Lauren
Make sure you have your oven set to the correct temperature to bake the clay - it should have instruction on the packaging. For the vinyls, it would be easiest to use a cookie cutter, if you have one, or something circular to ensure that they're all the same shape. If you want a movable needle, don't be afraid to use wire, pins and jewellery findings with your clay - this should be easier than making it just from polymer clay.
Hope this helps. 
