How to Make Ladybug Buttons with Polymer Clay

They’re all over the garden, and you can’t help but smile when you see them. Ladybugs are just plain cute, and they’re wonderful for spring time crafts. Lately, a lot of my quilting friends have been asking for custom buttons made of polymer clay for embellishments. Strangely enough…bugs have been very popular. Ladybugs in particular are easy to make and can be used on clothing, quilts and dozens of other crafty projects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Polymer clay
• Oven or toaster oven
• Needle or needle tools
• Optional - Wet wipes and/or rubbing alcohol
• Optional - Sand paper
• Optional - Buffer
• Optional - Glossy polymer clay glaze

1. 

   The first step to create ladybug buttons with polymer clay is to select a sturdy clay. Manufacturers use multiple chemical compositions for specific brands of polymer clay and specific uses. Experiment to determine for yourself, which brand works best for you; read package labels/descriptions and artists’ reviews and reports of personal experiences. Many polymer clay jewelry artists and crafters prefer Premo and Fimo for strength and variety of color.

2. 

   With clay and colors chosen (typically red and black, but pastels are cute, too), form a ball and flatten a bit to your table or flat surface. (The chemicals in raw polymer clay can react with certain materials. You may want to use glass, a ceramic tile or a white index card under your clay.)

3. 

   Use your finger to indent a bit where the head will go on the body; then, roll a small black ball for the ladybug’s head and place in the indention.

4. 

   Use a needle tool to mark the ladybug’s wings.

5. 

   Roll really teeny black balls and use a blunt tipped tool (or the back end of a paint brush) to press the spots into the body.

6. 

   With the ladybug made, determine what type of button or attachment method you want for your project. Decide if your button needs two vertical holes or a vertical hole to reduce the visible thread.
   
   Use a needle or needle tool and/or knitting needle to poke and shape the holes in the button. Be sure the holes are sufficiently sized on both sides for thread. If using a vertical hole through the ladybug, be aware that the button needs to be sufficiently thick to withstand the extra fragility of the long hole.

7. 

   Bake the polymer clay button according to manufacturer’s instructions.
   
   Do NOT used baking pans that you use for cooking. Never use cooking utensils with polymer clay if you plan to use them with food in the future. You may use disposable pans or a ceramic tile to hold your ladybug as it bakes. You can also bake polymer clay on the white index card (in the pan or on the tile) as manufacturer’s instructions do not bake at high enough temperatures to burn paper.

8. 

   When the button is baked and cooled, you may sand, buff or glaze the ladybug for a shiny effect. If not, your bug buddy is ready to join the crafty world.

Tips & Warnings

• When poking vertical holes in polymer clay buttons, ensure appropriate button thickness to sustain the extra fragility of a long hole.
• Be careful when sanding polymer clay. Though the products are reasonably safe, the dust should not be ingested or inhaled by humans or pets. Keep water and wet wipes handy as many polymer clay artists recommend keeping the clay damp when sanding.
• Even sturdy polymer clay can be fragile and sensitive to temperature after baking. Putting polymer clay items in washing machines and driers is NOT recommended.
• Polymer clay residue can remain on tools even after stringent cleaning. Do not use tools or utensils with polymer clay that may be used in food preparation (for example, cookie cutters).

Resources

• CDClocks & Other Unique & Custom Gifts
• Sculpey polymer clays
• Fimo, Eberhard Faber

[FrazzledNanny]

on 7/13/2009 I love these ladybug buttons. Thanks for sharing the instructions. 5*

[jujudy]

on 6/27/2009 I love ladybugs. Ladybugs made of polymer clay sound adorable. 5*s

[mardev]

on 6/23/2009 What a clever idea! Your photos and step by step instructions are very helpful - 5*s and a tweet on http://twitter.com/cyberthoughts

[writedesign]

on 6/23/2009 How cute these ladybugs are. Sounds like you enjoy working with this medium. 5*

[bizzyliz]

on 6/23/2009 Cute ladybug buttons. This looks a bit tedious for my clumsy hands, but the finished product is really nice. Great pictures and instructions. 5*