Lucky Key Rings

How to Make

Cat:

Use 3 strips from a clay block to make the cat’s body. Knead the clay to make it softer, then roll into a ball. Flatten the clay with your fingers to a depth of about 8mm, or to make the surface completely flat use a small rolling pin. Press the flattened clay into an oval then pinch the top with your fingers to start forming the 2 ears. Keep the shape simple using a modelling tool to help shape the cat’s body. Roll 4 small clay balls for the legs, roll them between your fingers then press onto the cat’s body. Add a thin strip for a collar. Use a cocktail stick to make a hole near the top, checking the hole has opened out on the back. Bake clay models on a baking tray or tile at 110C following instructions on the packaging. Allow clay to cool before handling.

To finish the key rings:

Thread a 20cm piece of ribbon through the hole in the hardened clay then tie the ribbon onto a metal key chain clip with some gold beads. Tie double or triple knots so the beads don’t slip off, then trim the ends of the ribbon. Glue gems onto the key rings as decoration with wiggle eyes and other details for the faces drawn in with a permanent pen.

Pig:

Use 3 strips from a clay block to make the pig’s body. Knead the clay to make it softer, then roll it into a ball. Flatten the clay with your fingers to a depth of about 8mm, or to make the surface completely flat use a small rolling pin. Press the flattened clay into an oval, then push into the edge with your fingers or a modelling tool to start forming the 2 legs. Squeeze the clay to shape the snout. Keep the shape simple using a modelling tool to help form the shape. Press a small triangular piece of clay onto the head for the ear and add a curly tail. Use a cocktail stick to make a hole near the top, turn the pig over the check the hole has opened out on the back.