Turn Your Clay Designs into a Scarf Clip - Tutorial

A few years ago I shared a tutorial on how to attach some metal scarf clips to your clay.  These clips turned out to be so popular that the supplier had run out and could not get any more.  We were very disappointed and I know many of you were as well.  I said that we would let you know if we ever came across more of these findings and now here we are bearing the good news!

Polymer Clay Scarf Clip

These clips are different from the originals we used before so I have been working with them to create a new lesson for you on how to attach your clay designs.   The clips are now available in our online store in the jewelry findings section in 5 or 10 packs.

Note:  I have added this mini lesson as a bonus pdf file to my Scarf Accents tutorial.  If you have already purchased our tutorial and would like a downloadable copy of this, please contact us (click here) and we will e-mail it out to you.  We will just need the date of purchase, e-mail address or some type of info identifying yourself as proof of purchase (through Etsy, etc.).

So now on to the lesson:

These clips have a strong spring action and come in two parts --   The flat pad with a clip on the back and a curved 'sieve'.  This sieve is for adding beaded designs but also comes in handy for adding your clay and creates a curve at the same time.  I will share with you two methods for adding your clay designs to these clips.  One is using the sieve part and the other without.

Method 1

# 1 to # 4 - Attach the sieve to the clip base by fitting it between the 4 prongs.  Bend each of the prongs down so they are flat and the sieve is secure.  To do this, grab a prong with your pliers (#3) and pull it downwards then squeeze both pieces together.

# 5 – Prepare your clay design or veneer so it is a medium thickness.  Cut a circle that is the same size as the scarf clip base.

# 6 – Place the clay circle over top of the scarf clip (the sieve portion) and press it on so it is smooth and level.

# 7 to # 8 – You can add any embellishments such as rhinestone crystals, at this point.  Here I am adding a Swarovski crystal (hot fix) to the center. 

Bake your piece for at least 30 minutes at the temperature recommended for the type of clay you are using.  Allow it to cool before going on to the next step.

# 9 – Add some liquid clay around the outside edge so the raw clay will adhere when baked.

# 10 – Roll out some clay for the back at a medium-thin setting.  Cut a circle that is slightly larger than the scarf clip and cut across into two pieces (about ¼ of the way down).

# 11 – With an X-acto knife or small square cutter, cut a notch out to fit around the clip portion at the back.

# 12 – Fit the two clay circle portions onto the back of the clip and blend the seam together with a shaper tool or your finger.

# 13 – Bring the clay up to the front of the clip, pressing it firmly against the sides so it fits nice and snug with no air pockets.

# 14 – With a sharp tissue blade, trim the excess clay so that it is flush with the front and creates a frame around your piece.

# 15 - Texture the back and sides to camouflage any marks or fingerprints.  Bake your piece for at least 30 minutes at the recommended temperature for the brand of clay you are using.

Method 2

This method is for adding the scarf clip to an already baked clay design and without using the sieve portion.

# 16 – Roll out a medium thin sheet of clay and cut out a circle the same size as the scarf clip.

# 17 – Place the clay circle onto the front of the clip making sure no air is trapped in between.

# 18 - With some pliers, bend each of the prongs down and into the raw clay.  This will anchor the clay into place and not move after it is baked.

# 19 – Apply some liquid clay to the back of your baked clay design.

# 20 – Position the scarf clip down onto the back of the clay design and press it in so it makes good contact.

# 21 – Roll out some clay for the back at a medium-thin setting.  Cut a circle that is slightly larger than the scarf clip and cut across into two pieces (about ¼ of the way down).

# 22 – Place the bottom clay circle portion onto the back as shown.

# 23 and # 24 – With an X-acto knife or small square cutter, cut a notch out to fit around the clip portion at the back.

# 25 – Trim any excess clay around the outside edge.

# 26 – Blend the seams together and the outside edges with a shaper tool or your fingers.

Texture the back and sides (see step 15) to camouflage any any marks or fingerprints.  Bake your piece for at least 30 minutes at the recommended temperature for the brand of clay you are using.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun with it.  If so, we like to hear from you and leave a comment.

To see how to wear these clips, you can check out a few ideas on our website.  We will be updating with new photos and ideas very soon!