How to Make a Clay Heart Pendant

This clay heart pendant is the perfect necklace to make for Valentine’s Day. Kids of all ages will love this simple Valentine’s Day craft, which makes a great gift for Mom or a sweetheart.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Air drying clay
• Rolling pin
• Acrylic paint
• Clear spray paint
• Toothpick
• Butter knife
• String or twine

1. Roll the air drying clay out to about 1/8 thick on a flat work surface.

2. Trace a heart shape onto the clay with the toothpick. Use your fingers to rub away any mistakes until you get a good heart.

3. Cut the heart out with the toothpick or butter knife.

4. Smooth the edges of the clay with your fingers. Dip your fingers in water to help smooth the clay.

5. Punch a hole in the top middle of the heart with the toothpick. This will be the hole for the necklace to go through.

6. Allow the clay to dry for 24 hours. It must be completely dry to paint.

7. Paint the clay heart pendant with acrylic paint. Allow this to dry.

8. Spray on a coat of clear acrylic spray paint to seal the first layer of paint. Add up to three more coats of clear paint.

9. Cut out a piece of leather twine or yarn to 30 inches long.

10. Thread one end of the twine through the hole in the heart pendant and tie the two ends together. You can make this necklace any length you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Air drying clay can be bought at an art supplier store or craft store. There are many brands, so read reviews of each product online.
• You can use clay that needs to be fired if you have access to a kiln.
• Oven firing clay will also work well. Just bake the finished product in your oven according to the package directions.
• Lay out a yard of canvas on which to work the clay. This will keep it from sticking to your table. You can stretch canvas over a board and staple it into place on the back of the board.
• Polymer clay will also work well for this necklace. It comes in many colors, including red, pink and purple, which are perfect for Valentine’s Day.
• To make the necklace fancier for a gift for Mom try adding a silver necklace in place of the twine or yarn. It will look more professional.
• Kiln fired clay will be more sturdy than air drying clay. Polymer clay is also more durable than air drying clay.