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Polymer Clay is an easy-to-use, pliable, non-toxic synthetic clay popular for making jewelry, charms, ornaments, photo frames, and other miniature handmade items. It is great for both beginners and seasoned artists working on trending figurines and structures. Since polymer clay jewelry got its popularity from polymer clay earrings mainly because of the creative ways in which you can design, mold, and play with patterns and ideas with this adult playdough.
The purpose of this article is to inspire you to create polymer clay jewelry that can be ideal as a side hustle or a hobby. Have fun making polymer clay beads and use these ideas as your beginners crafting guide.
Related: 30 Inspiring Polymer Clay Ideas to Start
How to Make Polymer Clay Jewelry?
Making polymer clay jewelry is a fun and creative process. Here is a detailed guide to help you make your first polymer clay jewelry item for testing:
Material:
- Polymer clay
- Rolling Pin
- Sandpaper or nail buffer.
- Jewelry findings (earring hooks, jump rings, chains, etc.)
- Clay cutter or sharp Knife
- Needle or toothpick.
- Oven
- Baking tray or parchment paper
- Glue or Jewelry Adhesive
- Acrylic paint optional (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
First Condition the Clay by kneading it till its soft and flexible to avoid cracking while baking. Next use a roller to flatten the clay to the appropriate thickness about 6mm (1/4″). Then, cut out forms with clay cutters, a knife, or even ordinary objects (like bottle caps). Use stamps, textured fabrics, or toothpicks for instance to add designs. Consider combining different clay colors to create marbled look. Create holes for earring hooks or jump rings with a needle, toothpick, or skewer before baking. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to bake the clay.
Related: How long to bake the polymer clay?
Once it has cooled, smooth the edges with a nail buffer or fine sandpaper for a professional touch to your jewelry. Add further detail if you like with metallic powders or acrylic paints. Attach earring hooks, chains, and clasps with jump rings and pliers. If necessary, use super glue to bind the pieces together. Apply a thin layer of clear varnish or resin to achieve a glossy look. It improves the durability of your jewelry.
Polymer Clay Jewelry Ideas
There are various types of polymer clay jewelry ideas which you can make for special events, daily wear or gifts. You can make all types of jewelry using polymer clay by following the above given instructions. These include earrings, studs, bangles, bracelets, rings, and necklaces.
polymer-clay-earrings-and-jewelry-ideas
Polymer Clay Making Tools:
Find polymer clay making tools to make finest looking jewelry items.
Specialty Tools: Some items like gold plated findings, clay shape cutters, clay flower cutters, texture mats, and the edge tool are popular amongst clay jewelry makers. You may also checkout cutterly designs for their collection of polymer clay supplies.
Basic Kits: Apart from the specialty tools mentioned above, basic kits like clay sculpting tools, shaping tools, jewelry making drill bits set, and plier set are super handy.
Handy Supplies: You will also find drying rack, rolling pin guides, and this stainless steel cutters set useful for your projects.
There is a lot of polymer clay jewelry material and supplies out there, but if you are looking to gift one, this polymer clay earring making kit is perfect.
Let’s look at some creative polymer clay earrings first:
1. Polymer Clay Earrings
Polymer clay earrings are lightweight, attractive, and adjustable, with various shapes, materials, and colors for distinctive handcrafted and fashionable accessories.
Fruit Themed Earrings
1. Build your own polymer clay earrings from Wandering Calico Clay.
A beautiful collection of miniature cute things, succulents and more that you can customize.
2. Lemon Statement Earrings From Studio Niani.
Slices of bright yellow lemon on a deep blue background provide a whimsical and refreshing contrast.
Adorable red cherry charms with green stems offer a lovely, fruity, and vintage touch to any dress or event.
Marble Earrings
4. Lightweight Gold Modern Earrings from Land Of Jewellery.
5. Metallic Blue and Gold Marble Earrings from KA Jewellery Shop
Deep blue and glistening gold swirls combine to produce an opulent, sophisticated, and striking marbled pattern that is ideal for special events.
Shimmering gold and classic white combine to create a sophisticated, beautiful, and classic piece that goes well with both formal and informal attire.
Floral Earrings
7. Realistic Blue and Violet Iris by Orxidey Ka Studio.
8. Painted Van Gogh Floral Dangles by Parkina Handmade.
Delicate pink and white flowers on a dark backdrop create a stunning contrast that radiates charm, elegance, and a hint of mystery.
10. Blue Delicate Floral Earrings
These soft blue clay embellished floral earrings offer a dreamy and romantic touch to your jewelry.
These lively and festive pink poinsettia earrings, which feature delicately pink handmade poinsettia blossoms, are ideal for winter-themed outfits or festive events.
12. Sparkling Floral
Gorgeous flower patterns highlighted with delicate glitter or shimmer give the ensemble a stunning, sophisticated, and glitzy appearance.
13. Black and white
These daisies’ floral pattern set against a black backdrop combines elegance with modern simplicity.
14. Polymer Clay and Foil Earrings
It is a unique, artistic, and high-end jewelry item created by combining polymer clay and gold foil embellishments.
Heart Shape Earrings
15. Multi-color Heart Shape Earrings
This pair of earrings with playful multicolor heart-shaped design exude excitement, happiness, and a cheerful style ideal for everyday use.
Soft pink heart earrings are the perfect present or attractive accessory for any event since they radiate elegance, tenderness, and love.
17. Arch Earrings
Modern, minimalist styles that make a statement.
Terrazzo Earrings
18. Pot Design Terrazzo Earrings
It is an Exclusive, bohemian jewelry piece inspired by nature.
19. Black and Gold
Elegant terrazzo earrings in black and gold with a handmade, contemporary design and a high-end polish.
Abstract Shape
20. Bookshelf Hobby Earrings from Koeker.
21. Beige and Black
This combination of strong black and neutral beige creates an abstract creative design.
Textured Earrings
22. Wildflower Textured with stencils.
Polymer clay with delicate floral impressions adds a modern touch to your look.
Geometric Pattern
23. Bargello Hoops from Ike Vesser.
Bohemian statement earrings in multicolor fun pattern.
24. Brown and White
These earthy brown and white geometric motif earrings add elegance to your casual or formal look.
Seasonal Event Earrings
25. Mushrooms and Autumn Leaves from Studio Niani.
These red color leaf motifs or acorns add a seasonal charm to your look.
27. Christmas Tree
These white and green Christmas tree earrings capture the holiday spirit in a fun and cheerful way.
28. Spring Flowers from Vintage Floral Jewel.
Animal Theme Earrings
Cute earrings with black cat prints sitting on grass are best for playful fashion.
Elegant Earrings
30. Wedding Statement Pure White from Clay and Fern Co.
31. Bow Earrings
These flowing ribbon-style earrings add an artistic and graceful touch. These earrings go well with both casual and formal outfits.
Stylish earrings in the shape of teardrops with floral accents, marbled patterns, or simple colors add a classical touch to your look.
These flowing ribbon style earrings add artistic and graceful touch. These earrings go well with both casual and formal outfits.
34. Tassel Earrings
Polymer clay and silky tassels combine to create this bohemian, playful, and fashionable item.
These butterfly earrings with intricate wings represent nature and a feminine aesthetic.
36. Modern and Minimalist Earrings
These modern and minimalist earrings are perfect for timeless and contemporary jewelry styles.
2. Polymer Clay Bracelets
Bracelets are fun to make with distinctive and intricate designs on polymer clay beads. Learn how to make basic beads and have fun crafting your own beaded bracelets.
How to make polymer clay beads?
Making polymer clay beads is a simple method but it can be used to create intricate unique designs. You can make your beads by following these basic steps and tutorials.
Material:
- Polymer clay in various colors
- A Ceramic tile or a cutting board
- Clay or acrylic roller
- Needle, toothpick or skewer
- Clay blade or knife
- Baking tray with parchment paper
- Sandpaper or nail buffer
- Oven for baking
- Glaze, varnish or resin for shine
- Wire, string, or jewelry findings for assembling beads
A Step-by-Step Guide:
First Condition the Clay by kneading it till its soft and flexible to avoid cracking while baking. Next shape the beads. You can shape them into many different forms and sizes. For example,
- Round Beads: Create smooth spheres by rolling small pieces of clay between your palms.
- Disc Beads: Flatten little clay balls gently to produce disc shapes.
- Square Bead: Roll the clay in the form of a log, cut it into pieces, to form cubes.
- Oblong Beads: Create rectangular beads by forming prisms.
- Oval Beads: Roll rectangular beads into your palm to shape into oval.
- Teardrop or Diamond shape Beads: Roll clay into cylinders instead of log for teardrop forms; pinch at the end for narrowing.
- Molded Beads: Use molds to form designer beads.
Once beads are formed create holes for thread or wire using needle, toothpick, or skewer. Bake the beads as per manufacturer’s instructions.
Related: How long to bake polymer clay?
Next you can sand and polish the beads with fine sandpaper or a nail buffer to erase fingerprints. Decorate the beads with acrylic paints and use a thin layer of polymer clay glaze or resin for extra shine and polished look. Use wire, string, or elastic cord to string the beads into bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
37. Beaded Bracelets
Handcrafted polymer clay beads bracelets with beads in various colors make a stylish piece.
A bracelet with handcrafted sunflower charms is the best option for a summer and nature-inspired look.
3. Polymer Clay Necklace and Pendant
39. Rose necklace from Orxidey Ka Studio.
An elegant and soft pastels floral necklace that will add princess-like touch to any soft color evening dress.
40. Geometric Hand Painted Set from Cordelia Kraft.
A modern necklace featuring stunning polymer clay designs offers sleek and minimalist aesthetics.
41. Green and Gold Marble Pendant from KA Jewellery.
An elegant pendant featuring wavy clay designs in shades of green and gold adds charm to your look.
42. Spring Necklace
A delicate necklace inspired with spring, and pastel flowers refreshes your look.
43. Initials Necklace from Nivaria Handmade.
A customized necklace with clay initials that have been hand-carved or stamped adds a personal touch and is a perfect option for a gift.
44. Charm Necklace
You can make a playful necklace with various polymer clay charms like hearts, Santa shoes, cherries, and flowers.
45. Rose pendant
This rose pendant adds elegance and feminine accessory for any occasion you can gift to your loved ones.
This sleek, matte, or glossy black polymer clay pendant gives a timeless and classy look.
4. Polymer Clay Rings
47. Tiny Flower Ring
These tiny flower rings are perfect for those who like sleek and simple rings.
48. Metallic Ring
This white and metallic ring adds richness to your look and can go with any type of look.
This colorful Floral Ring adds a vibrant touch to a playful style.
50. Bear Ring
This bear face ring is perfect for animal lovers and kids who love animal-inspired cute jewellery pieces.
51. Zebra print Ring
This zebra print bold ring is the best option if you are looking for a trendy and stylish ring.
52. Smile Ring
This smiley face ring brings charm and positivity to your look.
A tiny ring with sculpted flower petals for a soft, beautiful, and nature-inspired look.
5. Polymer Clay Bangles
Modern polymer clay bangles with innovative patterns, vivid colors, and smooth finishes go well with stacking styles.
54. Cuff Bangles
Polymer clay jewelry ideas with elaborate designs, textures, or metallic embellishments are stylish and open-ended.
55. Floral Bangle
It is a lovely bangle with intricate polymer clay flowers that offers a feminine and nature-inspired look.
You can make gorgeous, one-of-a-kind items that complement your style with these polymer clay jewelry ideas. Polymer clay offers countless possibilities for creativity, regardless of your preference for colorful, bohemian, or minimalist designs for different pieces.
Written by: Alveena Nazir
Reviewed by: Hani Shabbir
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