DIY Polaroid Necklace

Analog meets arts-and-crafts with this quirky take on the traditional photo locket. A side-opening on this clay charm makes it easy to rotate your most favorite photographs. - Jenn from Ambrosia Creative

Download the FREE template for this project and get started!

Step 1: Preheat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Knead, then roll out Sculpey clay to about an 1/8" - 1/16" thickness onto a sheet of foil.

Step 3: Cut out template for charm, then lay on top of rolled out clay.

Step 4: I used a kitchen knife to cut around the template and through the clay, then peeled away the excess clay leaving the charm on the foil sheet. Wipe the blade clean after each cut with a damp cloth to keep the clay from sticking. For the inside of the Polaroid, I flipped the blade around on my X-acto knife and used that to cut out the little window. Carefully peel out the clay inside the window.

Step 5: Use the tip of the X-acto knife to cut out the round hanger at the top of the charm.

Step 6: With bone folder or other clay working tools, nudge the clay back into place, using the template pieces still lying on top as a guide. When done, carefully peel off template, using the tip of X-acto knife to lift a corner of the paper. Smooth out any areas with your clay tools and nudge any corners or edges as straight as you can.

Step 7: Punch out a tiny hole (for the jump ring to slip through) with the eye of a needle or the tip of a mechanical pencil.

Step 8: Place foil sheet with clay pieces carefully into the oven. The package instructs to bake for 15 minutes per 1/4." I baked my charm for about an hour.

Step 9: Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Step 10: Paint charm front and back pieces white and let dry. Finish with a clear gloss sealant.

Step 11: When completely dry, apply a very thin line of industrial strength glue along the top, left and bottom inside edges of the two halves (leave the right side open for sliding a tiny photograph in) and press together.

Step 12: Let dry beneath a stack of books overnight.

Step 13: Slip a metal jump ring through the hanger at the top and attach to a chain or cord. Cut out a tiny photo to slip inside your charm and use the eraser end of a pencil to help slide it in.