Clay Conversation Hearts

A few years ago, I decorated for Valentine's Day by filling a vase with with conversation hearts. I loved the way it looked but it seemed a little wasteful as neither me nor my husband like conversation hearts. This year I decided I wanted to make some hearts that would last and I wouldn't feel guilty about not eating.

 

Materials:

White Polymer Clay (Like Sculpey)
Heart mold (I used a chocolate mold, it was 40% off)
Paint

Tools:
Toothpicks
Steel Letter Stamping Set
Paint
Paint brush

Start by kneading the clay for 2 minutes, don't over-knead it. Then press the clay into the mold. You want to over fill it just a little on one side, to use it to pull the heart out.

Cut the excess off with a toothpick, or you know, an actual sculpey tool. Next, gently press the letters into the clay. Not too hard, or you'll get a circle around the letter, but not too soft either. Experiment. 

Next, bake for about 20 minutes at 275.

Let the hearts cool and then sand the edges to make them smooth. I used a nail file. 

Now paint. If you got colored clay, skip this part. Let the paint completely dry, using two coats if needed.

Next, take a tooth pick and dip it into the red paint. Smear over the letters.

Wipe off with a damp paper towel, leaving paint just in the letters.

Magically it will change into a new heart =)

I made one with our anniversary on it too.

Ta-Da!