Crayola® Model Magic®—the lightweight, squishy, spongy, clay-like material kids love to play with—is super-fun for grown-up makers, too. (We tested this theory with a Crayola® Model Magic® workshop with some of our Hallmark Artist friends, so we know it’s true.) Grab some jewelry findings and a few household tools to try these Model Magic® ideas for your own handmade jewelry.
DIY CRAYOLA® MODEL MAGIC® WORKSHOP SUPPLIES
Crayola® Model Magic® in a variety of colors—we used white, black, blue, red, and yellow
Wax paper
Rolling pin or glass bottle
Small cookie cutters
Card stock
Craft knife
Jewelry findings:
Earring ball posts and backs
Fishhook earring wires
Kidney-shaped earring wires
Assorted sizes of jump rings with open connectors
Eye pins
Gold chain
Needle-nose jewelry pliers
Tweezers
Stuff to make holes and textures, like toothpicks, meat tenderizers or forks
Super Glue®
Model Magic® Glossy Glaze or Model Magic® Silver Shimmer Glaze—optional ways to add shine and protect your finished creations
Pro tips for your Crayola™ Model Magic® workshop
First, get the colors you want. Two easy techniques:
- Knead colors together to blend new colors.
- Tint the Model Magic® by coloring it with Crayola® markers, then kneading it.
For flat shapes, smoosh the Model Magic® to about 1/8″ thick with a rolling pin or bottle, then cut out your shapes with cookie cutters or a template and craft knife.
Pro tip
It’s a little easier to cut flat designs when the compound has dried out a little. Roll out your Model Magic® then let it sit out for a couple of hours, and it’ll still be perfectly pliable.
For these earrings, we poked an eye pin through a ball, glued it into the U shape, then attached a fishhook earring wire. The Model Magic® is super-light, so even bulky designs are wearable.
For a trendy terrazzo effect:
- Roll out your base color to an even thickness.
- Roll out smaller amounts of two or three additional colors really thin and use a craft knife to cut small geometric shapes.
- Use tweezers or the tip of the craft knife to put the shapes on the base.
- Roll it all a tiny bit more to stick it together.
To make two-sided designs, stick two pieces back to back with eye pins in between. If the Model Magic® still has some tack to it, they’ll stay together—otherwise, use the glue.
Make holes for jewelry connectors with an eye pin, toothpick—even a straw.
Two ways to do stripes and squiggles:
- Roll small snake shapes and press or roll them onto the base layer.
- Draw them on with a permanent marker.
For a marbled effect: Start kneading two (or more) colors together. Stop before you see the colors really blending—it’s easy to overdo it!
You can add length to earrings by combining jump rings and eye pins—or chains.
Artist Rie E. used a meat tenderizer to create texture. Try using other household objects as stamps!
Let your jewelry dry for 24-36 hours before you wear it.
Model Magic® does stay kind of soft and fluffy—so it’s better for necklaces and earrings than rings or bracelets that might get banged up. Add Glossy Glaze or Silver Shimmer Glaze for shine and protection.
Want more Model Magic® ideas? Our friends at Crayola® have a gazillion.
And OF COURSE we want to see what you made. Tag us on Instagram at @think.make.share.
Beauuuuuuuuuutiful.