FEBRUARY 2003

“Holiday Heart Pins”
—Presented by the Hylan Residence

The consumers at the Hylan Residence were planning to attend a Valentine’s party and wanted to wear theme jewelry. They molded polymer clay into heart-shaped pins using cookie cutters, baked them in the oven, then personalized them for wearing.

This project can be completed in two days. You can shape and bake the pins on the first day, then decorate and attach jewelry fasteners to them on the second.

The cost of the clay is about $10. The other items were already on hand. Everything needed for this project can be purchased at your local arts and craft store.

SUPPLIES/INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
Polymer clay
Pin fasteners
Rolling pin
Glue gun
Cookie cutters
Decorative stamps
Pencil
Sparkles
Glass baking dishes
Oven mitt
Paint
Fine brush
Finishing glaze

STEPS/DIRECTIONS: Always read the entire lesson plan before beginning a project. It will help you to organize your materials and determine how much time you will need to finish the project. Read and follow the directions for your clay since different brands have different baking times. You can purchase plain clay for painting after it has baked, but we selected clay that was already colored.

Step 1: Take a small amount of clay (about the size of a large grape) and knead it until smooth. Use the rolling pin to flatten the clay to about 1/4 inch thick then use a cookie cutter to press out the desired shape. Remove the excess clay from around the cookie cutter and gently push out the molded pin out.

Step 2: You may want to press designs into your pin with a decorative stamp or to personalize it with a message using a sharpened #2 pencil. We selected an “I Love You” stamp for Valentine’s Day.

Step 3: Follow the directions on your clay package and pre-heat the oven to the proper baking temperature. Place your pin in a glass baking dish and let it bake in the oven as directed. When baking is complete remove from oven and allow the pin to cool overnight.

Always remember: Safety first. Wear oven mitts when using a heated oven. If you do not feel comfortable using the oven, ask a family member or friend for assistance.

Step 4: Decorate your pin. Place the pin on a paper plate to avoid damaging the table with the glue. Use the glue gun to apply warm glue to the stamp impressions then sprinkle sparkles onto the glue. You can highlight pins with written messages by painting over the writing with a very small brush. This makes it easier to read.

Step 5: After the glue and paint have dried, brush on a glaze finish and allow it to dry thoroughly. Then use to apply the pin fastener to the back of the pin.

Decorative pins are a fun and easy way to brighten up your wardrobe. They can be worn to celebrate holidays and other special occasions and they make wonderful gifts.