Sculpey III® Polka Dot Key Chain

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

Make little logs from each of the four colors. For this project we only need to make two marbled beads, so you won’t need very much clay. Stack the colors together as shown.

Roll and twist the colors together to make a striped rope.

Fold, roll, and twist the colors to make random stripes. You can repeat this process as often as you like to make the rope more and more stripey.

Cut off enough clay to make two 3/4” ball beads. Roll the balls smooth in your palms.

Make a 1” ball bead out of Pearl clay. Apply little spots of the other colors so that it is polka dotted. Roll the ball in your hands to make sure all the little dots are smooth.

Poke a hole all the way through each bead with one of the bead baking skewers. Make sure this size hole will work well with the aluminum wire. If the wire is too thick, you might need to make a larger hole. Prop the skewer onto the Bead Baking Rack and bake following the baking instructions for Sculpey®III. Allow the beads to cool completely before assembly.

Curl a double loop in one end of the aluminum wire with round nose pliers

String on a gold ball bead, then a 6mm jump ring, then a 9mm jump ring. Add a marbled bead, the polka dot bead, and the final marbled bead each with 9mm jump rings as spacers. Finish with the last 9mm jump ring, 6mm jump ring and then the last gold ball bead. Tim the wire to 3/4” tail and curl a double loop tightly to the top bead.

Add the tassel and the oversized lobster clasp with jump rings using flat pliers.