Naptime: Day 4 - Polymer Clay Keychains/Pendants

I like crafts that are simply and quick. This is both of those.

Materials:
     polymer clay
     rubber stamps
     placemat
     rolling pin
     kitchen knife
     glass baking dish (not pictured)
     large needle or other tool for making small holes (not pictured)
     acrylic paint
     paintbrush (not pictured)
     small split rings
     jewelry closures

Step 1. Knead your clay until it it pliable.

Step 2. Using the rolling pin, roll the clay flat (1/8 - 1/4").

Step 3. Press the rubber stamps into the clay.

Step 4. Cut out the shapes with the knife and carefully put them into the glass baking dish. I like to round off any sharp corners.The little round ones in the picture have Elijah's finger print in them - I'm thinking Grandma gifts...they love that kind of stuff, right? :)

Step 5. Using a large needle, create holes in the clay shapes where you want to add the split rings.

Step 6. Optional - keep Play-Doh on hand for the inevitable moment when your kid wants to do the same thing you are doing - especially after you let him press his finger into your clay and then take it away and he has a minor meltdown :)

Step 7. Bake the clay at 275 Degrees for 20-25 minutes (depending on thickness). Let cool.

Step 8. Once cool, paint the whole piece with the acrylic paint, being sure to get paint into all the little nooks and crannies.

Step 9. Wipe away the paint from the raised parts, leaving only the recessed parts painted.

 Step 10. Let dry.

Step 11. Add split rings and closures.

Step 12. Hang on your bag zipper or add to your keychain. You could also easily turn these into pendants by adding jump rings and a couple of beads. Or just use beading string like I did here...By the way, that bead box was once organized...I left it on the table and a one year old Elijah pulled it off. It hasn't been the same since...and now it NEVER gets left on the table! :)