Creating Charms and Tags with Polymer Clay

Polymer clay offers a practical solution for creating custom charms and tags that transform ordinary packaging into something worth keeping. This versatile material lets you craft professional-looking accents without investing in expensive equipment or extensive training. 

Plus, the entire process requires only basic materials and techniques, making it accessible for beginners while offering enough depth for experienced crafters to develop their own style. So, what are the steps to making charms and tags with polymer clay? Let’s dive in!

• Key takeaways:
• ✔ Quality clay ensures even baking and detail retention.
• ✔ Consistent thickness prevents breakage and ensures polish.
• ✔ Pre-baking holes make assembly easier later.
• ✔ Textures + powders = next-level visual appeal.
• ✔ Cooling is crucial – avoid warping by letting pieces set undisturbed.
• ✔ Varnish types matter – choose your finish based on use-case.
• ✔ Charm + brand integration turns packaging into marketing.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Start with polymer clay from established brands, since they will bake evenly and hold detail well. 

You’ll need a rolling pin (or pasta machine), cutting tools, stamps or texture sheets, and parchment paper or a ceramic tile for baking. Consider adding metallic powders, glazes, or varnishes for fun and flair-filled finishing touches. 

Store unopened clay in its original packaging and wrap opened blocks in plastic to prevent dust and maintain flexibility. Keep clay away from heat and sunlight, as they can prematurely start the curing process.

Step 2: Condition and Roll Out the Clay

Conditioning prepares clay for shaping by warming and softening it. This involves kneading the clay between your hands or running it through a pasta machine several times until it becomes pliable and stretches without breaking. This ensures even baking and prevents cracking.

Start by rolling the clay to about two to three millimeters thick for tags and charms—thin enough to stay lightweight but thick enough to handle without tearing. Use playing cards or craft sticks as guides on either side of your clay to maintain consistent thickness. 

For an added visual effect, try marbling two colors together; partially blend them by folding and rolling repeatedly until you achieve the swirled pattern you want.

Step 3: Cut and Shape Your Charms or Tags

Cookie cutters provide clean edges for geometric shapes. But freehand cutting lets you create organic forms and get more creative! Choose the shape based on your needs.

Use a straw or toothpick to create holes for threading before baking—make them slightly larger than needed since they may shrink during curing. Position holes at least three millimeters from the edges to prevent tearing. 

For brands, consider incorporating signature shapes customers will recognize. For example, a bakery might use miniature croissant shapes. A clothing boutique could create tiny shopping bag charms. Again, get creative here and have some fun!

Step 4: Add Texture, Design, and Detail

Differing textures can transform flat clay into something that is attractively visually and texturally. Consider pressing lace, burlap, or leaves into the surface for organic patterns, or using rubber stamps to imprint logos or decorative motifs. Letter stamps also allow you to add names, dates, or short messages.

Want to add some shine? Brush mica powder onto raised areas before baking, or press metallic leaf onto the clay surface. Simple and easy!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Follow your clay manufacturer’s instructions for temperature and timing—typically around 130°C (275°F) for 15-30 minutes, depending on thickness. Bake pieces on parchment paper or a ceramic tile to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.

Watch your first batch carefully. Underbaked clay remains flexible and may break, while overbaked pieces develop brown edges. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy, as many home ovens run hot or cold. It can even help to do a “test” batch beforehand to ensure you don’t waste materials.

After baking, let your pieces cool completely on the baking surface before handling; polymer clay remains soft when hot and can warp if moved too soon.

Step 6: Finish and Seal

Once cooled, sand rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper for a professional finish. Start with 400 grit and work up to 800 or higher for a smoother finish. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth before applying finishes.

Choose sealants based on your desired look; gloss varnish creates shine, matte varnish maintains the clay's natural appearance, and satin finish splits the difference. Make sure to apply thin, even coats to avoid pooling. 

For durability, especially on pieces that will be handled frequently, consider adding metal eyelets around holes or attaching jump rings. These reinforcements prevent wear and extend the life of your tags, which can be particularly important for reusable brand packaging.

Step 7: Incorporate Your Charms or Tags into Your Packaging

Thread finished pieces onto ribbon, twine, or cord that complements your wrapping paper or gift bags or boxes. Position them where they’ll be noticed—centered on top of boxes, dangling from bottle necks, or clustered at ribbon intersections. For personal gifts, these may also become keepsakes that recipients can repurpose as ornaments or zipper pulls.

As a brand or company, you may also want to consider practical additions, such as QR codes on adhesive dots on the back of tags that link to product information or special offers. And if you’re still short on packaging materials, check out Hammont’s packaging collection for all your gift packing needs!