Clay, Wire and Bead Lapel Pin

Stamp and bake this customized jewelry using some polymer and chalk.

© Mary Welling-Bonney

Apr 11, 2006

Want a quick and easy way to make a beautiful custom-made Easter (or anytime) pin? Yes! This project is just the thing.

This truly is a quick and easy project. The great thing about this lapel pin is that it is custom made by you for you.

Materials Needed:

  • Stamper of your choice. (small, approx. 2"x2")
  • Polymer clay one package(choose the color you would like as a main color for the stamp)
  • 1' 22 gauge Wire
  • Selection of 8 to 12 beads of your choice (vary sizes and styles)
  • Pin findings
  • Superglue
  • Optional: Pasta machine, Colored chalksFlatten the clay to about a depth of 1/8th of an inch. You can use a pasta machine but certainly don't need one. Use anything available. The clay doesn't have to be perfectly smooth and even.Lay the flattened clay on a smooth surface and stamp with your stamper. Press firmly but not too hard. With the stamper still in place, rip away the edges on the sides and on the top just enough to leave a raggedy edge. Do the same on the bottom but leave a larger salvage edge.Using the end of the wire, poke three holes in the bottom salvage. You can place them evenly across the bottom or put two together and one apart.Place the stamped clay on a baking dish and lift the edges slightly. You don't want the pin to look flat like a pancake. By lifting the edges, you give it a little movement and added dimension. Bake as per directions on clay package.While the clay is baking, cut the wire into three uneven pieces and string three sets of beads. Don't worry about making them the same. The difference will give them interest. Secure one end by just wrapping the wire around the bottom bead of each length.When the clay comes out of the oven, allow to cool. Add beading to the bottom in the three holes made earlier. Using superglue, attach the pin findings. If you happen to have chalks, you can lightly dusk additional color over the stamped area. (See the tip of the day)Tip of the Day: If you don't have chalk, use old makeup (i.e. eye shadow or blush); add it to your art supplies to give that subtle suggestion of color."Copyright 2006, Mary Welling-Bonney & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright."

    • The copyright of the article Clay, Wire and Bead Lapel Pin in Beadwork/Jewelry Making is owned by Mary Welling-Bonney. Permission to republish Clay, Wire and Bead Lapel Pin must be granted by the author in writing.




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