Hey there, crafty moms! Looking for a fun and easy activity to do with your kids? Making keychains out of air dry clay is not only a creative project but also a great way to bond with your little ones. Plus, they’ll love showing off their handmade creations! Let me walk you through this simple step-by-step guide to making your very own clay keychains. Ready? Let’s get claying! 🎨
What You’ll Need:
- Cold Porcelain Clay (I recommend Mama Dora, Nicron, or our very own clay – they’re durable and perfect for this project!)
- Letter Moulds (to personalize your keychain)
- Clay Impression Mat (or anything you can find at home to add texture)
- Clay Cutter (or any sturdy, thin material like a ruler)
- Clay Tools (rolling pin, circle maker, etc.)
- Baby Oil (as a releasing agent)
- Glue (for attaching letters)
- Matte or Glossy Spray Finish (optional for protection)
- Keychain
Our Keychain clay kit provides the materials needed for this project.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Clay
First things first – pick the right clay for your project. Not all air dry clays are created equal! I don’t recommend the fluffy, lightweight clays from Kmart as they’re not durable enough for keychains. Instead, go for Mama Dora, Nicron, or our very own clay. These are strong, easy to work with, and perfect for long-lasting creations.
Step 2: Knead and Roll
Take a portion of your clay and knead it for 2-3 minutes until it’s soft and pliable. Roll it into a smooth ball. Then, using a rolling pin (or a square acrylic clay tool), flatten the ball to about 3mm thickness. If you have a rolling pin with pre-determined thickness guides, even better! This step is super satisfying, and your kids will love helping with it.
Step 3: Add Texture
Here’s where the fun begins! Use a clay impression mat to add patterns to your clay. Don’t have one? No problem! Let your kids get creative by finding textured items around the house – a comb, the back of a Sharpie, a spoon, or even leaves. Press these into the clay to create unique designs. It’s like a treasure hunt for textures!
Step 4: Cut the Shape
Once your clay is textured, it’s time to cut it into your desired shape. You can use clay cutters (there are so many fun shapes available!) or improvise with household items like a sturdy ruler. Let your kids pick the shapes – hearts, stars, circles, or whatever they love. After cutting, place the pieces on a silk screen or a non-stick surface to dry.
Step 5: Personalize with Letters
Now for the personal touch! Use silicone letter moulds to form names or initials. To make it easier to release the clay from the mould, apply a small amount of baby oil using your finger or a cotton bud. You can let the letters dry first or attach them directly to the base with a bit of glue. This step is where your kids can add their own names or fun words!
Step 6: Add a Hole for the Keychain
Using a circle maker tool (or even a straw), pierce a hole in the clay base where the keychain will go. Make sure it’s big enough for the keychain ring to fit through. Let the clay dry for about 6 hours.
Step 7: Seal and Protect
Once your clay is completely dry, you can spray it with a matte or glossy finish. This helps protect it from water and dust, though remember – air dry clay isn’t waterproof, so avoid submerging it in water. The finish also gives your keychain a polished, professional look.
Step 8: Attach the Keychain
Finally, attach your keychain ring to the hole you made earlier. And voilà – your handmade keychain is ready to use or gift!
Get Creative!
This technique isn’t just for keychains. You can use the same steps to create fridge magnets, ornaments, or even little tags for gifts. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild – the possibilities are endless!
So, grab your clay and tools, and let’s make some memories with this fun DIY project. Happy claying, moms! 💕
Tutorial Video: Using Silicone Letter Moulds