During lockdown, I tried my hand at a few new crafting techniques which I had heard of but never really had the time or will to try out. One material that I hadn’t really used much of before was modelling clay which can be fired in an oven at home.
Having been inspired to give it a go after watching a craft show on TV I did a little research into the materials I would need and settled on making some keyrings to give out to the ladies in the local WI community in the hopes of bringing smiles to some otherwise worried and lonely faces.
Despite being a little terrified of making mistakes, the process was very simple and I found great satisfaction in making different patterns by combining the different coloured clays to make unique designs.
Of course, you can make these keyrings in any shape and colours that you like! Perhaps make a selection of pumpkin keyrings to give out to trick or treaters or even festive designs for Christmas stocking fillers. The options are endless. So, break out the rolling pin and clingfilm and have some fun!
Supplies
- FIMO Effect Polymer Oven Modelling Clay (various colours, I used pastel shades)
- Heart-shaped cutter
- Rolling Pin
- Cling Film
- Pencil/ cocktail stick
- Key Ring Clips
- Wet Wipes
Instructions
First, cover your work surface with a layer of cling film to stop the clay from sticking.
Select your colours and warm up the clay by rolling it around between your hands.
You can use one colour or combine several colours to mix to make multi-coloured keyrings like I did. You can create many different patterns by laying different colours next to each other, or layering colours. Make sure to clean off your hands with wet wipes to keep them from staining, and to stop colours from transferring.
When you’re happy with your colour combinations roll out the clay on your clingfilmed surface. The clay will not change during firing so make sure the clay is at the right thickness for your finished keyring.
Use the heart-shaped cutter to cut out your shapes, making sure to position the cutter for the best colour effect if using multiple colours.
Gently poke a hole at the top of each heart shape, you can use a pencil or cocktail stick for this. The hole is where you will add your keyring attachment so make sure the hole is the right size for your keyring clips.
Bake at 100ºC for 30 minutes.
When the FIMO is completely cooled it’s time to add your keyring attachment. Open the jump ring, push it through the hole then close the ring. Pliers help to make sure it is properly closed.
