Make Your Own Clay Photo Charms

I shoot a lot of photos and I'm ever-searching for new and creative ways to use them.  I've made lacing cards, felt dolls, tote bags, a light-up shadow box, personalized post cards, Poe's gallery wall... well, you get the idea.  We have so many lovely photos, I adore seeing them in my everyday life.

As we were making charms out of polymer clay a few nights ago, I had the fun idea to turn photos into clay charms that you can wear or give as gifts.  Today I'm teaming up with Canon USA to show you how to make your own at home!

Supplies:
*polymer clay
*craft glue
*clear sealer
*jump rings
*wire or charm pins
*small photos (mine were printed with my PIXMA iP8720)

First things first: choose your photos and print them out.  I printed out several options on my PIXMA iP8720 because I didn't know exactly which ones would work the best for this craft.  This printer is my favorite I've used because the images always look sharp and I never have any troubles such as jamming or ink smudges.  It's a good little (okay, not so little) machine.


Next, I cut out my photos and got my clay ready.  You may have to work the clay in your hands for a couple of minutes before it is ready to roll out.  It just depends on how soft it is.


Once my clay was ready, I placed my photo on top of a bit of rolled out clay and trimmed around it.


When I achieved my desired shapes, I placed the charms on a piece of foil and carefully removed the photos.  I stuck my charm pins into the clay and placed the in the oven to bake.  Again, make sure you have removed your photos BEFORE these go in the oven.


When your charms have finished baking and cooled, use a paint brush or your finger to glue the photo to the charm.


When all the glue has dried, cover your charm (including the photo) in a protective sealer.  I also like to use a little dab of super glue to keep those charms pins from slipping out.


There you have it!  This was such a simple and fun way to create personalized charms.  I especially love the ones we put on Hope's charm bracelet.  Now she can wear two of her very favorite things on her wrist: her best friend and her sweet kitty.  xo.