How to Make Unique Handmade Jewelry — Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven according to the polymer clay manufacturer's instructions (usually around 275°F or 135°C).

2. 2

   Knead the polymer clay until it is soft and pliable. If using multiple colors, you can combine them or keep them separate.

   
3. 3

   Roll out the clay into a flat sheet about 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin or smooth bottle.

4. 4

   Press assorted buttons firmly into the clay surface, creating patterns or individual charm shapes. Ensure the buttons are embedded enough to hold.

   
5. 5

   Use a craft knife or plastic knife to carefully cut out shapes around the buttons. You can cut simple circles, squares, or more intricate designs.

6. 6

   If you want to add a hole for hanging, use the tip of your knife or a skewer to carefully make a small hole near the edge of each clay charm before baking.

7. 7

   Arrange the clay charms on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. 8

   Bake the clay charms according to the polymer clay package directions. This usually takes 15-30 minutes.

9. 9

   Let the baked charms cool completely. Once cool, remove the buttons by gently wiggling them. If a button is stuck, you may need to carefully pry it out with a thin tool.

10. 10

    Thread your ribbon or cord through the holes in the baked clay charms, adding them in your desired order. You can also tie knots between charms to keep them spaced.

    
11. 11

    Attach a jump ring to each end of your bracelet. Use pliers to open the jump ring, thread it through the end of the ribbon/cord, and then attach one end of the lobster clasp to one jump ring and the other jump ring to the other end of the bracelet.

12. 12

    Add an optional accent bead or charm to one of the jump rings for extra flair.

Frequently Asked Questions