DIY: triangular clay pendant

So, I'm not usually a big jewelry person.  I generally only wear earrings for special occasions, or just to make sure my holes don't close up.  Necklaces only go with certain outfits, and I hafta be in the right mood to put on a bracelet.  When I make jewelry, I usually just give it away.

But with this necklace, it's a TOTALLY different story.  I would probably wear this every day of the year if I had the choice.  But since it only goes with one shirt in my wardrobe, I come up with every excuse to wear that shirt:)

I considered doing a tutorial, but it's just too simple.  Pretty much cut triangles out of three different colors of clay, use a toothpick to poke a hole through one color, bake according to instructions, glue together (make sure it's a glue that works with clay), and attach to a chain somehow.  I just wire wrapped the hole, and then slid it onto my chain.

The best part is, this necklace doesn't have a front and back.  It can go either way!

I was featured!:)

Clay DIY: Plant labels

Alrighty, some more clay creations.  I've always thought that the little paper tags that you stick in the ground next to a plant to mark what it is were kind of {blah}.  Anyone else with me?  Anyways, here's an idea!  I didn't take any pictures of the process, because it's that easy.....
Massage your clay until it is soft.  Roll it out and cut a rectangle shape about the size of a long stick of gum.  Then use rubber stamps (or a toothpick if the name is too long) to write out the name of the plant.  Bake according to the directions on the package and stick in the ground.  TADA!

~K

DIY: more clay experiments

I've been experimenting with some more textured pieces to use on clay, and it seems that our stash of sea shells offers up the most options!  Here are some different textures using shells.

This itty-bitty shell has some black bumps that are really cool.

Here's a piece of a large cowrie shell.  Doesn't the texture look like apple pie?:)

My favorite:)  Anything sea urchin has to be ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!!

I mean, who couldn't love this texture?  The little bumps look like they should be outta this world!  And the mixture of light purple and green is delightful:)

And to finish off, I tried out a rubber stamp that I have

What do you think I should make with these different textures?

~K

DIY Tutorial: Easy-Peasy Clay Pendant

So I've decided to try my hand at using clay for crafting.  I hadn't touched clay for years, since back in the days when I'd stuff the clay into the sea animal mold, pop it out and bake it, and glue it to a magnet.  I was thoroughly inspired by Lindsay over at Delighted Momma (see these bracelets, this necklace, and this pendant)  So I pulled my clay out of a drawer and got to work massaging that tough stuff back into workable form! And here's a little tutorial for you:)

First, massage your clay until it's soft and roll it into a ball between your hands.

Flatten out and form it until it's the right size and shape.  Then the fun part!  Look around for something with lots of texture....literally anything.  I found this quirky little porcelain frog in our kitchen.  The bumpy skin was perfect for texture!

Also, pieces of coral are really good.  Their little bumps are almost shaped like teeny-tiny flowers!  (Anyone else have random pieces of coral stored in their closet?)

Then, play with the texture piece until you get it looking however you fancy.

Make a hole with a toothpick or sculpting tool.  Bake in the oven at 275 for 15 minutes or whatever the directions are on the package.  Enjoy this simple piece with a fun outfit!

~K