Header by Rory Midhani

Clay moon phase pendant (two ways)

Today, June 16th, will be a new moon! Make a moon phase pendant with a silver accent one of two ways using air-dry clay. (The necklace also makes an affordable DIY gift for your lunar sisters.)

Silver Leaf Moon Phase Pendant

For the first version, with silver leaf, you will need:

• Air dry clay
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Toothpick
• Black craft paint (I think navy would look really nice too)
• Painters tape
• Silver leaf
• Metal leaf adhesive
• Metal leaf sealer
• Jump rings

1. Roll a small amount of clay flat (to a thickness of about 1/8″) between two pieces of parchment paper.

2. Use a quarter or large coin as a “pattern”—place it on top of the clay and carve around it with a sharp knife. Dip the tip of your finger in water to smooth out any rough edges. If you’d like a more polished circle shape, you can use a dedicated circle cutter.

3. Use the toothpick to make a hole for the jump ring. Let the pendant dry completely.

4. Paint the pendant surface. Let dry completely.

5. Cut a piece of painters tape in a curve, and attach it to the pendant. Whatever the tape does not cover will become silver. This will show the moon in whatever stage you choose.

6. Spray the pendant with metal leaf adhesive according to the package instructions, and apply the silver leaf. Spray the pendant with the sealer and let it dry completely before carefully removing the tape.

7. Touch up any paint that may have come away with the tape, and let dry before inserting a jump ring into the pre-made hole (jewelry pliers may help with this step).

Embroidered Moon Phase Pendant

In case you’re anxious to use those new needle skills, this version of the clay moon pendant involves metallic embroidery thread.

You will need:

• Air dry clay
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Toothpick
• Black craft paint
• Metallic silver embroidery floss
• A tapestry needle (I used size 24)
• Jump rings

1. Follow step 1 above.

2. Instead of making just one hole with your toothpick, line the edge of the pendant with holes, making sure you’re piercing all the way through.

3. Paint the pendant. (Keep that toothpick handy just in case the paint blocks some of the holes!) Let dry completely.

4. Thread your needle with the silver floss and pass it through a hole, back to front, and then through the next whole, front to back. Tie short and long ends together at the back of the pendant. Trim the short end.

5. Stitch around the pendant, making sure to double back when necessary so that you’re creating a complete circle.

6. Knot at the back and trim the end of the floss.

7. Add the jump ring.

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