Can You Make Jewelry Out Of Modeling Clay?

Modeling clay, also known as plasticine, is a type of modeling material that is primarily used for sculpting, jewelry making, and other creative projects. Unlike clay that is fired in a kiln, modeling clay remains malleable and does not permanently harden when left to dry in the air. This makes modeling clay a versatile material that allows for additions, changes, and adjustments to be made during the creative process.

The most common types of modeling clay are oil-based clays and polymer clays. Oil-based clays consist of oils, waxes, and non-drying clay as their main ingredients. Polymer clays are made from PVC resin and a softener that keeps them malleable. When polymer clay is baked in an oven, the heat causes a chemical reaction that permanently hardens the clay.

One of the popular uses of modeling clay is to create jewelry and accessories like beads, pendants, earrings, rings, and more. The advantage of using modeling clay for jewelry is that it allows complete creative freedom to sculpt the exact shapes and designs you want. Complex shapes and textures can be easily achieved when working with malleable clay. Finished clay jewelry can then be decorated with acrylic paints, varnishes, glitters, and other embellishments.

Benefits of Making Jewelry from Modeling Clay

Modeling clay offers many advantages as a jewelry making material. It’s inexpensive and accessible, making it a perfect choice for beginners. You can find modeling clay at local craft stores. While professional grade clays like polyurethane resin or epoxy clay can become expensive, modeling clay is affordable. Even premium modeling clays rarely cost more than $10-15 for a large block or assortment of colors.

As an easy to work with material, modeling clay enables you to craft custom jewelry pieces without advanced skills. With some simple hand tools and basic techniques, even children can shape modeling clay into beads, pendants, rings, and more. Learning to make clay jewelry boosts creativity and builds confidence.

Types of Modeling Clay for Jewelry Making

There are a few main types of modeling clay that work well for making jewelry:

Polymer Clay

Polymer clay is one of the most popular choices for jewelry making because it bakes hard and durable. Polymer clay comes in a variety of colors and finishes and can be easily blended, mixed, sculpted, and molded. Popular brands include Sculpey and FIMO. Polymer clay cures with baking at temperatures around 265°F to cure.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay dries naturally over time. No baking is required. It is easy to work with and dries hard. Some air-dry clays will shrink slightly as they dry.

Earthen Clay

Earthen clay is made from natural materials like soil. It requires firing in a kiln at extremely high temperatures around 1800°F to 2500°F to cure and harden fully. Unfired earthen clay is fragile, porous, and water soluble. Common types of earthen clay used in jewelry include terra cotta and red earthenware clay.

Tools and Equipment Needed

To make jewelry out of modeling clay, you will need some basic tools and equipment. The main items you will need include:

Oven – You will need an oven to bake the clay in order to harden it. Any standard kitchen oven will work. You want to bake the clay according to the package instructions, usually at 275°F for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch of thickness.Clay tools – Having some basic clay tools will make working with the clay much easier. These include rolling pins, texturing tools, cutters, sculpting tools, and acrylic roller. You can find variety packs of these tools at most craft stores.

Finishing supplies – After baking the clay, you will need some items to finish off your jewelry pieces before wearing or selling them. These include jewelry findings like clasps, jump rings, and earring posts as well as glazes or sealants to give the clay a glossy finished look.

Packaging materials – If you plan to sell your polymer clay jewelry, you’ll want gift boxes, jewelry bags, and gift wrap to display your pieces. Velvet displays and business cards also make your jewelry look more professional.

Techniques for Working with Clay

There are three main techniques for working with modeling clay: conditioning, rolling, and sculpting.

Conditioning the Clay

Conditioning the clay simply means warming it up to make it pliable so you can work with it. When clay is cold and hard out of the package, it needs to be warmed before being able to shape it.

To condition modeling clay, there are a few methods:

• Knead it vigorously with your hands to warm and soften it
• Run it under warm water for several seconds to soften it, then knead by hand
• Place the clay in a plastic ziplock bag and run it under hot sink water for a minute

Once conditioned, the clay should have a uniform texture and be soft enough to shape.

Rolling the Clay into Sheets

If you want to make flat clay pieces like beads, pendants or earrings, you’ll need to roll out your conditioned clay into sheets.

To roll out clay, use an acrylic rolling pin or similar smooth rod over an acrylic clay work surface or canvas sheet.

Roll the clay out evenly in all directions, turning the edges in as you go to form an even sheet thickness for cutting shapes.

Making Clay Beads

Working with clay beads is a rewarding process. There are many techniques you can use to craft polymer clay beads, from textured beads to layers beads, before baking them in your oven. The process for making clay beads includes:

Shaping the Beads

To make beads, you’ll want to start by rolling out clay into a strand. You can either form your strands freehand, or use a clay machine to ensure uniform sizes. Cut or shape the clay into beads of your desired length and width. Additionally, you can impress textures into your beads with molds, stamps, or other tools for added dimension.

Baking the Beads

Be sure to refer to your clay manufacturer’s guidelines for proper baking instructions. In general, bake your clay beads at the recommended temperature for 15-30 minutes depending on the thickness and size of your pieces. This will harden the clay.

Sanding and Polishing

Once baked, you may need to sand your beads using fine grit sandpaper to smooth away any fingerprints or imperfections. You can then polish them to a glossy shine using a polishing pad or compound.

Making Clay Pendants

Making pendants from polymer clay is a fun way to create unique jewelry pieces. Start by conditioning a small ball of clay by kneading it until smooth and pliable. Roll the clay into your desired pendant shape using a pasta machine or acrylic roller to get an even thickness.

Pendant ideas include geometric shapes, animals, letters or symbols. Use clay sculpting tools to refine the details and texture. Add holes before baking with a skewer or jewelry tool if you wish to string your pendant later on a cord.

Bake the finished clay pendant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow it to cool completely before handling. Use jewelry pliers to attach a bail, loop or jump ring to the top so you can wear your pendant on a necklace chain or cord. Apply a liquid polymer clay glaze if desired for extra shine and protection.

Making Clay Rings

Making rings from polymer clay is easy with some basic techniques. When sizing rings, it’s best to create a reusable ring sizer first with paper or tape. Wrap the paper or tape around your desired finger to get the size just right, then trace the ends where they meet. Use this tracing as a guide when shaping your clay rings to ensure good fit.

When shaping rings, start with a snake of clay. Roll the clay between your palms to form a smooth, even snake. Use the ring sizer as a guide, joining the ends of the snake together around the tracing to complete a clay band sized to your needs. Smooth the band with your fingers or clay tools. For stacked clay rings, cut two or three snakes to size before joining the ends and stacking them together.

Before baking, make sure the clay rings are smooth and even in thickness. Uneven areas may cause cracking or breakage. Bake rings according to polymer clay directions, using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature. Let rings cool completely after baking.

Finish rings by buffing with very fine grit sandpaper or emery boards. After final smoothing, apply a glaze or liquid clay to seal the surface before antiquing or re-applying color with artist paints, nail polish, or chalk pastel powders. A UV-resistant acrylic sealant can offer extra protection. When finished, proudly wear and enjoy your custom polymer clay rings!

Finishing and Sealing

Once your modeling clay jewelry is complete, you’ll need to finish and seal it properly for longevity and durability. There are a few options for finishing modeling clay jewelry:

Glazing

Applying a glaze is one option for finishing modeling clay jewelry. Glazes provide a glossy, glass-like coating and help seal and harden the clay. Acrylic glazes formulated specifically for polymer clay work best. Apply multiple thin layers of glaze with a paint brush for best results.

Varnishing

Spraying on varnish or applying a polyurethane resin varnish can also finish and seal modeling clay jewelry. Water-based varnishes like acrylic or urethane provide hard, protective finishes without altering the color of the clay much. Make sure to apply in a ventilated area and follow the product directions closely.

Waterproofing

Special waterproofing products like Polymer Clay Protectant can be used to coat modeling clay jewelry to protect it from moisture. These are designed for polymer clay jewelry and beads and once cured make them impervious to water damage over time.

No matter the finishing method used, make sure to thoroughly coat all surfaces of the modeling clay jewelry for the most protection and durability. Let pieces cure fully before wearing or storing them.

Displaying and Selling Clay Jewelry

If you intend to sell the clay jewelry you create, you’ll want to learn how to display your pieces in an attractive way that will entice customers to purchase them. Clay jewelry should be displayed on clean plastic or wood surfaces, covered in a soft material like velvet or felt to protect the surface of the clay. Busts, jewelry display stands, and other accessories can help show off your work. Proper lighting will highlight details and showcase each piece.

One of the best places to sell homemade clay jewelry is craft fairs and festivals. Set up a visually engaging booth and bring a variety of colors, styles, and sizes for customers to choose from. Because fairs draw lots of walk-by traffic, offer a range of prices so everyone can afford something. Bring business cards and let customers know about online shopping options for your products as well.

For selling clay jewelry online, an Etsy shop is highly recommended. Photograph each piece well on a neutral background, using soft lighting and props to emphasize the artistry. Include close ups and measurements for scale. Write thorough descriptions highlighting any customization options as well as care instructions. Pack orders with great care using boxes, bubble wrap, and other cushioning materials to prevent damage in transit.