During the Covid-19 lockdown, I got into playing with modelling clay, and made a few things like necklaces, egg cups, pinch pots… and a pin holder. It’s a lovely craft to get into as it uses very little equipment, and you can experiment to make pretty much anything you can imagine.
One thing I should say very clearly is that I am not a modelling clay expert, I’m just sharing what I did and a few things I learnt along the way. If I can do it, you can too!
So if you fancy making your own magnetic pin holder with air-dry clay, read on… or watch the video below!
You will need:
- Air-dry clay (I used Fimo Air Basic)
- Acrylic paint and brush
- Gloss varnish (I used Fimo Gloss Varnish)
- Strong magnet (mine is 25mm [1in] diameter, 3.5mm [1/4in] thick)
- Superglue
Knead the clay to soften it, and roll it into a smooth ball.
Push your thumb into the centre to create a hole, then turn and shape with your thumb to form a little dish shape. If you get any cracks, you can smooth them out with a little water. Mine is what you might call “rustic” ;)
Leave the dish to air dry for at least 24 hours.
Once it’s dry, paint the dish however you’d like. I applied two coats of paint. Allow it to dry.
Add a coat of gloss varnish to protect the paint and give it a nice finish.
Superglue the magnet to the bottom of the dish. Needless to say, mind those fingers! (And if you do glue your fingers to the dish, you can drip nail varnish on them until they come free. Ask me how I know…)
Et voilà! Your lovely DIY magnetic pin holder. Pretty AND practical!
If you make one, I’d love to see it! Share with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #tillyandthebuttons.
PS. If you liked this post, you may also like How to make an ironing board cover and How to make party ring pattern weights.
Press the magnet into the underside of the dish, being careful not to make a hole in the upper side of the dish. Remove the magnet (we’ll glue it on later).
Leave the dish to air dry for at least 24 hours.
Once it’s dry, paint the dish however you’d like. I applied two coats of paint. Allow it to dry.
Add a coat of gloss varnish to protect the paint and give it a nice finish.
Superglue the magnet to the bottom of the dish. Needless to say, mind those fingers! (And if you do glue your fingers to the dish, you can drip nail varnish on them until they come free. Ask me how I know…)
Et voilà! Your lovely DIY magnetic pin holder. Pretty AND practical!
If you make one, I’d love to see it! Share with us on Instagram @TillyButtons using the hashtag #tillyandthebuttons.
PS. If you liked this post, you may also like How to make an ironing board cover and How to make party ring pattern weights.
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Author: Tilly Walnes
Video: Filmed by Tilly, edited by Jenny Lingham-Doe
