DIY Clay Medallion Necklace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 16/03/2025

Jewelry making offers a fantastic avenue for creativity and self-expression, allowing you to craft unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Among the many exciting techniques available, creating clay medallions provides a particularly rewarding experience. The malleable nature of clay allows for endless design possibilities, from intricate patterns to simple, elegant shapes, ensuring each necklace is truly one-of-a-kind. This process combines the tactile satisfaction of working with clay with the artistic fulfillment of creating a wearable piece of art. You'll be surprised by how easily you can transform a simple lump of clay into a stunning statement necklace.

This guide will walk you through each stage of creating your own beautiful and personalized clay medallion necklace, from preparing the clay to finishing touches. Ready to unleash your inner artist and craft a beautiful accessory? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin creating your unique DIY clay medallion necklace!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed

clay
rolling pin (implied)
tools for decorating (buttons, etc.)
straw
cookie sheet
paint
cord
beads

Safety Guidelines

Always work in a well-ventilated area when using polymer clay; some clays contain potentially harmful fumes when baked.
Use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot baked clay to avoid burns.
Supervise children closely if they are participating in any part of the process, particularly during the baking stage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Clay Medallion
- Roll clay into a circle, similar to making a pinch pot. Pinch and smooth any cracks.
- Pound the clay circle to desired thickness (about as thick as a cookie). Ensure it's thick enough to prevent breakage.
- Decorate the medallion using various tools. Gently press decorations into the clay, avoiding making holes.
Prepare the Clay Medallion
Prepare for Firing
- Indicate the top of the medallion to Mrs. Parks for hole-punching.
Prepare for Firing
Firing and Finishing
- Mrs. Parks will use a straw to make a hole at the top for the cord.
- Allow the medallion to dry and fire.
- Paint the medallion after firing.
- String the medallion onto a cord with beads, and tie a knot to secure.
Firing and Finishing

Tips

Address large cracks to prevent them from becoming bigger.
Keep the clay relatively thick to avoid breaking.
Don't push decorating tools too hard to prevent holes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Clay Thickness

Reason: Inconsistent clay thickness leads to an uneven medallion and potential cracking during baking.

Solution: Roll the clay to an even thickness using a rolling pin and a thickness gauge.

2. Improper Baking

Reason: Over-baking or under-baking can cause cracking, warping, or a fragile final product.

Solution: Follow the clay manufacturer's baking instructions carefully and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

3. Weak or Missing Hole for Cord

Reason: Forgetting to add a hole before baking makes it impossible to string the necklace.

Solution: Use a toothpick, straw or a specialized hole punch tool to create a hole before baking the clay.

FAQs

What type of clay is best for making medallions?

Polymer clay (like Sculpey or Fimo) is ideal for its durability and oven-bake ability, ensuring a long-lasting necklace. Air-dry clay works too, but it’s more fragile and takes longer to cure.

How do I prevent cracks in my clay medallion?

Ensure your clay is thoroughly conditioned (kneaded) before shaping. Bake (if using polymer clay) according to the manufacturer's instructions, avoiding rapid temperature changes. Avoid making your medallion too thin.

What kind of finish should I use on my clay medallion?

A sealant or varnish will protect your medallion from scratches and wear. You can use a clear acrylic sealer, specifically designed for clay, for a shiny or matte finish depending on your preference.