How to Make a Ceramic Pendant

Creating a ceramic pendant is a rewarding and creative process that combines craftsmanship with personal expression.

Whether you’re making it as a gift or a unique accessory for yourself, this project allows you to explore the art of working with clay while designing something truly one-of-a-kind. This guide explores the key aspects of how to make a ceramic pendant.

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Before you start creating your ceramic pendant, gather all the necessary materials and tools to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Clay: Choose a type of clay suitable for ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, or polymer clay if you prefer air-dry options.
• Rolling Pin: For flattening the clay evenly to your desired thickness.
• Pendant Cutters or Shape Templates: Tools to help you cut the clay into your preferred shapes for the pendant.
• Needle Tool: Useful for adding details, creating designs, or making holes for the pendant cord.
• Sandpaper or Sponge: To smooth edges and surfaces after the clay has dried or been fired.
• Paints or Glazes: For adding color and finishing touches to your pendant.
• Paintbrushes: For applying glazes or paints with precision.
• Kiln (if applicable): Needed for firing traditional clay to harden and finish the piece.
• String or Chain: For turning your ceramic piece into a wearable pendant.

Having these supplies ready will help you stay organized and focused as you bring your pendant design to life.

Types of Clay for Pendants

Selecting the appropriate clay is a crucial step in crafting beautiful and durable pendants. There are several types of clay available, each with its own distinct properties:

• Air-Dry Clay: Ideal for beginners or those without access to a kiln, air-dry clay is easy to work with and hardens naturally over time. However, it may be less durable than kiln-fired clay and often requires sealing for longevity. 
• Polymer Clay: A popular choice for jewelry-making, polymer clay is lightweight, comes in vibrant colors, and cures in a standard oven, making it accessible to crafters of all levels. 
• Ceramic Clay: Traditional ceramic or earthenware clay is excellent for creating high-quality, long-lasting pendants. This type of clay requires firing in a kiln to harden and can be glazed for a polished finish. 
• Metal Clay: For more advanced projects, metal clay (which contains fine metal particles) can be shaped like regular clay and, once fired, transforms into a solid metal piece, offering a professional look to your pendant. 

When choosing clay, consider factors such as the tools and equipment you have access to, the desired durability of your piece, and your skill level. Selecting the right clay ensures that your pendant not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

10 Methods How to Make a Ceramic Pendant

1. Choose the Right Clay for Jewelry-Making

The journey begins with selecting the appropriate clay. For ceramic pendants, stoneware or porcelain clay is often preferred due to their strength and fine texture after firing. Air-dry clay can be used for simpler, less durable projects, but kiln-fired clay is recommended for lasting pieces.

Wedge the clay thoroughly to remove air bubbles and ensure even consistency. Keep in mind the shrinkage rate of your clay—some shrink more during drying and firing, which affects pendant size. Choosing white clay allows for brighter glazes and underglazes, while red or brown clays offer earthy, rustic tones that can be left unglazed for a natural look.

2. Shape the Pendant Using Hand-Building Techniques

Hand-building is ideal for making one-of-a-kind pendants. Roll the clay into a slab using a rolling pin, aiming for a uniform thickness of around 1/8 inch. Use cookie cutters, knife blades, or freehand sculpting to create the pendant shape. Organic forms, geometric patterns, or symbolic motifs work well, depending on your aesthetic.

Smooth the edges with a damp sponge or finger to prevent sharpness. Consider adding texture using stamps, lace, leaves, or handmade tools to imprint unique surface designs. Keep in mind the pendant will shrink slightly, so size accordingly.

3. Create a Hole for Stringing or Mounting

Before the clay dries, use a straw, needle tool, or skewer to create a hole near the top of the pendant. This will serve as the place to thread a cord, jump ring, or bail. Ensure the hole is smooth and not too close to the edge to prevent breakage.

Rotate the tool gently to enlarge the hole if needed and clean the area with a damp brush. If you plan to attach a metal finding instead of a hole, consider creating an inset or loop within the clay design to embed a jump ring post-firing.

4. Dry the Pendant Slowly and Evenly

Allow the pendant to dry slowly to prevent cracking or warping. Lay it flat on a wooden board or plaster bat to absorb excess moisture, and cover loosely with plastic to slow evaporation. Drying should take several days, depending on humidity and clay thickness. Flip the pendant periodically to help it dry evenly.

A bone-dry piece will appear lighter in color and will no longer feel cold to the touch. Never rush this stage with direct sunlight or heat, as uneven drying often causes stress fractures.

5. Bisque Fire the Pendant in a Kiln

Once the pendant is bone-dry, it’s ready for bisque firing. This preliminary firing strengthens the clay and prepares it for glazing. Place the pendant on a kiln shelf with kiln stilts or supports if needed. Fire according to your clay’s recommended bisque schedule, usually to Cone 04 (about 1060°C or 1940°F).

This process turns the pendant into ceramic, making it porous but sturdy. After bisque firing, inspect the piece for any cracks or imperfections. Sand lightly if necessary to smooth out rough areas.

6. Apply Underglaze or Decoration Before Glazing

At the bisqueware stage, you can decorate your pendant with underglazes, slips, or oxide washes. These materials allow for detailed designs that remain crisp under clear glaze. Paint on motifs, abstract patterns, or lettering with small brushes or stamps.

For a layered effect, try wax resist techniques or sgraffito—scratching through colored slip to reveal the base clay. Allow decorations to dry completely before applying a clear glaze on top. This step offers an opportunity to showcase your creativity and elevate your pendant’s character.

7. Glaze the Pendant for Shine and Durability

Glazing gives ceramic pendants their glossy or matte finish and enhances their color and durability. Dip, brush, or spray a clear or colored glaze onto the pendant, avoiding the hole to prevent clogging. For a shiny, professional finish, use a high-gloss glaze; for a modern or earthy look, choose satin or matte glazes. Apply two to three thin coats, allowing each to dry between applications. If the pendant has intricate texture, brushing may yield better control. Make sure the glaze does not pool excessively, especially in holes or indents.

8. Perform the Final Glaze Firing

The glazed pendant needs to be fired again, this time to the glaze-maturing temperature, which typically ranges from Cone 5 to Cone 10 depending on the glaze and clay body. Carefully place the pendant on a kiln shelf, using stilts if needed to prevent glaze from sticking. Fire slowly, following a controlled schedule to avoid thermal shock. This firing vitrifies the clay and fuses the glaze, creating a durable, waterproof surface. Once the kiln cools completely, remove the pendant and inspect for a successful, even glaze finish.

9. Polish or Sand the Pendant as Needed

After the glaze firing, some finishing touches may enhance the pendant’s feel and wearability. If the edges feel sharp or if glaze dripped into the hole, use a diamond file or wet-dry sandpaper to smooth it out.

If you used unglazed clay for a matte look, consider polishing the surface with a soft cloth or applying a thin coat of beeswax for a subtle sheen. For non-fired clays, like polymer or air-dry, sanding and sealing with resin or varnish can also replicate a ceramic look.

10. Add Jewelry Findings and Assemble Your Pendant

The final stage is turning your ceramic artwork into wearable jewelry. Choose a complementary cord, chain, or beaded necklace to pair with the pendant. Use jump rings, wire wrapping, or bails to attach it securely.

For a polished finish, consider adding metal findings in bronze, silver, or gold tones. You can also combine multiple pendants or add embellishments like charms, feathers, or beads. This step ties together the artistry and practicality of your ceramic pendant, allowing it to be worn proudly or gifted as a handmade treasure.

Conclusion

Crafting ceramic pendants is a rewarding process that blends art, science, and design. Each method, from selecting the right clay to applying glaze and assembling the final product, contributes to a finished piece that’s both beautiful and functional.

By experimenting with techniques, textures, and finishes, you can develop a signature style that makes your ceramic pendants truly one-of-a-kind. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to make a ceramic pendant!