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Polymer Clay Leaf Pendant

Shape a leaf pendant, make a hanging hole before curing and bake according to the clay maker's package. Test unfamiliar clay and oven conditions with a small sample.

Size
Suggested pendant: about 1.5 in (3.8 cm) tall; use dimensions appropriate to the clay and findings.
Handmade polymer clay leaf pendant with a small sculpting tool

Materials

  • Polymer clay — Follow this product's curing instructions.
  • Jump ring and necklace cord or chain — Choose findings that fit the cured hole.
  • Parchment or dedicated clay work surface — Use a surface recommended by the clay manufacturer.

Tools

  • Clay blade or craft knife — For trimming the leaf outline.
  • Sculpting tool — For veins and surface details.
  • Oven thermometer — For checking oven temperature.
  • Small hole tool — Make the opening before curing.

Steps

  1. Condition and flatten the clay

    Prepare the clay as directed on its package. Roll it to an even thickness suitable for the pendant.

  2. Cut the leaf shape

    Trim a simple leaf outline and add shallow vein marks. Keep the edges thick enough to handle.

  3. Make the hanging hole

    Create a hole before curing and check it fits the selected jump ring after curing.

  4. Cure by the package directions

    Use the exact temperature and time for the chosen clay, checking the oven temperature with a thermometer.

  5. Cool and attach findings

    Let the piece cool completely. Add the jump ring and necklace cord or chain, then inspect the hole and edges.

This project plan turns a small clay leaf into a pendant. The suggested 1.5 in height is adjustable. The correct curing temperature and time depend on the polymer clay product and its thickness.

Shape the leaf

Work on a surface suitable for clay. Flatten the clay evenly, cut a simple leaf outline and mark a central vein. Make the hanging hole before curing and leave enough clay around it to avoid a fragile edge.

Cure safely

Follow the exact package directions for the clay you use. Sculpey recommends checking oven temperature with a thermometer and using a suitable baking surface. Keep clay tools and surfaces separate from food preparation.

Finish the pendant

Allow the piece to cool before handling. Fit the jump ring through the hole and check that the clay has no sharp edges or cracks. Use a smaller pendant or thicker outline if the hole is too close to the edge.

This project is a general plan. Materials, dimensions and construction details may need adjustment for your tools and supplies.

Questions

Can I use the same baking time for every polymer clay?

No. Use the temperature and time printed on the package for the clay product and piece thickness.

When should I make the hole for the pendant cord?

Make the hole before curing unless the clay maker's instructions specify another method.

Can polymer clay tools be used for food?

Keep clay tools and surfaces separate from food preparation. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for baking surfaces.

Sources

By KatyChy. Last reviewed