How to Make Leaf Jewelry
The autumn leaves look so beautiful as they cover the landscape with their alluring color palettes. You can immortalize that beauty by using the leaves as patterns for sparkling jewelry. Pressing a leaf into a flattened piece of clay and embellishing the imprint creates a work of art worthy of being worn as a piece of jewelry.
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Things You'll Need
- Sculpey or other type of polymer clay
- Leaves of different shapes and sizes
- Oven
- Embossing powder
- Metal baking tray
Instructions
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1
Collect leaves of different shapes, sizes and patterns. Make sure the leaves are not too dry or crumbly. You will need a pliable leaf to make a good imprint.
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2
Flatten a piece of modeling clay. Any color clay will work, but keeping with an earth toned color palette will allow for a more realistic looking piece of leaf jewelry.
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3
Press a leaf into the clay, firmly. With a knife, carefully cut away the remaining clay, leaving the leaf shape.
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4
Remove the leaf gently, exposing the perfectly imprinted pattern. At this time you can also mold the clay into a realistic leaf shape. Turning up a few of the edges, or folding a few down will add to the effect.
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5
Poke a hole in the top of your clay leaf if you are choosing to make it into a pendant or earring. If you are making a pin, this step will not be necessary.
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6
Sprinkle embossing powder onto the clay leaf. Embossing powder comes in a variety of metallic colors. The gold, silver, or copper colors will really add dazzle to your leaf jewelry.
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7
Place your clay leaf onto a metal baking tray, and bake it according to the instructions provided on the clay’s packaging.
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Allow the clay leaf to cool. Then, spray it with a clear sealer in a well-ventilated area. At this time you can also add a string or chain to your leaf to make it into a pendant. Or, glue a pin to the back to wear as a brooch.
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Tips & Warnings
Your clay leaves can also be painted using metallic paints to create an autumn leaf effect.
The leaves can also be attached to barrettes and headbands by using hot glue.
Be careful handling your clay leaves directly out of the oven. Give them ample time to cool to avoid being burned.
