: Polymer Clay Photo Pendant I love custom handmade gifts, especially if they include a photo. My little Polymer Clay Photo Pendants are perfect gifts to share to spread the love! You can make them into necklaces or key chains! It s totally up to you on how you want to create this to make it your one-of-a-kind gift!
Supplies: HP Glossy Photo 5 x 7 Cards HP Officejet Pro 8600 AiO Printer + Original HP Ink Polymer clay (I used the Sculpey brand) Rolling pin Baking parchment paper Mini cookie cutter shapes (around 1-2 inches width) Mask and eye protection Clear acrylic sealer spray Pencil Mod podge Brush 1 jewelry bail e6000 adhesive Necklace chain or key chain Oven Baking sheet Gold sharpie paint pen
Directions: Step 1 Preheat your oven to 275 F so it s ready to go when you re done cutting out your shapes. Roll out your polymer clay to about 1/4 inch thick on a piece of parchment paper. Cut out the cookie cutter shapes. I needed 5 shapes, since I am making 5 gifts.
Step 2 Once you cut out the shapes, remove the excess clay and smooth the shape edges with your finger. Step 3 Place a piece of baking parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place the cut out shapes on the paper and bake the shapes for 15 minutes. Pull out of the oven and let cool completely before handling. TIP #1: Be sure to follow the baking instructions on your polymer clay packaging. Different brands could have different cook times, etc.
Step 4 Print out your images on the 5 x 7 HP Glossy Photo Cards. You can easily do this in HP Photo Creations. I sized each image to just larger than my cookie cutter shapes (1.5 to 2.5 ). In a well-ventilated area with a mask and eye protection, spray a layer of Acrylic sealer on the image and let dry. Note: This spray step will prevent the image from bleeding when you use the Mod Podge.
Step 5 Trace the baked shapes onto each image with a pencil.
TIP #2: If you get a little pencil on the shape, use your eraser to remove it. Step 6 Take your scissors and cut the traced shapes on your picture.
Step 7 Place a layer of Mod Podge on the pendant and place the picture. Let dry completely.
Step 8 Using your gold sharpie paint pen, trace around the edge of your picture to make a painted frame. Next, use your paint pen to add designs to the side of your pendants. Let the paint dry completely. TIP #3: Get creative! I drew a scallop edge on one image, and added polka dots on another photo. Step 9 Seal your pendant with 3-4 layers of Mod Podge (allowing dry time in between each coat). These layers of Mod Podge will strengthen your photo pendant. Once you ve added the Mod Podge, take your pendants to a well-ventilated area (preferably outside), wear a mask and eye protection and spray another 2 layers of your acrylic sealer spray. Make sure to wait for each layer to dry before spraying the next. Follow the dry time on your sealer spray instructions.
Step 10 Grab your jewelry bail and e6000 adhesive. In a well-ventilated space (again, preferably outdoors), wearing your mask and eye protection, glue the jewelry bail onto the back of your photo pendant. Let the pendant dry for 24 hours.
Step 11 When your pendant has dried, put your new creation on a necklace chain, or keychain!
Here s what the sides of the pendants look like!
Annnnnd, you re done! Now you have the perfect gift for that special someone this holiday! My sister lives in another country and LOVES our Chihuahua, so I ll be sending that little keychain over to her.
Valentine s Day is just around the corner and these are perfect gifts to share! I found a VERY adorable printable gift box over at Snapfish and will be placing my pendant in this very adorable flamingo favor box. - Chelsey, The Paper Mama P.S. If you make a photo pendant for yourself, please share it in our Idea Exchange!