Polymer Clay Keyring Making: Baking Techniques and Tips

Creating unique and personalized keyrings using polymer clay is a popular hobby, but not all elements of a keyring can be baked into the clay. Understanding the best practices is crucial to ensure your keyring is durable and safe. This article will guide you through the process of making a polymer clay keyring and explain why baking a metal keyring chain directly into the clay is not recommended.

The Challenges of Baking Metal Keyring Chains with Polymer Clay

While polymer clay provides a wonderful medium for crafting, it has limitations when it comes to baking certain materials, particularly metal components. Here are the main reasons why a metal keyring chain should not be baked directly into the clay:

Heat Sensitivity

The high temperatures required to bake polymer clay can cause metal components to warp or change color. Most metal components are simply not heat-resistant and will diminish in quality when exposed to the typical baking temperature range of 265°F to 275°F or 130°C to 135°C.

Adhesion Issues

Even if the metal can withstand the heat, the bond between the metal chain and the polymer clay may be too weak. After baking, the metal chain might easily detach from the clay, rendering your creation unusable and unsafe.

Baking Safety

Another crucial consideration is the safety aspect. Some metals, when heated, can release harmful fumes. To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid placing any unknown metal items in the oven when baking polymer clay.

Recommended Approach: Separating the Chain from the Clay

The best method for creating a durable and safe polymer clay keyring is to bake the clay and the chain separately. Here are some steps to follow:

Bake the Clay First

Create your polymer clay keyring without the chain. Bake the clay according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that your keyring is sturdy and has the right texture before you attach any metal components.

Attach the Chain After Baking

Once the clay is fully cooled, secure the keyring chain with a strong adhesive like E6000 or jewelry glue. This approach guarantees a strong bond and avoids any issues related to heat exposure.

Alternative Attachments: Eye Pins and Jump Rings

If you are using a keyring with an eye pin, the process is slightly different. You will need to use an eye pin and possibly a jump ring to attach the keyring. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Using an Eye Pin

Stick the eye pin directly into the raw clay piece. You can either attach the keyring directly to the eye pin or use a jump ring as an intermediary. Baking them all together or baking the eye pin alone and attaching the rest later is acceptable. After baking, use super glue to secure the eye pin into the clay figure.

Testing Metal Compatibility

To determine if a metal keyring can withstand the baking process, test it at home. Most metals can handle the relatively low temperatures an oven reaches to bake the clay, typically around 270°F to 300°F. However, always err on the side of caution, especially with unknown metals, to avoid risking harmful fumes.

Handling Split-Rings and Chains

What if your keyring is a split-ring attached to a chain? In this case, consider making your clay ornamentation separately and attaching it to the chain afterward. Embed a headpin into the clay and use a wire-wrap technique to attach it to the chain.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your polymer clay keyring is both functional and safe. Happy crafting!