Rainbow Pin & Pot of Gold Earrings

Growing up, my mom worked in Speech Language Pathology and loved to wear seasonal outfits (much like some teachers do) which the kids enjoyed!  We decided to make her a polymer clay rainbow pin and pot of gold earrings, along with a few for my daughter’s teachers and friends!  You can use polymer clay to make any theme that you might like as it is pliable and shapeable, but once baked is quite hard, thus is great for kids’ jewellery making.  This matching set makes a fun St. Patrick’s Day craft which you can then gift to a pal or wear yourself! 

Materials

• Polymer Clay (FIMO, Sculpey:  We recommend you use the KID version or SOFT)
• Rolling pin
• Clay board, placemat etc.
• Old butter knife
• Strong glue (to be used by an adult)
• Jewellery parts: pin backs and post earring pieces (You can buy these online or at craft stores)
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Oven mitts
• Card template: St Patricks

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Follow the directions with whatever product that you chose.  We recommend that you use the KIDS version or the SOFT one as they are easier for children to manipulate.

• We cut one strip of the clay (it has often has lined sections), kneaded it and then rolled it into a ball and then into a tube/ snake.  (We were making several pieces so you may not need this much if you are making one or two).

• Create the arches of your rainbow, starting with the outside and working in, pushing the colours gently together.

• Cut out your clouds with a old butter knife and then softening the edges with your fingers.  Our daughter made them about the width of the rainbow. Attach them on with a little press!

• To make the pot of gold she then took a small ball, pressed it down with her finger (to about the width of 1 mm t0 2 mm).  Roll a thin tube for the rim of the pot and some tiny little balls for the gold.

• Place all your creations on a baking tray (making sure that they are not too close together) and have an adult bake them according to the product’s directions.

• Once your work has thoroughly cooled have an adult attach the jewellery pieces with strong glue.  Allow them to dry overnight.

• Put your pieces into a box and then attach the provided card if you like, giving them to a friend!

Other Rainbow and St. Patrick’s Day Ideas You May Like

• Rainbow Mobile: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainbow-mobile/   

Making the Secondary Colours from the Primary Colours: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainy-day-fun-colour-exploration/

St. Patrick’s Day Play Dough with Loose Parts: http://make-it-your-own.com/st-patricks-day-play-dough-loose-parts/

Create with the Rainbow: http://make-it-your-own.com/create-with-the-rainbow/

Colour Mixing Clovers: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/KID-MADE-WATERCOLOR-SHAMROCK-CLOVER-CARDS/

Rainbow Necklace: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-rainbow-necklace/

Rainbow Building Kit: http://make-it-your-own.com/my-color-is-rainbow-3-gift-ideas/

Find the Rainbow Game: http://make-it-your-own.com/find-the-rainbow-game/

Rainbow Sensory Foam Play: http://make-it-your-own.com/magical-sensory-play/

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Purpose

• Recognizing the symbols associated with various holidays and cultural celebrations.
• Learning the colours of the rainbow.
• Developing one’s fine motor skills- kneading, rolling, manipulating the clay.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use an old butter knife with permission, care and direct, adult supervision.
• Small pieces such as the jewellery parts or the finished pieces can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
• The oven and strong glue should be used by an ADULT.
• Follow the product directions and safety notes.
• Remember that pins can be sharp- have an adult assist you with putting this craft on.