Silver Clay Photo Frame Charm

A sweet little charm to keep your loved ones near.

Posted by Donna S.

About

Use a small amount of silver clay to create a photo frame that you can hang from a chain, bracelet, keyring etc.

Share

You Will Need (13 things)

  • 5 g Art Clay Silver
  • Syringe Clay with a fine tip
  • Glass or ceramic Tile
  • 12 mm Circle Cutter
  • 20 mm Circle Cutter
  • Texture Plates
  • Rolling Pin and 1mm thickness guides
  • Sanding Pads
  • 1 Pin Vice and 1 - 1.5mm drill bit
  • Olive Oil
  • Wire Brush
  • Burnishing Tool
  • Prism Glaze or similar clear protective glaze

Steps (8 steps, 1440 minutes)

  1. 1

    Rub a little of the olive oil onto the texture mat and rolling pin to prevent the clay from sticking to them as you work. Roll out the clay on the texture mat using the rolling pin and 1mm thickness guides. Remove carefully from the texture plate and place pattern side up on the tile.

  2. 2

    Using the largest circle cutter cut out two circles of clay. Use the smaller cutter to cut a hole in the centre of one. Leave on the tile to dry.

  3. 3

    Stick both dry pieces together, pattern sides out, using the syringe clay and leave to dry. Be careful not to get any of the syringe clay into the aperture.

  4. 4

    Sand the edge of the piece using progressively smoother sanding pads so that the join is not visible, filling in any holes with more of the syringe clay and leave to dry.

  5. 5

    Carefully drill a hole in the top with the pin vice, large enough for a jump ring to attach the charm to your jewellery.

  6. 6

    Fire the piece following manufacturers instructions. Leave to cool.

  7. 7

    Once cooled use a wire brush to bring out the silver making sure to get into all the patterned areas. If you want your charm to be glossy silver use the burnishing tool but make sure to leave the matt finish on the bit inside the aperture so that the photo will stick to it.

  8. 8

    Cut a photo to fit inside the frame and use a tiny dab of the glaze to stick it in. Cover the top of the photo with more glaze and leave to dry. Add more layers of glaze if necessary.