How do you make clay charms?

Create jewelry charms by rolling out air dry clay, pressing a rubber stamp into the clay to create a design, cutting out the shape and painting your creation with acrylic paint. Glue a flat-back bail onto the back of the charm to attach it to a necklace or bracelet.

1. Choose a deeply cut rubber stamp

   Choose a rubber stamp with a bold design or texture. The rubber needs to be deeply cut so that the clay takes a good impression.

2. Roll out clay

   Use a large glass or rolling pin to flatten a portion of clay to 1/8 inch thickness. The clay should be about a quarter inch larger than the rubber stamp on all sides.

3. Stamp the clay

   Firmly press the stamp into the clay. Remove the stamp and inspect the impression.

4. Cut down the image

   Focus on the most interesting area of the impression and trim away unnecessary clay.

5. Let the charm dry

   Allow the clay to dry thoroughly. This can take up to 48 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity.

6. Color and varnish

   Use acrylic craft paints to color the charm. After the paint has dried, apply varnish.

7. Attach a flat back bail

   Glue a flat back bail to the charm with an industrial strength glue such as E-6000. Allow to dry and use in a jewelry project.