Premo! Rustic Owl Key Polymer Clay Necklace

Getting StartedPolymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey clay mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use. Baking should be completed by an adult.Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. For best results, condition all clay by running it through the Clay Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Making the beads:For beads, condition the white clay, then pinch off a piece of clay and roll it into a ball. Then poke a hole through the center of the bead. Repeat from the other side of the bead. Add texture or stamp a word. For the focal owl key, roll a ball of conditioned clay about the size of a quarter. Flatten with fingers and press the clay between the owl mold and a piece of Plexiglas. Press with Plexiglas to get a good impression. Remove clay from mold and press onto the key. Add a flattened ball of clay to the back to hold and secure clay to key. Bake according to the directions above and allow the beads to cool.

Finishing the beads:Once the beads are baked and cool, drop them into a solution of 2 tablespoons of RIT dye and a cup of alcohol. You can vary the color of the beads by adding more or less dye. I got one batch of darker beads by adding more dye to the alcohol ink. Remove beads from the alcohol ink and rinse with water. Spread out on a paper plate to dry.

To achieve a more scuffed look, use an extra fine sanding block to scuff the beads. Wipe beads with baby wipe to remove dust.

Apply a coat of One Step crackle to beads. A thicker coat will create deeper and larger cracks.

Use a brush to apply watered down Lamp Black paint to each bead. Wipe the bead off with a baby wipe, allowing paint to remain in crevices and cracks. Repeat with all beads. Allow to dry and then apply 2-3 coats of Sculpey Gloss Glaze.

Making the clasp:Make a necklace clasp with needle nose pliers and a piece of wire. Curl end around needle nose pliers to make a small loop. Turn over so loop is on top of the pliers and bend around to make a hook. Grasp end of wire with needle nose pliers and curl up into a loop. Harden wire by pounding it with a hammer several times on each side. Make loops for chain by cutting a piece of rebar wire about 3 inches long. Bend in the middle and curl around to make a loop that touches in the center of the wire. Turn and repeat on the other end to make a double looped link. Harden wire.

To Make the Necklace:Cut a piece of leather cord 2 feet long. Pass one end through the hole in the key pendant and then wrap tightly with about 12 inches of 20 gauge wire. Wrap ends tightly and squeeze with needle nose pliers to insure no loose ends.

To add beads, pass leather cord through the hole in a bead center and knot after each bead. Add 4 more light gray beads. Tie in an overhand knot on the other side of each bead.

Add dark gray beads and repeat knotting process.

At the end of the leather cord, Pass the end through the wire hook and wrap with 12 inches of 20 gauge wire tightly and squeeze ends firmly with needle nose pliers.

For other side of the necklace, add wire links to create a chain that is your desired length.