DIY CLAY KEY / JEWELRY DISH

There are few things worse than a cabbie honking his horn threatening to leave if you don't put a hustle on it. This is the story of my life because I can never remember where the hell I put my keys. I decided it was time to rectify the situation and make myself a key dish. I hopped on my bike and headed over to Joann Fabrics. I came upon a company called Sculpey which takes all the pain and search suffering out of clay crafts. Right there in one little section they had clay in several different sizes in over 20 colors, clay rollers, sealants and fun stamps. I tried to stick to the basics and avoided purchasing stamps. Honestly it's because I'm cheap and was sure there were things lying around my house I could use instead.

There are few things worse than a cabbie honking his horn threatening to leave if you don’t put a hustle on it. This is the story of my life because I can never remember where the hell I put my keys. I decided it was time to rectify the situation and make myself a key dish.  I hopped on my bike and headed over to Joann Fabrics.  I came upon a company called Sculpey which takes all the pain and search suffering out of clay crafts. Right there in one little section they had clay in several different sizes in over 20 colors, clay rollers, sealants and fun stamps. I tried to stick to the basics and avoided purchasing stamps. Honestly it’s because I’m cheap and was sure there were things lying around my house I could use instead.

Things you will need:  2oz. oven bake clay (I used one 2oz. package per dish),  rolling pin or clay roller,  stamps, small oven safe bowl,  baking pan, 200 grit sandpaper or nail file (optional: acrylic paints and sealer)

Preheat the oven to 275°F (130°C). You should knead the clay first between your fingers. This makes it easier to work with. Use your rolling pin or clay roller to roll out the clay. It should be 1/4″ thick. Roll it out on wax paper. If you want to have a patterned bottom of your dish use a texture plate. You can purchase them at your local craft store for rather inexpensively. I painted the bottom of mine so I did not use a plate.

Oddly, I had brass knuckles that I purchased at a flea market so I used them. Push the stamp into the clay deep enough to leave an imprinted image. Don’t push too deep or you will punch through the clay.

Peal your clay up off the wax paper. Place in the bottom of a small oven safe bowl. The bowl needs to be small enough so the clay takes the bowls shape and edges are rounded.  Put the bowl in a baking pan or on a cookie sheet. Place in the middle of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.  Let cool for 30 minutes before removing from the bowl.

Ta Da! Remove the clay and you have your very own bowl.  If you want softer edges use a nail file or 200 grit sandpaper and smooth them out. You can stop here or paint your new bowl. If you paint it make sure you use a sealer afterward. You don’t want your new key /jewelry dish getting scratched.