Transformation Tuesday - Clay Tag Tutorial

While this post is not about a genuine transformation like the furniture was this way and now it's that, or this lamp was this color and now it's that, it is a transformation in some form.  I took a block of clay and made it into a cute tag, or several.  That counts, right?  (*smile*)

So here's what you'll need in order to make your own clay tag/pendant:

Clay - you'll find it at your local craft store, Hobby Lobby or Michael's.  It doesn't matter what you choose. There are only minor differences in the brands and any of them would work for this project.
Stamps - I used wood mounted stamps I had around the house, but any craft stamp will do.
Cutters - Shape cutters will get you the perfect shape you're looking for.  You can also find these at your local craft store in the clay aisle, or you could even use a cookie cutter you have at home.  You can also get great results by going free hand.  It's totally up to you.
Stylus or toothpick - This tool will help you form words in your clay (tutorial for that at a later date), and it will also be used to put a hole in the clay through which you can thread string to hang it.

*Note: most clay products are non-toxic, but if you use a kitchen item on it, don't put it back in circulation to use with food.  The clay can leave a slight residue on things, like a roller or shape cutter, so once you use these items, dedicate them to "clay crafts only".

I started this project with a single block of Fimo Soft Clay in White.  This was my first attempt using clay of any kind, so I wasn't sure what I would like and "soft" sounded easy to work with, so I went with it.

You'll see when you open the clay that it's scored in sections on the inside.  To make all 10 of the clay tags shown in this tutorial, I only used 2 sections and I still had a little left over.

I kneaded the clay for a bit until it was soft and pliable enough to roll out.  Once it was rolled out to a thickness I liked, I began using my wood stamps to make impressions in the clay.

*Note:  Be careful not to press too hard because the straight edge of the stamp will also go into the clay and you'll have to sand it later.  You want to be sure to press lightly enough so that only the word or picture is pressed in to the clay.

Then I went back with my shape cutters to cut around them.  I recommend stamping before you cut because if you cut first and them stamp into the clay, you risk flattening your edge and the tag will not be shaped properly.  Then, before baking, make a hole at the top of your tag with a stylus or a toothpick.

I removed the excess clay leaving only the tags.  I put them on parchment paper and baked them according to the instructions on the package of clay.

Here is what they looked like once they were baked but before I gave them a good sanding:

They were fairly rough around the edges so I used a medium grit sanding block to shape them until I was happy with them:

They aren't perfect, but I was satisfied with them for a first try.

Once they're sanded to a shape and consistency you like, the next step is to add a little paint to make the words POP!  

Any craft paint will work.  I wasn't sure which color I would like best, so I started out with Burnt Umber, Medium Gray and Linen.

Very carefully add the paint into the stamped impression.  Then, quickly, with a damp paper towel or rag (I used paper towel), wipe away the excess.  You'll want to wipe it off quickly, otherwise the paint will begin to stain your clay.  If you wipe off too much paint, simply add more and repeat until it looks the way you want.  I wanted mine to be really rich in color and the stamped impression to really stand out.  If there is any paint on your clay where you don't want it, even after wiping it off, just gently sand it away.

After trying all three colors, I decided I liked the way the Medium Gray looked the best.

So I repainted the tags that were originally Burnt Umber and Linen.

Once the paint is dry, you want to seal your clay tag with a protective finish.  I use regular old Mod Podge.  I just painted a thin coat across the top and made sure to let it sink into the grooves of the letters.  Once the Mod Podge has dried, your clay tags are done and ready for gifting!

I tied it up with jute string and a sprig of fresh lavender from our garden.

A clay tag adds that special extra personal touch to an already nice gift.  Merci!

And congratulations to 2805!  She won my giveaway from Coastal Charm: the Starfish frames I made and a $40 Pottery Barn gift card.  I can't wait to see what you buy with the gift card.  Enjoy it!

Linking to:

Not Just a Housewife - Best Project of 2011 Contest

Between Naps on the Porch
2805 Blog
Be Different Act Normal
The Creative Paige
Measured by the Heart