How To: Unique Handcrafted Jewelry

Need some last minute New Year’s party accessories?  What about a unique pendant to go with that little black dress?

I don’t know about you, but for me the coming year is all about frugality.  I’m embracing my inner DIY Diva and I’m going to finish up those half-completed projects, clean up my craft stash, and challenge myself to try new and exciting techniques (time to take that sewing machine out of storage)!

So as I went through my craft box, I realized that I have a ton of clay from various projects…just sitting there unused and unloved.  So I decided to make some new Polymer clay jewelry.  Turn trash into treasure, right?

Needless to say, I love how these Stamped Clay Pendants came out!  Not only would this very unique handcrafted jewelry be great gifts for friends and family, but I can use them as gift tags, magnets, or even as scrapbook embellishments!  2012 better look out…it’s bound to be a year of DIY madness!

Stamped Clay Pendants

Materials:

• Sculpey clay, at least 2 squares per pendant
• Clay roller (optional)
• Wax paper
• Assorted rubber or plastic stamps
• X-acto knife
• Toothpicks (optional)
• Baking sheet
• Paper towels
• Paint
• Paint brush
• Mod Podge (optional)
• String
• Beads (optional)

Step One:  Condition your clay

In order for the stamp to make its imprint on the clay, and to make the clay soft and workable, you’ll need to condition it.  That simply means warming it up in your hands until it’s ready to work with.  You can also use a clay roller to help you if your hands get tired!

Condition 2 Sculpey clay squares and roll out into a circle shape, about 3” in diameter.  Press your stamp into the clay.  You can work on a table or lay wax paper down, which will allow for easy removal of your clay.

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Step Two:  Stamping

Here’s my selection of pendants that I’m making.  I used a broken earring to stamp on the blue clay.  You can use anything you’d like!

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Once your stamp is on, remove excess clay with a knife or a shape cutter.  To create the word, “sing”, I just used a toothpick.

Remember to create a hole in the top of the pendant to allow for your necklace string!

Step Three:  Bake your clay

Bake your pendants on a metal or glass surface according to package directions.  Let cool completely before moving on to step four.

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Step Four:  Painting and Mod Podge-ing

This is the fun part!  Lay your cool pendants on a paper towel or paper plate and paint over the pendant with regular fabric paint.  Working quickly, wipe off the paint with a damp paper towel.  Some of the paint will stay on the clay, which is what you want.  Try different techniques like rubbing the paint in one direction, dabbing or sponging with the paper towel, or using your painting skills to paint directly on the clay.  It’s totally up to you!  Use like colors for cool shadows and opposite colors for contrast.

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Let your pendants dry completely.

Once your pendants are dry, paint on a layer of Mod Podge.  This step is optional, I just like the shine!  Let that dry, too.

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Step Five:  Nifty Necklaces

When your pendants are dry, string your chain through the hole.  You can add a bead if you’d like…I used beads from a bracelet that snapped a few years ago.

Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

And there you have it!  Easy clay pendants for wearing and sharing!

But the fun doesn’t have to stop here!  Clay stamping is addicting and once you start, you won’t be able to stop!  So here are some other projects to try:

• Antique Inspiration Tags
• Beautiful Clay Buttons
• How to Make Polymer Clay Fairy Doors
• Wax Resist Earthenware Heart Pendant

I hope you enjoyed this Stamped Clay Pendant tutorial!  Here’s wishing you a very happy and healthy 2012!

What are some of your crafting resolutions for the coming year?  Are you getting organized?  Thinking of learning how to crochet?  I can’t wait to take up sewing again!  If you have any ideas for easy projects, please do share!

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