SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
- Fimo Clay (Any colors)
- Keyring findings
- Large jump rings
- Chain
- Wire cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
- Clay tools:
- Rolling pin
- Clay mat
- Beading awl
- X-Acto® blade
- Embossing/texture sheets
- Letter stamps
- Shape cutters (circle, oval, square, etc.)
DIRECTIONS:
- Knead and work the clay until it is soft and pliable. Roll out the clay to 1/4" thickness on your work surface (use saran wrap as outlined in the tips/tricks).
- If you are adding an embossed design you will want to use the texture/emboss sheets before cutting out your shape. Too much pressure after the shape is cut will distort it. Apply the sheet facedown on your clay and apply pressure by rolling over the emboss sheet. Try to do one pass to avoid the mat slipping and causing a shift in the design. When using letters you can stamp the letter first and then cut the shape around it or you can apply after the shape is cut.
- Cut the shape out with an X-Acto blade for freestyle shapes or use a shape cutter.
- Add additional design imprints with your clay tools to add more interest. Try not to push too hard to avoid distorting the outer shape of the clay (unless you are intending to do so). Once you have the designs on your clay finished, add holes with a clay awl. Gently push the awl through the clay, the hole will slightly shrink when baking so make sure to take that into account.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Add the clay pieces to the parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes at 230 degrees.
- Once cooled, assemble the pieces with a jump ring between pieces. Add a chain to the top ring, with a keychain ring at the top of the chain as a hanger.
JOANN HACKS:
- Work on saran wrap when rolling out and stamping clay to easily move clay to baking sheet and to keep it from sticking to your work surface.
- If holes close some or shrink when baking, use the tip of the X-Acto blade and put it in the hole and twist to expand.
- If you want to make a freestyle shape and keep it consistent, draw the design on paper and cut it out with scissors then cut around it with an X-Acto blade.