I’m so excited to share this project with you. Amy Christie and I have been talking about it for months! We saw a gorgeous half-moon pendant necklace by Winifred Grace and we both went all heart-eyes for it. Alas, it’s no longer for sale, but Amy reached out to Winifred and asked permission to try and recreate something similar in a DIY post, and Winifred said yes! Which means, lucky us! We can all learn to make one. We can make one to bling up our own holiday wardrobe, or we can make a bunch and gift them to all of our favorite people.
The half-moon pendant is simple and clean and goes with just about everything. You may not have the skills or materials for metal work but you can create a half-moon pendant necklace with polymer clay and gold leaf. Polymer clay is the chameleon of materials; it can be made to look like so many substances. For this piece, the gold leaf does the work, giving the half-moon a metal-like appearance. Add a couple of jump rings and a length of leather cord and this inspired necklace is ready to wear in no time.
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own jewelry with polymer clay, this is the tutorial for you. It’s super easy and in no time, you will be all shiny for the holidays.
Let’s get to it!
Supplies:
– polymer clay* (Gold gold polymer clay was used here but use what you prefer. Just remember the color will be visible through the gold leaf crackles.)
– pasta machine or rolling pin
– circle cutter (the cutter used here was about 1.5″ in diameter)
– leather cord
– gold leaf
– 4 jump rings, just large enough to allow the leather cord to go through
– cutting blade
– optional – sealant to protect the gold leaf from wear*
*This article articulates the sealant options for polymer clay depending on the finish.
First, roll out the polymer clay. If you’re using a pasta machine, roll it on the largest setting. Then cut a circle from the rolled clay.
Cut the circle in half. Or, if you want to make a half-moon pendant that is a hair bigger than a half, cut two circles and trim them down as you desire, making sure they are the same.
Make two 2-ring links with the jump rings. On one of the half-moons, press one ring from each jump ring link into the clay, as seen above.
Position the second half-moon on top of the first half-moon, sandwiching the jump rings. Gently press the two pieces together, making sure they are aligned perfectly and there are no air bubbles. Use your thumb to smooth the seam between the two pieces.
Lay the paper-backed gold leaf on the polymer clay and firmly burnish it until the gold leaf adheres to the polymer clay. Cover it completely or leave gaps for a patina look. I only added gold leaf on one side and edges of the half-moon because I like having a “front”.
Bake as directed by the clay manufacturer.
Once baked, seal the pendant to protect the gold leaf (this article describes the options). Next, thread a length of leather cord through one of the jump rings. Tie the cord on the jump ring.
Thread the leather cord through the other ring, pull it taut between the rings, and tie it over the second ring as well.
You can trim the cord to your desired length or leave it long. You can add a clasp or leave the ends clasp-free. I think the necklace works both long and short so I left off a clasp and plan to tie it to the length I want, depending on the outfit.
Then get dressed up and enjoy your celebrations!
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What do you think, Dear Readers? Is this a project you could tackle? And do you like the look of the necklace? If you make one, let us know! We want to see photos.
