Polymer clay is likely one of the most versatile crafting media available; its uses and applications are practically endless. From handmade jewelry to chic wall art, polymer clay is an easy-to-use, readily available option. While it may take a little practice to expertly sculpt using clay, the skill-building itself is meditative and enjoyable.

No matter where you choose to begin your work with polymer clay, be sure you have a sharp craft knife (or clay cutter) available, aluminum foil to create molds and forms, and that you preheat your oven before baking your projects to eliminate cracking. Peruse the ideas below to find the perfect starter project for your entry into the world of polymer clay.

Fruity Wooden Bracelet Trinket Boxes

While these adorable trinket boxes use a plain wooden bangle bracelet to get things started, it’s the clay accents that really set them apart from other simple crafts. Nervous to free-hand each of the fruits’ texture? Use a bit of washi tape to stencil off your design before applying the painted pattern work.

02 Modern Earrings

Add a touch of homemade flair to any outfit with a set of geometric earrings. A duo of neutral and pastel colors keeps these designs relatively subtle, and therefore, absolutely wearable. Finish with a polymer-safe clear coat to add a layer of shine or leave them matte for a softer effect.

Choose a few complementary colors and create shapes to your heart’s content. The result will be DIY polymer clay earrings that are fun to wear and very eye-catching.

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Clay rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Small clay cutters or cookie cutters
  • Clay carving tool
  • Toothpick
  • Jewelry pliers

Materials

  • Polymer clay in various colors
  • Earring backs
  • Glue gun
  • Optional: Clay pattern sheets
  • Jump rings

Instructions

Gather Materials

As you are gathering your materials, consider the colors that you’d like to combine to create your earrings. Think about a color palette that is complementary to your personal style, or something that a friend or family member would love as a gift.

You can also just use two to three colors and combine them in different ways or use them alone to create variety in the pairs of earrings that you create.

Roll the Clay

Polymer clay earrings can be made in so many different ways! Here’s one option.

Start by softening your clay in clean hands. Knead it until it is soft enough to roll. Then place on a mat or clean surface and roll the clay until it’s about 1/8″ thick, even all the way around.

Imprint the Clay

If you’d like to create a patterned impression on your clay, now is the time to do that. Use your patterned imprint clay sheet to gently press a pattern into the face of your rolled clay. If you don’t have a patterned sheet, you can get creative and use things that you have around the house. Carefully press the sheet or item face down onto the rolled clay and apply even pressure on all areas to ensure that the pattern imprints equally.