Show your galentine, palentine or valentine how much you care with a cute DIY heart key ring!
I always struggle at this time of year creatively. Valentine’s day has never been a big deal for me, and I don’t think it is as big here in the UK as it is in the US. I love that a lot of you who view my blog are from the US, as well as other countries, and so this one is for of all of you who do celebrate Valentine’s day! If you saw my last air-dry clay project - this mini clay donut vase - you’ll know that I’ve been having a lot of fun with it again, and so it may come as no surprise that the project I’m sharing today is a clay one!
You might notice my interesting heart stamp, I made this using a jewellery finding, Lindt chocolate heart charm and because I couldn’t find any glue, wax. Yes, you read that right. It was completely cobbled together as I wanted to do this project there and then and didn’t have the patience to wait to get a heart stamp. Although this worked perfectly, you might want to just get a heart stamp in advance if you don’t already have one haha! Other than improvising with the heart stamp, this project was quick and easy, but I think the end result is so cute!
You could use this idea not only for Valentines, but also as a wedding favour, gift for your bridesmaids or a gift for Mother’s day. I always think there’s nothing more thoughtful than a handmade gift. If you love this idea too, let me know below, share on social media and don’t forget to subscribe to updates!
1.
First of all, break off some air-dry clay. Don’t forget to secure the packet again afterwards to keep the clay you aren’t using nice and fresh for next time.
2.
Use your hands to soften the clay slightly and knead it into a ball. Add a little water to your hands if your clay feels dry.
3.
Roll out your clay using an acrylic roller onto a flat surface covered with parchment paper. Be sure to have the shiny side up of the parchment paper.
4.
When you’re happy with the thickness of your clay, use a round cutter to cut out a circle. I like to press the cutter down and then remove the clay around the outside before removing the cutter.
5.
Use some water on your fingers to smooth the clay circle.
6.
Next, use your heart stamp (or in my case this improvised stamp!) to create a heart indent in the centre of your clay round.
7.
Next, use a skewer or piece of wire to create a hole at the top of your clay. This is where you’ll place a jump ring.
8.
Leave the clay to dry thoroughly. Use a small drill bit and just with your hands enlarge the hole at the top.
9.
Next, use a paintbrush and your chosen colour of paint (I went for gold) and fill in the heart.
10.
Leave this to dry, seal if you want and then use jewellery pliers to attach a key ring to your clay with a large jump ring.
Add a touch of romance to plain taper candles in just a few easy steps!