Easy Guide to Clay and Molds for Decorative Accessories

Want to create something special with your hands? Using clay and molds is an easy and fun way to design colorful accessories to brighten up your spaces or give unique touches to your crafts. You can make cute shapes like bees, chicks, hearts, or anything that matches your idea—perfect for decorating fake treats, adding flair to your crafts, or even making wearable items like earrings. These adorable add-ons can make everyday items or special creations look extra charming.

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Here’s how it works: Start with soft modeling clay, like Model Magic, which stretches and molds easily. Massage the clay and roll it into a ball. Then gently press it into your silicone or plastic mold of choice. Once filled, don’t pull the shape out immediately—it might lose its design. Freeze the mold for about 15 minutes. This makes popping the clay out smooth and keeps its details pristine. Let it air dry for 24 hours before painting or decorating it. You can add glitter, puffy paint, or even glue it onto other items to make it shine.

Feel free to experiment with various molds or even shapes from cookie cutters to spice up your collection. Making these accessories is fun and allows you to add your personal touch to whatever you create.

Credit JoAnn Barrandey

Materials & Tools Needed

1. Model Magic clay
   • Recommended for its flexibility and durability.
   • Available at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or Michaels.
2. Molds
   • Silicone or plastic molds based on your desired shapes (e.g., bees, chicks, peeps).
   • Look for molds at craft stores, Walmart, or online craft shops.
3. Hot glue (low temp)
   • Useful for securing small accessories during painting.
4. Fine iridescent glitter
   • Optional for decorating the finished accessories.
5. Paint/Puffy paint
   • Choose puffy paint for texturing and additional designs.
   • Use a heat gun or hair dryer to activate the “puff” effect.
6. Shish kebab sticks or toothpicks
   • Required for mounting the clay pieces for easier handling while painting.

Important Notes

• Conditioning the clay:
  Massage the clay before use to prevent cracking. When stretched and pliable, the clay is ready to be molded.
• Freezer trick:
  Place molded clay in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up for easier removal. Longer durations won’t harm the clay.
• Drying process:
  Allow the molded pieces to dry for 24 hours before painting or handling for durability. If rushed, proceed cautiously.

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Step-by-Step Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Condition the Clay

1. Take your Model Magic clay and massage it thoroughly.
   • This ensures the clay does not crack and is pliable.
   • Stop when the clay stretches easily.

Step 2: Preparing the Mold

1. Choose your silicone or plastic mold.
   • For example, bees and chick molds were used in the video.
2. Roll the clay into a small ball.
3. Pre-shape the clay slightly depending on the mold’s design (e.g., forming the chick’s ears by pinching the clay).
4. Press the clay ball into the mold:
   • Push firmly into the center so the clay expands outward and fills the mold evenly.

Step 3: Freezing the Molded Clay

1. Place your filled mold into the freezer for 15 minutes.
   • This allows the clay to firm up and makes removal easier.
   • Longer periods in the freezer won’t damage the clay.

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Step 4: Removing the Molded Pieces

1. After freezing, gently pop out the clay from the mold.
   • For deeper molds, use a tool included in your kit (or similar) to loosen edges. Be careful not to distort the shape.
2. If the clay feels rough, smooth and soften it with water:
   • Dip your finger in water and rub lightly over the clay.

Step 5: Drying the Molded Accessories

1. Air dry the molded pieces for 24 hours on a cooling rack or open surface.
   • Ensure they are fully cured if planning to paint or use skewers.

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Step 6: Painting & Decorating

1. For easier painting, attach the molded piece onto a stick (e.g., shish kebab or toothpick) with low-temp hot glue.
2. Paint with your selected colors or designs:
   • Puffy paint works well; heat it with a hair dryer or heat gun for a raised textured effect.
   • Use fine iridescent glitter for added decoration.
3. One coat of paint is typically sufficient, but adjust as desired.

Step 7: Incorporating Accessories

1. Use the molded pieces as decorative add-ons to craft projects:
   • Stick them onto cupcakes, fake bakes, floats, or other surfaces.
   • Secure them with appropriate adhesives or tools.

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Video Tutorial