DIY Ace Hat Keychain: Easy Polymer Clay Tutorial

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Are you a fan of the popular video game, Ace Attorney? Do you love crafting miniature versions of your favourite things? Then this tutorial is perfect for you! We'll be creating a charming and recognizable keychain featuring the iconic Ace Attorney hat, using the versatile and easy-to-work-with medium of polymer clay. This project is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal tools and experience, and the finished product makes a fantastic gift for fellow fans or a delightful addition to your own collection of quirky keychains.

This DIY project will guide you through each stage of crafting your very own Ace Attorney hat keychain, from preparing the clay to achieving that perfect glossy finish. Get ready to unleash your inner artisan and follow our simple, step-by-step instructions to create this miniature masterpiece. You'll be surprised how quickly and easily you can bring this iconic symbol of justice to life!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Orange, brown, red, blue, and white clay
  • Cookie cutter
  • Exacto knife
  • Needle tool
  • Sharp long blade
  • Ball styluses
  • Glue
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Q-tip
  • Eye pin
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area when baking polymer clay. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
  • Use oven mitts or gloves when handling hot items from the oven. Polymer clay can get extremely hot and cause burns.
  • Supervise children closely if they are participating in any part of this project, especially around the oven and sharp tools.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hat Base

    • Mix clay colors to achieve a pumpkin orange color for the hat. Be sparing with the red as it's intense.
    • Use a cookie cutter to create the hat's base. Roll remaining clay into a ball.
    Use a cookie cutter to create the hat's base. Roll remaining clay into a ball.Use a cookie cutter to create the hat's base. Roll remaining clay into a ball.
    Prepare the Hat Base

  2. Shape the Hat Top

    • Shape the hat's top into a specific triangular shape with a divot in the middle.
    Shape the hat's top into a specific triangular shape with a divot in the middle.
    Shape the Hat Top

  3. Add Hat Details

    • Roll out small red clay snakes, shape them into small bowls, and arrange them around the hat.
    Roll out small red clay snakes, shape them into small bowls, and arrange them around the hat.
    Add Hat Details

  4. Create and Attach Goggles

    • Make a white border using white clay, then add small blue clay balls inside the white border for the lenses.
    Create the goggles: Make a white border using white clay, then add small blue clay balls inside the white border for the lenses.
    Create and Attach Goggles

  5. Attach Keychain Hardware

    • Insert the eye pin into the back of the hat.
    Insert the eye pin into the back of the hat.Insert the eye pin into the back of the hat.
    Attach Keychain Hardware

  6. Bake and Finish

    • Bake the keychain according to the clay's instructions. Clean with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.
    Bake the keychain according to the clay's instructions. Clean with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.Bake the keychain according to the clay's instructions. Clean with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.
    Bake and Finish

Read more: Easy Clay Heart Sculpting: From Charm to Button

Tips

  • Mix clay by cutting it into small slabs for easier blending.
  • Don't overwork the clay for the head; it's easier to wing it.
  • Make more red clay bowls than you think you need; you can choose the prettiest ones.
  • Use liquid bakeable clay to secure the eye pin.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Clay Thickness

Reason: Rolling the clay too thick or thin in certain areas can lead to an unevenly shaped and potentially lopsided keychain.
Solution: Use a rolling pin and a thickness gauge to ensure consistent clay thickness throughout.

2. Improper Baking

Reason: Underbaking or overbaking the clay can result in a soft, fragile keychain or a burnt, brittle one.
Solution: Follow the baking instructions on your polymer clay package precisely, using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

FAQs

What kind of polymer clay should I use for this project?
Any brand of oven-bake polymer clay will work. Sculpey III or Premo are popular choices for their ease of use and durability. Avoid using air-dry clays as they are not suitable for creating small, detailed pieces like this keychain.
How do I get a smooth, shiny finish on my keychain?
After baking, gently sand any imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper. Then, apply a few thin coats of a gloss varnish or sealant specifically designed for polymer clay. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next for the best results.