Moldmaking is a quick way to transfer the texture and shape of a favorite object to metal clay. The pendant in the featured necklace is made from the mold of a button-sized piece of decorative brass. Removing the center of the design created a wreath shape and left an open space to accommodate a spray of chain dangles. The finished pendant hangs from a simple leather cord that fastens with a sterling silver hook-and-eye clasp.
Click through the gallery below for step-by-step project instructions, or click here for the free project PDF.
Make a mold. Select a button or other object that is approximately 1 1⁄8 in. (29mm) in diameter.
For this project, I used a polymer clay mold-making compound. Editor's Note: The warmth from your hands can make this type of compound too soft to hold its shape. To prevent your mold from being distorted, chill the compound in a refrigerator before making an impression of your object.
Press the object into the mold-making compound, remove the object, and then bake the polymer clay mold according to the manufacturer's instructions . Once the mold is cool, oil it lightly with olive oil or natural hand balm. If you use a two-part, silicone mold-making compound, follow the manufacturer's instructions to make the mold.