’t have the right color, mix it up. I added some red to bright green to get this pickle-y green.

As you mix it with your hands, you’re also conditioning it.

2. Take a small piece (about the size of a small olive). Place it on a smooth surface.

3. Use your acrylic board to roll it into a small cylinder. The benefit of using the board for this is that you avoid fingerprints. Avoiding using fingers to shape as much as possible helps to minimize prints.

4. Round off the ends (I did do this part with my hands.)

5. Use the acrylic board to roll very gently a little more on one end, tilting it slightly, to give you that slightly irregular shape.

6. Use your fingers to gently curve it and smooth any creases.

7. If you’d like to add a tail, form a little hole. Create a thin rope, dab a bit of glue into the hole, and insert the tail, using the pick tool to help you.

8. Use the ball tip tool to add texture.

9. If you’d like you can create a face. Make two tiny white balls (mine are too big!) Add them to the pickle using liquid glue. When you press it on, you’ll naturally form two tiny wells for the pupil.

10. Use the pick tool to fill those two tiny holes with two tiny black balls – of course, using liquid clay to connect it.

11. I did mess up a bit with the mouth (I should have taken it off and redone it) but it’s a rope, connected the same way. Use a smoother tool to connect that. The nose is a ball of the same color, formed as I connected it between the eyes. I pressed it in with the pick tool where the nostrils should be.

12. Screw in your eye hook. Bake according to package instructions, remove the eye hook, and glue back in.

Your polymer clay pickle necklace is complete! What will you make yours from? Comment below!

The post Sour Pickle Necklace from Polymer Clay appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

When I needed a new trivet, I pulled out the air dry clay and made one really in minutes (with plenty of dry/waiting time of course). But instead of focusing this tutorial exclusively on the very simple process of making the trivets, I decided to focus it on answering a simple question:

Can you use watercolor on air dry clay?

The answer, as you can imagine from the start of this post, is yes – so let’s explore!

Can you use watercolor on air dry clay? Tips & tricks

Air dry clay is a very soft, porous material and absorbs watercolors nicely. They will eventually dry and give a very cool look to the clay. In fact, as an artist/crafter, I really do enjoy the process of using watercolor on air dry clay – as it can be quite meditative.

However, there are a few hiccups you may face.

When working with watercolors on air dry clay, you’ll see that the more it sits on the surface, the more it absorbs, but once it absorbs, it really becomes part of the clay.

For this reason, my favorite outcomes for watercolor on air dry clay is to fill a deliberate texture. That means, use a piece that has some kind of imprint, and the watercolor it. The paints then pool in the imprint, really highlighting it.

While I’ve used watercolors on air dry clay in other projects, I do find that this is the best way to do it. On others, you may get a bit of a messy look until you work loads more layers in. You can get nice effects still, but it’s not as easy.

If you are working with clay that does NOT have an imprint or a texture you want to highlight, you can use acrylic paints for a solid, bold finish. Or, work with VERY smooth clay.

The watercolor paints will highlight any crease or imperfection. So if you have something more pinch-pot style, instead of getting a great, organic look, you’ll be outlining all the blemishes.

But if you get it right, watercolor on air dry clay gives you a gorgeous soft look, allowing you to add color while keeping things classy.

Another thing I need to point out: you’ll need to add re-drying time to your clay crafts. It’ll absorb and really wet the project, meaning, you’ll want to give it another few days to really absorb before sealing your project.

And a final note: you WILL want to seal it, as anywhere where the watercolor paints sit a little thicker, it’ll rub off easily.

Tips for crafting an air dry clay trivet

Crafting an air dry clay trivet is super easy.

The process is simple: roll out your clay, and cut a shape large enough to suit the hot item you need to place on top. In my case, it’s the perfect size for a small Pyrex dish.

I cut mine in a freeform shape, but you can trace any shape (cut from a paper template) – a flower, a pomegranate, a butterfly – as long as the end result is a a functional size to use as a trivet.

Clay brand matters

When it comes to air dry clay, brand does matter. I do not recommend getting a no-name brand.

Crayola’s air dry clay is a decent brand, and especially kid friendly. DAS is the one I used here since I know that brand to be flame resistant and I originally got the clay to make air dry clay Menorahs. Sculpey is a brand that I find to be great too and is particularly lightweight I believe.

Adding texture

Adding texture is the perfect way to watercolor on air dry clay, as I mentioned above. Not only is clay super fun to texture, but for watercoloring, it allows the paint to pool in those areas, camouflaging imperfections and highlighting the texture.

For this, I used an open-weave mesh table runner. Some more ideas for adding texture:

• Coarse sandpaper is a classic
• Burlap for a more closed-weave design
• Crumpled and uncrumpled foil
• Leaves – either one large one in the center or a few smaller ones arranged into a pattern
• A branch with a pretty formation

Look around your house for anything that doesn’t have TOO much depth but has a pretty pattern and texture.

Finishing it off

While you can leave your air dry clay trivet a rolled-out blob, there are definitely ways to polish it off and finish the look!

First of all, when using watercolor on air dry clay, you DO want to seal it. Especially in areas where it pools and doesn’t absorb as much into the clay it can scratch off. It can also leave a bit of a dusty texture. I used Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge, but any hard-finishing formula can work here, since you’ll really only wipe it clean.

Other ideas include resin or an acrylic spray sealer.

You can also gild the edges using a gold paint marker if you want to highlight them or add a little touch of glam.

And finally, to really make it a finished product, you can tack on some felt furniture sliders to the base, or back it in cork sheet.

Care instructions

To care for your trivet, you’ll primarily want to wipe it clean with a damp cloth. It doesn’t usually get more than the occasional drip.

If you have a deep texture and didn’t allow your sealer to smooth it out, you may need a little help from a dish brush to get things out.

Unless you used a few thorough coats of dishwasher safe mod podge or resin, I don’t recommend soaking it or scrubbing too hard.

How to make a trivet using watercolor on air dry clay

You’ll need

• Air dry clay – I used DAS brand
• Height guides or two books of the width you want your trivets to be
• A rolling pin dedicated to clay
• A surface to work on – I find this silicone mat from Surebonder to be a game-changer
• A craft or utility knife dedicated to clay
• Mesh runner or other fabric to use as an imprint
• A little water in a dish or jar
• A scrap of coarse sandpaper (besides for your imprint if you’re using it for that)
• Watercolor paints – I used Prang for this and find it to be a rich, high quality and affordable option for crafts like this one
• A watercolor brush (they’re usually very absorbent – I used a water brush)
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• A flat paintbrush
• Felt furniture sliders

Watch the video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Instructions

1. Place clay thickness guides at the height you want your trivet thickness to be (I used two). Roll out your clay.

2. Roll your texture into it.

3.Use a craft knife to cut out the shape.

4. Use the craft knife as you go along to help you remove excess clay.

5. Dip your fingers into a little water to help you smooth out the edges – but don’t overdo it or you’ll ruin your design.

6. Allow it to dry thoroughly on one side, and then flip it over so that it can finish drying. Don’t flip it too early or it’ll crack.

Use coarse sandpaper to gently smooth it out. Again, just a little touching up is needed.

7. Use watercolor paints to paint your air dry clay trivet.

Don’t overwork it, and let it pool inside the texture.

8. Allow it to redry – not just the paints, but also the trivet itself. Paint on a layer or two of dishwasher safe Mod Podge.

Once the sealer is complete, add felt sliders to the bottom and your clay trivet is complete! Have you ever tried watercolor on air dry clay? How did you find the results to be? Comment below!

Clay Trivets with Watercolor

Learn the trick to using watercolor on air dry clay with this beautiful DIY trivets craft!

Print

Materials

• Air dry clay - I used DAS brand
• Height guides or two books of the width you want your trivets to be
• A rolling pin dedicated to clay
• A surface to work on - I find this silicone mat from Surebonder to be a game-changer
• A craft or utility knife dedicated to clay
• Mesh runner or other fabric to use as an imprint
• A little water in a dish or jar
• A scrap of coarse sandpaper
• Watercolor paints - I used Prang for this and find it to be a rich, high quality and affordable option for crafts like this one
• A watercolor brush (they're usually very absorbent - I used a water brush)
• Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge
• A flat paintbrush
• Felt furniture sliders

Instructions

1. Place clay thickness guides at the height you want your trivet thickness to be (I used two). Roll out your clay.

2. Roll your texture into it.

3.Use a craft knife to cut out the shape.

4. Use the craft knife as you go along to help you remove excess clay.

5. Dip your fingers into a little water to help you smooth out the edges - but don't overdo it or you'll ruin your design.

6. Allow it to dry thoroughly on one side, and then flip it over so that it can finish drying. Don't flip it too early or it'll crack.
Use coarse sandpaper to gently smooth it out. Again, just a little touching up is needed.

7. Use watercolor paints to paint your air dry clay trivet.

Don't overwork it, and let it pool inside the texture.

8. Allow it to redry - not just the paints, but also the trivet itself. Paint on a layer or two of dishwasher safe Mod Podge.

Once the sealer is complete, add felt sliders to the bottom and your clay trivet is complete! Have you ever tried watercolor on air dry clay? How did you find the results to be? Comment below!

Notes

Adding texture is the perfect way to watercolor on air dry clay.. Not only is clay super fun to texture, but for watercoloring, it allows the paint to pool in those areas, camouflaging imperfections and highlighting the texture.

For this, I used an open-weave mesh table runner. Some more ideas for adding texture:

- Coarse sandpaper is a classic
- Burlap for a more closed-weave design
- Crumpled and uncrumpled foil
- Leaves - either one large one in the center or a few smaller ones arranged into a pattern
- A branch with a pretty formation

When using watercolor on air dry clay, you DO want to seal it. Especially in areas where it pools and doesn't absorb as much into the clay it can scratch off. It can also leave a bit of a dusty texture. I used Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge, but any hard-finishing formula can work here, since you'll really only wipe it clean.

To care for your trivet, you'll primarily want to wipe it clean with a damp cloth. It doesn't usually get more than the occasional drip.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Watercolor on Air Dry Clay – DIY Trivets appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If you’ve got a Dad who knows never to put that drink on the wood furniture or there might be (gasp) rings, these air dry clay coasters are the perfect craft! And yes, they can be done by a huge range of ages, making them the perfect Father’s Day gift to craft in a group!

Of course, they are great for any time you want to make DIY coasters, with air dry clay being a low-key material to work with.

It’s affordable, it’s versatile, and it doesn’t require a kiln!

Of course, if you’re up for more of a challenge, try these craft stick pallet coasters instead. Ready to go even further? Craft some DIY epoxy resin coasters and make a set for yourself or Dad (or both!)

My Favorite Technique for Shaping Air Dry Clay Coasters

Sometimes air dry clay can be surprising with how challenging it can be to work with. However, coasters are such a simple shape!

You can simply pull out the cookie cutters in round or different shapes and make your coasters like that! Roll it out to a consistent thickness and cut your shapes.

The “proper” size for a coaster would be about four inches, to cover a wide variety of cup sizes and allow space for some drips, however, you can go a bit smaller (I think mine are closer to 3 inches).

I did a round shape, which I decorated with simple patterns, but I also wanted to show you how different shapes work. So I used a flower shape. Since this post is technically Father’s Day themed, (though you can make it any time coasters are in order) I wanted to make it more Dad-like.

I painted one as a sun, and one as a medallion with a heart, to show you how versatile different shaped cutters can be.

So if you’re crafting this with kids or in a group, go ahead and give them choices for shapes, so that they can have a bit more input in the design choices! Stick to shapes with a good surface area.

You can also do these by simply rolling them out and flattening them into shape, they just won’t look as clean.

How to Paint or Decorate Air Dry Clay Coasters

Air dry clay coasters are like a blank canvas. You can decorate them however you’d like.

There are three approaches to decorating any air dry clay project:

• Add color to the clay itself.
• Add designs to the surface while it’s uncured.
• Air dry and then paint or decorate the surface.

There are so many different ways to finish off air dry clay, and I try to use different methods in all of my clay posts. You can see on these seashell necklaces how I used two methods: I added paint to color the clay, and I pressed in chalk pastel shavings and shells before it was dry. You can mimic that exactly on air dry clay coasters too.

On these, I chose the third method: paint it after it’s dry.

I used standard craft acrylics. Brand sort of matters here – FolkArt (my favorite), Apple Barrel, DecoArt are all great brands. Store brands like Michaels’ Craftsmart are good enough. I just find that the color is a bit less rich.

Pay attention to the finish: I personally really like a satin or gloss finish on something like this.

I also brought Posca paint markers into the mix, adding gilded edges on some, and a face on the sun. Acrylic paint markers are fabulous for adding finer details to painted items.

Another fun technique to add to the “before it dries” list is to make DIY mosaic tiles using air dry clay. Just press in mosaic tiles, treating the clay as grout. You will lose some of the cleanness of the shape.

How to Finish & Seal Air Dry Clay Coasters

How you seal your coasters will make the whole difference in how well it holds up.

If you use glossy paint, you don’t NEED to seal it, it’ll just be more polished and hold up better if you do. If crafting this with young kids, you don’t really need to bother.

Resin will be your most durable finish, but is a pain. Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is a great choice, even if you just plan to wipe it clean. It creates a durable water-resistant surface. The same goes for Outdoor Mod Podge.

To make your coasters more polished, you can attach some adhesive cork backing to the back, or tack on felt furniture sliders. I skipped that on mine.

How to Make Air Dry Clay Coasters

Watch the YouTube Video

Watch the full-length video on YouTube if you prefer to learn that way! Or scroll down for written instructions with photos.

Materials

• Air dry clay – I used DAS
• Cookie cutters, 3-4 inches. Try different shapes with good surface areas. This is the one I used for the flower.
• Recommended: clay thickness guides
• Large clay roller
• Recommended: a scrap of coarse sandpaper
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes (flat ones are great for this type of project)
• Paint Markers (I used Posca) to add details
• Optional: hard finishing Mod Podge (such as Dishwasher Safe or Outdoor) to finish it off.

Process

1. Take a ball of air dry clay.

2. Roll it out to a good thickness for your coaster. Clay guides can help you roll it to a uniform thickness.

3. Press your cookie cutters into the clay.

4. Gently remove the clay around the cutter and then remove the cutter.

5. Allow your air dry clay coasters to dry full.

6. Use sandpaper to gently sand off any rough bits. This is easier than it sounds – it comes off quite easily – and makes it so much more polished.

7. Paint your coasters!

You’d rather go for a few thinner coats than one thick coat – it dries more thoroughly and you get more consistent color that way.

8. Add patterns and designs as you’d like.

9. If you want, once your paint has dried, use a paint marker to add details like gilded edges and painted faces.

10. Allow your air dry clay coasters to dry thoughly.

Enjoy them yourself or bundle them together in a 4 inch box for Father’s Day!

DIY Coasters with Air Dry Clay

Craft your own super easy air dry clay coasters - a fun DIY gift for Father's Day, or a practical craft for any time!

Print

Materials

• Air dry clay - I used DAS
• Cookie cutters, 3-4 inches. Try different shapes with good surface areas.
• Recommended: clay thickness guides
• Large clay roller
• Recommended: a scrap of coarse sandpaper
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrushes (flat ones are great for this type of project)
• Paint Markers (I used Posca) to add details
• Optional: hard finishing Mod Podge (such as Dishwasher Safe or Outdoor) to finish it off.

Instructions

1. Take a ball of air dry clay.

2. Roll it out to a good thickness for your coaster. Clay guides can help you roll it to a uniform thickness.

3. Press your cookie cutters into the clay.

4. Gently remove the clay around the cutter and then remove the cutter.

5. Allow your air dry clay coasters to dry full.

6. Use sandpaper to gently sand off any rough bits. This is easier than it sounds - it comes off quite easily - and makes it so much more polished.

7. Paint your coasters!

You'd rather go for a few thinner coats than one thick coat - it dries more thoroughly and you get more consistent color that way.

8. Add patterns and designs as you'd like.

9. If you want, once your paint has dried, use a paint marker to add details like gilded edges and painted faces.

10. Allow your air dry clay coasters to dry thoughly.

Enjoy them yourself or bundle them together in a 4 inch box for Father's Day!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Air Dry Clay Coasters appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I love setting my table with napkin rings, and for that reason, I’ve shared tutorials for leather napkin rings as well as these gorgeous and ridiculously easy copper and ceramic bead napkin rings.

But I wanted an option that’s cleaner, more neutral, and brightens up the table more for when the occasion calls for it, so I crafted some pretty air dry clay napkin rings – that anyone can make!

Clay napkin rings are relatively easy to make. You want to keep the shape organic, so you don’t want to do it too perfectly, which lends itself to a forgiving crafting experience.

You WILL want to shape it around something. I thought a cardboard tube was the way to go, but I wanted something a bit flatter, plus I found it hard to work with. I ended up shaping little rings in the size I wanted out of plastic dividers and it worked fabulously. They were easy to remove from the center by simply opening the taped ring.

Adding style to clay napkin rings

As you can see, I left my clay napkin rings plain. I made them specifically as a more minimalist option for when I wanted something clean, to let the rest of the table setting shine.

But I’ve got loads of ideas to add style or color these, some of which can be done wet and some can be done after it’s dried.

Ways to color it

I wanted mine to look fresh and white, so again, I didn’t color it. But here some ways I’ve painted other clay projects.

• Painting it afterward – this gives you the cleanest, most polished look and you can go in any direction with this. Paint it in pops of color, or even paint it white for a more even finish than the clay itself gives you.
• Painting with special finishes – I’ve used brushed metallic paint to make it look almost like metal. You can also paint stone or concrete finishes – and I’m sure there are lots more out there! You can also add sand to paint for texture to really make it cool.
• Mixing paint into the clay – You can mix various paints and pigments into uncured air dry clay to turn the clay a color. The look is totally different (see these seashell necklaces for reference).
• Watercolor dip or painting – Watercolor paints make gorgeous effects on air dry clay – see this DIY clay seder plate – but you do need to leave it extra time for the clay to cure as it makes it very wet.

Adding cool details

Again, clay gives you endless opportunities for making it your own. You can add details both externally or within the texture of the clay napkin rings themselves.

• Pressed Flowers – Add pressed flowers to the clay by gluing them on and then sealing them. Or, roll large leaves into the wet, flat clay and remove before forming them into rings.
• Rolling in texture from texture sheets – There are so many texture sheets you can get in cool finishes. Roll these on before forming rings. Note: you’ll probably have something of a seam without the texture.
• Pressing with a ball-tip tool for a “hammered” look – I’ve done this many times, including on this air dry clay Menorah. It looks fabulous! You may need to do this before forming rings.
• Gilded edges – Paint the edges only with gold paint or paint marker for a hint of glam! I’m considering doing this on mine. It’ll combine well with the watercolors. You can also use gilding wax.
• Chalk Pastel – I’ve used chalk pastel shavings in the past to add a fabulous finish to my clay projects. You will need to seal them if you do this – see below.

Sealing clay napkin rings

Leaving clay napkin rings unsealed leaves them with a matte look, but also vulnerable to getting stained and ruined.

Sealers come in many different types and finishes – and it’s the finish that will really influence how it looks. One of my favorites is satin or matte for understated elegance, but something high gloss will make it look more ceramic.

Some ways to seal air dry clay include

• Mod Podge – Since this is a craft room staple, easily available, and affordable, it’s a fabulous option. The biggest downside is that the classic varieties – that come in more finishes – aren’t very hard sealers. The fix is to use one of their hard finishing formulas, such as hard coat (which has a satin finish), dishwasher safe, or super gloss.
• Acrylic Spray Sealer – This spray sealer is relatively easy to use and a good way to protect added finishes.
• Clay Sealer (also acrylic based)- This is my favorite way to finish air dry clay napkin rings, and it’s because of how solid it feels. I do believe it’s the priciest option of the lot. It goes on thicker than the spray, which is why I put it as a separate option.
• Polyurethane varnish – I have not tried this, but it is a great option to try as well.
• Resin – Sealing with resin would be the most durable, hard-wearing option, however, it’s very finicky. You’ll probably want to mount the rings on a horizontal dowel to work with them and keep it to a thin layer so that it’s not drippy. If you have experience with working with resin-coated tumblers this’ll probably be a cinch for you. Otherwise, be prepared to figure things out – and maybe even ruin a couple of rings before you get it right.

How to make clay napkin rings

Supplies

• Air dry clay
• Plastic sheets such as acetate or plastic dividers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Craft knife
• Clay roller
• Recommended: rotary tool such as Dremel or MakerX
• Optional: acrylic paint, watercolors, etc to color and finish it off
• Preferred sealer (see above) such as Mod Podge, resin, polyurethane sealer, acrylic spray sealer, or clay (acrylic) sealer.
• Cup or jar with water

Process

1. You’ll want to start by detemining what size you want your napkin ring to be. You can measure a pre-existing napkin ring or form a ring with a tape measure and eyeball it.

Roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch thick to minimize cracking.

Cut it into a rectangle in the size you need. Mine was about an inch in height. Note: you can make a cardboard template if you want to be exact – I like the organic feel.

2. Create your internal molds. Cut strips of plastic wider than your napkin rings, and a bit longer as well. Form them into rings a bit smaller than you want your rings to be – this will determine the internal size. Tape shut.

3. Use your finger and water to wet the edges. Do this to all edges to smooth them, but in particular the edge that’ll be connected – the short edge.

4. Form a ring with the clay around the plastic mold you created. Smooth the edges together, using water as needed.

5. Place your napkin rings down on a flat nonstick surface (parchment paper works great) to fully air dry. The bottom will flatten a bit due to gravity, and the whole shape will form more into an oval than a ring naturally.

You may need to flip your rings over after a day to allow the bottom some air to dry it.

6. Sand the edges for a cleaner finish (but don’t try to make it perfect -you’ll ruin it!

Color and seal your DIY clay napkin rings as you see fit! Set your table and enjoy!

DIY Clay Napkin Ring Tutorial

Print

Materials

• Air dry clay
• Plastic sheets such as acetate or plastic dividers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Craft knife
• Clay roller
• Recommended: rotary tool such as Dremel or MakerX
• Optional: acrylic paint, watercolors, etc to color and finish it off
• Preferred sealer such as Mod Podge, resin, polyurethane sealer, acrylic spray sealer, or clay (acrylic) sealer.
• Cup or jar with water

Instructions

1. You'll want to start by detemining what size you want your napkin ring to be. You can measure a pre-existing napkin ring or form a ring with a tape measure and eyeball it.

Roll out your clay to about 1/4 inch thick to minimize cracking.

Cut it into a rectangle in the size you need. Mine was about an inch in height.

2. Create your internal molds. Cut strips of plastic wider than your napkin rings, and a bit longer as well. Form them into rings a bit smaller than you want your rings to be - this will determine the internal size. Tape shut.

3. Use your finger and water to wet the edges. Do this to all edges to smooth them, but in particular the edge that'll be connected - the short edge.

4. Form a ring with the clay around the plastic mold you created. Smooth the edges together, using water as needed.

5. Place your napkin rings down on a flat nonstick surface (parchment paper works great) to fully air dry. The bottom will flatten a bit due to gravity, and the whole shape will form more into an oval than a ring naturally.

You may need to flip your rings over after a day to allow the bottom some air to dry it.

6. Sand the edges for a cleaner finish (but don't try to make it perfect -you'll ruin it!

Color and seal your DIY clay napkin rings as you see fit! Set your table and enjoy!

Notes

Leaving clay napkin rings unsealed leaves them with a matte look, but also vulnerable to getting stained and ruined.

Sealers come in many different types and finishes - and it's the finish that will really influence how it looks. One of my favorites is satin or matte for understated elegance, but something high gloss will make it look more ceramic.

Some ways to seal air dry clay include:

- Mod Podge - Since this is a craft room staple, easily available, and affordable, it's a fabulous option. The biggest downside is that the classic varieties - that come in more finishes - aren't very hard sealers. The fix is to use one of their hard finishing formulas, such as outdoor, dishwasher safe, or ultra gloss (I think).

- Acrylic Spray Sealer - This spray sealer is relatively easy to use and a good way to protect finishes.

- Clay Sealer (also acrylic based) - This is my favorite way to finish air dry clay napkin rings, and it's because of how solid it feels. I do believe it's the priciest option of the lot. It goes on thicker than the spray, which is why I put it as a separate option.

- Polyurethane varnish - I have not tried this, but it is a great option to try as well.

- Resin - Sealing with resin would be the most durable, hard-wearing option, however, it's very finicky. You'll probably want to mount the rings on a horizontal dowel to work with them and keep it to a thin layer so that it's not drippy. If you have experience with working with resin-coated tumblers this'll probably be a cinch for you. Otherwise, be prepared to figure things out - and maybe even ruin a couple of rings.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Did you try this craft? Did you enjoy making air dry clay napkin rings? Got any tips or variation to share? Comment below!

The post Air Dry Clay Napkin Rings Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing pumpkins everywhere lately! Hardy winter squashes are in season now, and oh how beautiful they are! They’re great for decorating for the same reason they’re perfect for winter – because they are strong and don’t go bad fast. But if you want  your pumpkins to really last forever, then you’ll especially enjoy this delightful little fall craft.

Foam clay is so pleasing to work with. It has a nice soft feel in your hands, and shaping it is easy enough for young kids or people with mild hand weakness.

It doesn’t need any tricky baking to cure, so young people can do this project independently, and you can also easily do it away from home – at school, on vacation, or at a party – since you don’t need an oven or kiln. The finished product is somewhat soft and doesn’t break as easily as items crafted from more delicate types of clay.

You can use these pumpkins as centerpieces or table decor for a seasonal party or feast, whether for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or some other gathering. A small clay pumpkin would also make a great focal point or side accessory for a tiered tray.

The lightweight nature of foam clay makes it doable for jewelry, but it’s not as sturdy as other options, and hard to form in very small sizes. So you can make this clay pumpkin for slightly larger gag jewelry projects.

Try making a grouping of clay pumpkins in complementary colors and shapes to be extra decorative. If you want to design yours as a jack-o-lantern, you can use a black paint marker to draw features.

Or if you’re more adventurous, you can try making little features out of a dark colored clay and press them into the pumpkin. If cute is your vibe, you can even stick on wiggly eyes – because this clay dries without baking, it’s safe to add plastic or other accents. If any of the parts fall off after the clay cures, simply stick them back on with a dot of super-glue.

You’ll find that there’s really no limit to what you can do with this versatile material. Here are the basic pumpkin instructions to get you started!

What you’ll need:

Foam clay – orange, green, brown

Clay tools

(Yes, that’s all!)

How to Make a Clay Pumpkin

1. Take a chunk of each of orange, green, and brown clay to use for the pumpkin, stem, leaves and vine. You can use different shades of these colors if you’d like more variation in your finished project.

You’ll need the largest amount of orange clay because this is going to form the main part of the pumpkin. You’ll use a smaller amount of green and brown.

2. Use the palm of your hand to roll each clay piece on a smooth, even surface to make a ball. Don’t worry about the sizes of the balls, you can adjust it later.

3. Use the tip of your finger or thumb to make a small indentation on the orange ball.

4. Turn the ball so the indentation is on the bottom, helping it to stand in place without rolling away.

5. Use a small object such as a pencil point to make another, deeper hole on the top of the pumpkin.

6. Take the brown clay ball and roll it back and forth to make a rope shape. This will be the stem of the pumpkin.

7. Insert the wide end of the stem into the small hole on the top and press to stick it in place. Curl the other end.

8. Next, we’ll use a clay tool with an angled edge or tip to make the sections of the pumpkin. Looking down from the top, make 4 little cuts forming a cross or X shape across the top (skipping past the stem)

9. Now, looking at it from the sides one at a time, use the clay tool to draw the cuts down to the bottom. Add another cut in between each of the original 4 to make the pumpkin have 8 sections.

10. Next we’ll use the green clay to make the vines. Roll little pieces of green clay between your fingers or against a flat surface to make thin ropes.

11. Make a twirly shape at one end of each vine and press them onto the pumpkin near the stem.

12. Using another small ball of green clay (you can use a different shade of green if you’d like) use your fingers to form a leaf shape.

13. Use a clay tool to make little lines on the leaf for veins.

14. Stick the clay leaf onto the top of the pumpkin, next to the stem.

That’s it! Cure or air dry the clay according to the instructions on the package. What a sweet little clay pumpkin! That was so quick, you can go ahead and make another to go with it – try making the next one a little taller or fatter for variety. Real pumpkins aren’t all the same, either.

DIY Foam Clay Pumpkin

Print

Materials

• Foam clay - orange, green, brown
• Clay tools

Instructions

1. Take a chunk of each of orange, green, and brown clay to use for the pumpkin, stem, leaves and vine. You can use different shades of these colors if you’d like more variation in your finished project.
You’ll need the largest amount of orange clay because this is going to form the main part of the pumpkin. You’ll use a smaller amount of green and brown.
2. Use the palm of your hand to roll each clay piece on a smooth, even surface to make a ball. Don’t worry about the sizes of the balls, you can adjust it later.
3. Use the tip of your finger or thumb to make a small indentation on the orange ball.
4. Turn the ball so the indentation is on the bottom, helping it to stand in place without rolling away.
5. Use a small object such as a pencil point to make another, deeper hole on the top of the pumpkin.
6. Take the brown clay ball and roll it back and forth to make a rope shape. This will be the stem of the pumpkin.
7. Insert the wide end of the stem into the small hole on the top and press to stick it in place. Curl the other end.
8. Next, we’ll use a clay tool with an angled edge or tip to make the sections of the pumpkin. Looking down from the top, make 4 little cuts forming a cross or X shape across the top (skipping past the stem)
9. Now, looking at it from the sides one at a time, use the clay tool to draw the cuts down to the bottom. Add another cut in between each of the original 4 to make the pumpkin have 8 sections.
10. Next we’ll use the green clay to make the vines. Roll little pieces of green clay between your fingers or against a flat surface to make thin ropes.
11. Make a twirly shape at one end of each vine and press them onto the pumpkin near the stem.
12. Using another small ball of green clay (you can use a different shade of green if you’d like) use your fingers to form a leaf shape.
13. Use a clay tool to make little lines on the leaf for veins.
14. Stick the clay leaf onto the top of the pumpkin, next to the stem.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Foam Clay Pumpkin Tutorial appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Flat clay cutouts from air dry clay make gorgeous, classy ornaments. These house shaped ornaments add a touch of hygge to your tree. The minimalist design somehow explodes with personality.

And the best part: air dry clay is an easy, kid-friendly material that the whole family can use to create a DIY house ornament!

There are a few different ways to color air dry clay for this house ornament:

First, you can dye the clay by mixing in paint or food coloring. This can be a bit of a messy process. It’s ideal if you want the texture of the clay to fully show through, and for the ornament to be colored through and through.

My favorite way to color it is to simply paint the outside using craft acrylics when the DIY clay ornament has dried. This gives you more control over tone and texture. You can choose glossy, matte, or even metallic paints. And the authentic color of the paint is what will show. You can also get richer color, especially if you paint more than one layer.

Finally, if you want to make the DIY house ornament from clay really your own, you can add detail as you paint it. You can make it resemble your own home (just skip my template), write your family name on it, or add other details using paint markers. You can embellish with rhinestones or dimensional paint.

Just think of the ornaments as a blank template, waiting for you to add your personal touch!

When you’re done with this, check out more Christmas ornament DIY ideas!

What you need

• Air dry clay – my favorites are Sculpey Air and Crayola Air Dry clay
• Clay rolling pin and board – I like dollar tree cutting mats
• Xacto knife
• String – I used sisal twine
• Straw or other tool for poking a hole
• The template, cut out from paper
• Acrylic paint and paint brush
• Optional: Mod Podge or clay glaze (I like Sculpey brand).
• The template (optional) – found here. Or draw your own

How to make a DIY house ornament from clay

1. Cut out a slice from the bar of air-dry clay.

2. Knead the clay slice against a smooth, nonstick surface or on the cutting mat and roll it into a ball shape.

3. Press the clay ball against the board or the surface you’re working on.

4. Use the rolling pin to flatten the clay ball to about 1/2 a cm or the minimum recommended width on your clay’s package instructions. Try to make it even throughout.

5. Print and cut out the house template. Place it on the rolled out clay. Using an Xacto knife, cut around the house template.

6. Cut out a square window.

7. Peel off the house template from the clay.

8. Remove the excess clay from around your template.

9. Use your finger tips to smooth the edges of your clay house ornament. You can dip them in water as you work if you’d like.

10. Use a straw or a blunt stick to make a hole in the top of your clay ornament. Do this while the clay is still soft. Allow the clay house to air dry overnight.

11. When your ornament is completely dry you can paint it. You may want to do a few layers. If you want a gorgeous finish, seal it with Mod podge or a clay glaze such as Sculpey.

Cut out a piece of string and thread it through the hole. Tie a knot to create a loop. The clay house ornament is ready.

Your DIY clay house ornament is complete! How will you be finishing yours? Comment below!

Air Dry Clay House Ornament Craft

Print

Materials

• Air dry clay
• String - I used sisal twine
• The template, cut out from paper
• Acrylic paint
• Optional: Mod Podge
• Or clay glaze

Tools

• Xacto knife
• Clay rolling pin and board
• Straw or other tool for poking a hole
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Cut out a slice from the bar of air-dry clay.

2. Knead the clay slice against a smooth, nonstick surface or on the cutting mat and roll it into a ball shape.

3. Press the clay ball against the board or the surface you’re working on.

4. Use the rolling pin to flatten the clay ball to about 1/2 a cm or the minimum recommended width on your clay's package instructions. Try to make it even throughout.

5. Print and cut out the house template. Place it on the rolled out clay. Using an Xacto knife, cut around the house template.

6. Cut out a square window.

7. Peel off the house template from the clay.

8. Remove the excess clay from around your template.

9. Use your finger tips to smooth the edges of your clay house ornament. You can dip them in water as you work if you'd like.

10. Use a straw or a blunt stick to make a hole in the top of your clay ornament. Do this while the clay is still soft. Allow the clay house to air dry overnight.

11. When your ornament is completely dry you can paint it. You may want to do a few layers. If you want a gorgeous finish, seal it with Mod podge or a clay glaze such as Sculpey.

Cut out a piece of string and thread it through the hole. Tie a knot to create a loop. The clay house ornament is ready.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post DIY House Ornament from Clay appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I have made a lot of air drying clay projects that I’ve shared in this space, so I can sing the praises of this versatile yet amazing product!

Air dry clay is so easy to work with, it dries without an oven, and you can use it to make everything from homemade jewelry to home decor. Air dry clay is an easy craft that teens and tweens can do, and there are so many different kinds of air dry clay you can use.

Crayola‘s is best for kids’ crafts and I love Sculpey Air for more detailed projects, such as jewelry making. Das is my favorite for home decor crafts, especially those near flames (such as candle holders).

Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced crafter, this natural and non-toxic clay is a versatile and great crafting material. Here are 15+ things to make with air drying clay.

In this post:

• Air Drying Clay Jewelry
• Things to Make with Air Drying Clay – Dishes and Trinkets
• Air Drying Clay Home Decor

Air Drying Clay Jewelry

My first clay crafts were jewelry crafts, and it’s still a fabulous medium for that! There are so many things to make with air drying clay that you can wear – these jewelry ideas are just a drop in the bucket!

How to Make Clay Rose Earrings

Learn how to make simple earrings out of air dry clay with these beautiful clay rose earrings. If you’ve ever made fondant roses for a cake, you’ll find that this method is quite similar. Did you realize you can use that for jewelry too? Seal it with Mod Podge Super Gloss for an absolutely gorgeous finish.

Seashell Necklace 

Use real shells to make a beautiful summer-themed necklace with this seashell necklace idea. And if you don’t have shells, or don’t live next to a beach, you can get crafting shells online! Can you believe that I used chalk pastel shavings to add texture to one of these? The teal shell has crushed glass glitter!

Friendship Necklaces

Your kids will love making these fun and easy friendship necklaces together. It’s a fun idea to craft for sleepovers and play dates – and perfect for your tween! Tween crafting features some of my favorite things to make with air drying clay.

DIY Geometric Clay Earrings

Follow this tutorial to make five different geometric clay earrings out of air dry clay! It just goes to show you that air drying clay can look super classy if you keep things streamlined and minimalist. With the right finish of paint, there are so many incredible things to make with air drying clay!

Hair Tie Bracelet

Never worry about not having a hair tie handy with this cool bracelet idea. I was inspired to make these when I saw this bracelet one day. Color shift paint gives this a pretty and playful metallic sheen.

Paper Clay Pendants 

Use this air dry clay pendant idea to make your own heart shaped necklace or bracelet. And you might want to give other things to make with air drying clay a try using this method for making paper clay!

Things to Make with Air Drying Clay – Dishes and Trinkets

Another popular first clay project tends to be trinket dishes… and there’s good reason for that! It’s simple, provides a large surface for adding style, and there’s always use for another!

Handmade Clay Tray

Use flowers and air dry clay to make this easy statement piece for your home. What a beautiful way to create art with nature! Combine it with a nature walk for a fun summer camp project, or make it as part of an open-ended art workshop.

Air Dry Clay Bowl Unicorn Craft

Oh my, how fun is this unicorn bowl? A fun keepsake for friends and family, your kids will love making their own unicorn-themed dishes. It’s fabulous for your tween’s dresser, to collect hair ties and more.

How to Make an Easy Air Dry Clay Trinket Dish

Make a beautiful trinket dish to hold all your jewelry with this creative DIY. The texture on this dish shows just how upscale you can go with air drying clay. I keep a dish just like this for rings right next to my kitchen sink.

How to Make Air Dry Clay Bowls 

These rustic clay bowls are so simple and unique! They’re perfect for holding small pieces or even your keys. Drop one on the entry table, on your dresser and nightstand, or anywhere the loose change tends to congregate.

Air Drying Clay Home Decor

There are so so many home decor things to make with air drying clay! These will get you started, but take it further and experiment with even more!

DIY Clay Candle Holders

These candle holders are a fool-proof craft that looks just like hammered metal. The finish was accomplished using brushed metal paints. I researched heavily which is the best clay for flame-resistance and recommend using this one.

Clay Wall Vase

Why stick to table vases when you can have wall vases?! Add some succulents or flowers to make a beautiful vase for your wall that is simple and easy to pull together. What a unique twist on things to make with air drying clay!

DIY Clay Maps

Use these clay maps to learn about countries or display countries that you’ve visited in your home. Kid scan play with them or learn new facts about the people who live there, enabling them to become world citizens.

Mini Coastal Clay Houses

Create a beachy getaway from your own home with these clay houses made out of air dry clay. You can make a winter variation on this too! Just make the homes wintry instead of coastal…

Monster Craft Invitation

Your kids will love making these adorable little monsters with this magnetic monster craft. I used a flower shaped cookie cutter on rolled out air drying clay. Kids were able to paint it with tempera paint sticks and add whichever details they wanted. It made for a fabulous open-ended party craft.

Air Dry Clay Wall Hanging

This beautiful dream catcher is the perfect air dry clay wall hanging for your home. It’s all in the painted detail and is another one of my favorite things to make with air drying clay for craft workshops.

Indoor Fairy Garden Terrarium

Make a cool fairy garden that you can keep indoors with the help of air dry clay. This was originally a KiwiCo kit – but I turned it into a fairy garden. Can you spot the clay fairy?

Botanical Clay Wall Hanging

Use air dry clay to make these floral pieces for a wire detail wall art design in your home. What a fabulous way to celebrate the different things that grow in your garden!

DIY Incense Holder

This fun and easy craft project is great for keeping bugs away or to hold your incense indoors. Minimalist but well-thought-out patterns make them look like they came from a high end home decor boutique! Your friends will be asking you to make these for them too!

How To Make Mini Clay Succulents

These faux plants are so adorable and perfect for home decor, office decor, or to keep in your child’s room for a pop of greenery. The faces on the front will make you smile. You can even add these to the fairy garden above!

What are your favorite things to make with air drying clay? Comment below!

The post Things to Make with Air Drying Clay appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Craft your own seashell pendants using a super durable clay alternative! Imprint necklaces are both elegant and fun, and are a great beginner InstaMorph craft. This post is sponsored by InstaMorph.

Imprint seashell pendants are a classier take on some of my favorite jewelry – seashell necklaces! And they are so strong, thanks to InstaMorph – a moldable plastic that is heat activated.

Instead of molding clay around seashells, which I’ve done in the past as a fun kids’ craft, I took it to the next level. I made seashell pendants that instead use smaller shells to imprint, lined it with metallic paint, and turned it into a much classier and more sophisticated piece of jewelry.

You can totally get creative with seashell pendants!

You can keep it simple.

Or, you can add cool details such as pearls or micro beads!

Metallic detail makes these just a touch classier. If you want them to be even more sophisticated, you can paint it exclusively in metallics. However, I do recommend contrasting the color of the imprint with the border – it looks so good! You can use two-tone metallics – either mixed metal, or a darker and lighter shade of the same.

Don’t limit yourself just to seashells! I found a cool vintage button in my craft room that had an ugly color but a cool design. It fits right in and has an impression I couldn’t have crafted myself.

What can you make with InstaMorph?

InstaMorph comes in the form of plastic pellets that are heat activated. Just place them in hot water and they turn into a moldable material!

This is a great product for those of us who want something with a stronger final result than clay but that’s easier to work with than resin. It’s kid-friendly as it’s not hot when it comes out of the water (just make sure a grown-up supervises and deals with the hot water or any of the heating process, and ensure that temperatures remain at a safe level).

InstaMorph can be used in so many ways! Here are some things besides seashell pendants that I tried to make, as well as some things I’d like to try:

• Make a ring or jewelry drop dish! I painted mine like a geode.

• Craft a lightweight, non-jangly bangle. You’ll want hot water available to tweak your design as you go along.
• Use the same tutorial to make drawer pulls by adding hardware instead of imprinting shells.
• Make molds! This exact tutorial can be used as a mold for other crafts – just keep in mind that you can’t use it for heat (it’ll soften) and it hasn’t been graded as food safe yet.

Basically, anything that you’d like to have in a durable opaque plastic can be formed from InstaMorph. And if you’re not quite happy with the initial results, just drop it back into the package and save it for the next craft.

Tips for working with InstaMorph

Just like with any new craft material that you’re trying, expect there to be a learning curve with InstaMorph. For true beginners, I recommend using molds to get things as you’d like them on the first try. Stiff molds (rather than flexible silicone) seem to work better. Of course, it’s easy to experiment with InstaMorph since you can reuse it by reheating it!

Use tongs or gloves to remove the InstaMorph from the water, because it’s HOT. That is, the water, not the InstaMorph. It should not be too hot to handle, as long as you don’t overheat it. I personally used gloves while creating this tutorial because that’s what I had handy, but at a later stage I just pulled it out with the back of a paintbrush.

You can keep the water on the heat surface to make more advanced designs. This way you can easily reheat it as needed to remold, smooth, and even add texture to your craft.

InstaMorph turns clear when moldable. It goes back to its opaque color when cured. So, just peeking at your pellets will show you if it’s ready to work with.

Finally, you’ll want to use a smooth-surface-friendly paint to complete your craft. I used acrylic paints and sealed it with a super gloss finish. You can also use a plastic primer, plastic-friendly spray paint, or seal it with resin for a chip-free finish.

Supplies for making seashell pendants

• InstaMorph – One package can make about ten seashell pendants!
• A hot cup or mug with hot water
• Tongs, heat-proof gloves, or something else to handle your InstaMorph with
• Small shells – found or purchased. Or, try finding other items that’ll leave nice imprints – if you don’t like the result you can reheat and try again!
• Small paint palette or other stiff mold
• Metallic multi surface acrylic paint
• Contrasting multi surface acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Super gloss sealer
• Jump ring
• Finished chain

How to make a seashell necklace

1. Follow the package instructions to heat your InstaMorph. Heat water to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Tip: if you use an insulated cup or keep the water hot, you’ll have it handy for reheating as needed.

2. Pour some InstaMorph in the water and wait a couple of minutes. You’ll see the pellets turn clear.

3. Take it out of the water (don’t touch the water – use heat-proof gloves or tongs to take it out). Your InstaMorph is now moldable!

4. Break off a piece and press it into the palette.

5. Press in your shell.

6. Your InstaMorph will be starting to lose its transparency at this stage. Take it out and carefully press in a nail, pushpin, or even a paint brush handle to make your hole. Reheat it if you want to smooth the top or fix it at all. I like when my crafts take on an organic texture, so I didn’t fuss much on most of my seashell pendants.

7. When your pendant turns white, paint the imprint with metallic paint.

8. Paint the surrounding area a contrasting color. Paint thin layers, allowing each to dry in between. Refine your edges as you paint each layer.

9. Don’t forget to flip it over and paint the back!

10. When you’re done painting, add your sealer. At this point you can also add any embellishments you want.

11. Open a jump ring with a backward/forward motion and place it in the hole you created. You may need to recreate this hole to a degree by poking the implement you used back through.

12. Finally, add a chain and wear your seashell pendants with pride!

Your seashell pendants are complete! What else will you try crafting with InstaMorph? Comment below!

Seashell Imprint Pendants from InstaMorph!

Craft your own seashell pendants using a super durable clay alternative!

Print

Materials

• InstaMorph
• Small shells - found or purchased
• Metallic multi surface acrylic paint
• Contrasting multi surface acrylic paint
• Super gloss sealer
• Jump ring
• Finished chain

Tools

• A hot cup or mug with hot water
• Tongs, heat-proof gloves, or something else to handle your InstaMorph with
• Small paint palette or other stiff mold
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

1. Follow the package instructions to heat your InstaMorph. Heat water to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Tip: if you use an insulated cup or keep the water hot, you'll have it handy for reheating as needed.

2. Pour some InstaMorph in the water and wait a couple of minutes. You'll see the pellets turn clear.

3. Take it out of the water (don't touch the water - use heat-proof gloves or tongs to take it out). Your InstaMorph is now moldable!

4. Break off a piece and press it into the palette.

5. Press in your shell.

6. Your InstaMorph will be starting to lose its transparency at this stage. Take it out and carefully press in a nail, pushpin, or even a paint brush handle to make your hole. Reheat it if you want to smooth the top or fix it at all. I like when my crafts take on an organic texture, so I didn't fuss much on most of my seashell pendants.

7. When your pendant turns white, paint the imprint with metallic paint.

8. Paint the surrounding area a contrasting color. Paint thin layers, allowing each to dry in between. Refine your edges as you paint each layer.

9. Don't forget to flip it over and paint the back!

10. When you're done painting, add your sealer. At this point you can also add any embellishments you want.

11. Open a jump ring with a backward/forward motion and place it in the hole you created. You may need to recreate this hole to a degree by poking the implement you used back through.

12. Finally, add a chain and wear your seashell pendants with pride!

Notes

Just like with any new craft material that you're trying, expect there to be a learning curve with InstaMorph. For true beginners, I recommend using molds to get things as you'd like them on the first try. Stiff molds (rather than flexible silicone) seem to work better. Of course, it's easy to experiment with InstaMorph since you can reuse it by reheating it!

Use tongs or gloves to remove the InstaMorph from the water, because it's HOT. That is, the water, not the InstaMorph. It should not be too hot to handle, as long as you don't overheat it. I personally used gloves while creating this tutorial because that's what I had handy, but at a later stage I just pulled it out with the back of a paintbrush.

You can keep the water on the heat surface to make more advanced designs. This way you can easily reheat it as needed to remold, smooth, and even add texture to your craft.

InstaMorph turns clear when moldable. It goes back to its opaque color when cured. So just peeking at your pellets will show you if it's ready to work with.

Finally, you'll want to use a smooth-surface-friendly paint to complete your craft. I used acrylic paints and sealed it with a super gloss finish. You can also use a plastic primer, plastic-friendly spray paint, or seal it with resin for a chip-free finish.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  InstaMorph Reusable Moldable Plastic | Thermoplastic Beads, Meltable Polymorph Pellets | Lightweight Modeling Compound for DIY Crafts, Sculpting, Cosplay Accessories | Temporarily Repair | White, 6oz

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post How to Make Seashell Imprint Pendants from InstaMorph appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Full disclosure: I am not a 10-year-old girl. I’m a 28 year old mom of two boys and a girl who somehow comes up with things like this. But y’know being a tween girl seems to come naturally to me, minus the drama…

So while I might convert it into a key chain once I realize that I’m not going to wear these around, it’s interesting that this is what I came up with. Truth is, the silver chain style isn’t that childish – I’m sure I can adult this up… (that is SO a thing.)

I made a few styles of seashell necklace varying the colors, textures, shells and string, but I did stick to clay and shell with all of them.

The fun part was figuring out how to add texture to the clay to make it more fun.

On one seashell necklace, I simply pressed in glitter. This will only really work with glass glitter, which has more body to it. Tinsel glitter would need to be Mod Podged onto the final piece rather than pressed into the soft clay.

On the other, I scraped off shavings from a chalk pastel. I LOVE how it came out!! This also works with plain old chalk. If you use chalk, the color will come out when you seal it and it absorbs the moisture. You MUST seal it.

I actually completely redid this project now (in 2021) so that I can reshare it. On the second try, I decided to try microbeads as well. Those needed two layers of sealer to really hold them in place but do look really cool.

I used this clay from a big bucket, making this an extremely inexpensive project. To finish it off, you can use either a polymer clay glaze (like I used in the first take) or Mod Podge Super Gloss like I used in the redo.

Air dry clay is very easy to use, but it’s white (or terra cotta – don’t get the terra cotta!) In the first round, I used gouache paints to make it a rich color. In the second, I used regular craft acrylics. They both work great. It’s nice to be able to customize colors rather than being limited to the brand’s palette!

The thing with this clay is that it’s very fragile if it’s too thin. That’s why most jewelry artists don’t usually use it. You do need to make sure that your seashell necklace is think enough that it doesn’t break. I used this clay because I had no idea if I can bake the shell or not, and didn’t feel like trying…

As you can see, I switched around the way I strung each seashell necklace. For some, I used white cotton twine and a wooden bead. This gives it more of a casual feel. On another, I added a bit of chain with silver beads strung on. That’s a great way to dress it up for bigger kids (or moms?!)

One of the shells I used is painted. I had a shell leftover from when I made my seashell earrings and decided to use it in this necklace. It adds a watercolor touch and really upgrades this seashell necklace! Most of these shells were beach keepsakes but for the redo, I couldn’t find them, so I bought a bag of shells to keep in my craft room.

I kept one necklace very simple – a perfect necklace for boys too!

Whichever seashell necklace you plan to make, this open-ended craft is perfect for teen summer camp, for a beach party, or any day just for fun! If you want to get started with polymer clay, try this bonfire craft instead!

And if you love making air dry clay jewelry that’s colorful and fun, try this hair tie bracelet DIY tutorial!

Want to learn how to make jewelry out of anything? These seashell necklace are a sample project from my new book How to Make Jewelry Out of Anything!

What you need to make a seashell necklace:

• Air dry clay
• Water-based paint in your choice of colors
• Glass glitter (optional). Glass glitter has a higher quality finished look than regular glitter, so I prefer it for jewelry making crafts. It also has more substance and can easily be pressed into the clay
• Chalk pastels (for richer color) or sidewalk chalk (optional)
• A skewer, clay tool, or the back of a paintbrush – anything that can poke a hole…
• Small seashells
• Sculpey Glaze or Mod Podge Super Gloss + a paintbrush
• Cotton twine, thin chain, or similar string
• Wood or glass beads (optional)
• Something to protect your surface from the clay and paint.

How to make a seashell necklace:

1. Soften your clay with your fingers.

2. Flatten it and create a well in the center for your paint.

3.Add a few drops of water-based paint and mix it up.

4.Add color as needed, a little bit at a time. If you do too much at once, you’ll find that the clay cakes onto your hand.

Experiment with different colors for different necklaces.

5. Press it into a coin shape at least 1/4 inch thick and larger than your shell.

6.If you want, add texture in the form of glitter or pastel shavings.

7. Press your shell into the center and shape your clay around it however you want. I did round, a teardrop, and pressed against the shell.

8. Poke a hole using a skewer or the back of a paint brush.

9. Paint on two layers of glaze, allowing it to dry in between.

When you’re done, add your string, knots, and finish it off how you want.

Your DIY seashell necklace is complete! Where will you be doing this seashell craft? Who will you give this necklace to, and what variations do you want to share with other Moms & Crafters readers? Comment below!

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Even if it’s not your primary crafting focus, clay is an essential for every craft room! It’s a versatile material for all sorts for crafts, beyond jewelry and home decor. And you don’t need crazy skills to make beautiful creations. These ideas are all beginner friendly.

These things to make with clay are organized by type. You can use the table of contents to skip directly to the idea that interests you most.

Or, do what I do, and slowly sip that cup of coffee as you plan to do all the things…

Contents:

• Things to make with Air Dry Clay
• Rose Earrings
• Seashell Necklace
• Clay Candle Holders
• DIY Clay Maps
• Friendship Necklaces
• Monster Craft Magnets
• Things to make with Polymer Clay
• Leaf Necklace
• Bonfire Craft
• Alphabet Magnets
• Rainbow Necklace
• Backpack Tags
• Patterned Pens
• Things to make with Modeling Clay
• Penguin
• Caterpillar
• Rainbow Snake Pots
• Seashell Magnets

Things to make with Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay can mean a few things. They can be salt doughs that you make at home. Crayola’s tub is popular choice for kids, but I’ve enjoyed it as well in a few of these crafts. I recommend the white version rather than the terra cotta. And one of my favorites is Das air dry modeling clay. For more delicate projects, I enjoy using Polyform (Sculpey)’s air dry clay.

They are all great options, and I recommend going with what each tutorial suggests you use, or experimenting with a few to find your personal favorite.

Rose Earrings

Polyform clay makes these gorgeous rose earrings work, despite how delicate they are. Sealed with a glossy finish, they even look enameled! You can tint the edges like I did, or paint it a solid color. Make these as gifts, or to match multiple outfits.

Seashell Necklace

How you color the air dry clay in this project is part of the fun. I love gouache, but you can use food dyes, craft acrylic, and more.

The texture is another cool component to this craft. Use crushed glass glitter (tinsel glitter doesn’t stick as well), or shave some chalk pastels for an incredibly cool finish.

This is a cool companion project for a trip to the beach, or just get some pretty shells from the craft store. You can make these at a beach themed party too!

Clay Candle Holders

The faux hammered finish on these candle holder shows you just how far you can go with things to make with clay! I made these a while ago, but today, I’d add another coat or two of paint for an even more realistic finish.

According to my research, while the flammability of some clays are still up in the air, I did verify with Das that their air hardening clay is good to go.

DIY Clay Maps

This guest post from a while ago (I think it was posted when Y was born in 2016!) is so clever. It makes a great learning tool or DIY toy to have handy.

Friendship Necklaces

Another guest post, FTW! Friendship necklaces are a cute peer-to-peer gift, and using air dry clay makes it a fantastic birthday party craft for tweens. Use salt dough or a tub of kid-friendly air dry clay for this one.

Monster Craft Magnets

Monster magnets were a huge hit at Y’s third birthday party. These open-ended things to make with clay were so fun to decorate and turn into magnets!

I used the Polyform Sculpey brand because it’s lightweight, and prepped the monster bases in advance using a flower cookie cutter. Paint sticks dry quickly and don’t make a huge mess, but add loads of color just like paint would. Plus, the kids love them!

Adhesive magnets on the back, a variety of googly eyes and pre-cut mouths and teeth, along with pipe cleaner limbs, make for the perfect craft invitation for a party. We used tacky glue which takes some time to dry (you’ll want to label plates for kids to place their magnets on to dry/take home) but it sets quickly and holds bulkier supplies in place well.

Things to make with Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is probably a more professional level of things to make with clay, but even novices can play with it.

The crafts below are all beginner-level crafts, mostly formed using your hands. These projects for the most part do not need extensive tools, however I definitely recommend having a basic molding tool set handy.

I also highly recommend having Sculpey glaze ready to use to add a professional sheen to your finished projects.

Leaf Necklace

I both love how this project came out, but do wish to redo it better when I have time, paying attention to fingerprints better, and adding rose gold accents in the half-leaf styles I used on the green and yellow leaves below.

Autumn color leaves hang in cascading levels on a chain for beautiful symbolism and the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.

Bonfire Craft

This sweet necklace is a great projects for tweens who want to use “real” clay but to make something playful. The bonfire theme makes it the perfect summer camp project for tweens.

Alphabet Magnets

If you want to get fancy with these alphabet magnets you can with cookie cutters, or just mold simple letters from polymer clay. The main thing I’d change is to use safer magnets. Either way, play should be supervised, and it should not be used for kids who mouth things.

Rainbow Necklace

The swirls on this rainbow necklace are so cute – and I love the fact that a slider knot was used! You can make it any time of year, of course, and if you want, follow the tutorial, but modernize it by making an elongated half-oval rainbow.

Backpack Tags

Emoji backpack tags are not only a great way to personalize, but also a great gift to share with friends!

Patterned Pens

Kit Kraft teaches some basic polymer skills in these things to make with clay. You’ll love playing around a little, and trying different techniques.

Make sure to reach through the instructions, as you can’t just bake it as is.

Things to make with Modeling Clay

Modeling clay is more about the process and is a perfect way for younger kids to explore! It’s easy to mold, and, using simple shapes, create new designs.

Penguin

This cute and friendly penguin is definitely a neat project for kids to try! The simple shapes combine tos how kids just what they can create.

Caterpillar

A caterpillar is even simpler, and a fantastic first thing to make with clay for kids!

Rainbow Snake Pots

If your little ones are ready to make something a little more functional, a snake pot is a fantastic classic. Click the tutorial for instructions, and try it in rainbow or other colors!

Seashell Magnets

And finally, another great beach-cenric craft, seashell magnets are the perfect finish to that sun-filled day!

What are your favorite things to make with clay? Comment below!

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