You're a Gem Clay Photo Holder

I've been missing my sweetheart this week as he's been out of town again for a business conference but absence has made this heart grow fonder and fonder. I had the clay out for the kids to make Valentine's for their classmates when I realized we had a lot left over so I decided to make a little Valentine's Day inspired photo holder to display in our room. It was incredibly easy to make and a great reminder to focus on each other no matter how many miles apart we might be.

Supplies

- soft modeling clay. Either four of the smaller packs of one of the large packs. You can make two from the larger one.

- large gauge metallic wire

- acrylic paint (optional)

- access to an oven and cookie sheet

First, cut your large block of clay in half and begin to soften it up by rolling it into a ball. You want it to be about the size of your fist.

Once you've got a solid and smooth surface, use your knife to cut pieces off of your circle as shown. You may need to smooth things over with the flat side of your knife or your fingers as you go. There's no need for a perfect looking gemstone so work with it until you're happy but don't stress about equal sides. Safe your excess clay for another project.

Once you're done with your clay base, make a heart shape and stem out of your metallic wire. I just used my fingers to shape two hearts and then added a little twist to the end to hide the sharp end. Whether you do a heart shape or something else, you need two shapes for your photo to get tucked between. Gently push the stem of your wire holder into the top of your clay and then remove it.

Bake your clay according to manufacturer's instructions. Mine always needs a little bit longer than that but all ovens are a little different. I usually use a cookie tray to set mine on. Once your gem has hardened in the oven, you can decide if you want to leave it the color of your clay or paint it. We've got a pretty neutral pallette going on in our room so I stuck with white but I may make one for Ruby's room and paint it red.

Once your paint is dry, insert your favorite photo and enjoy your new bedside accessory. Better yet, wrap one up as a gift to a friend and let them know you think they're 'a gem'.

I'm pretty lucky to have my Valentine home soon. I can't wait.

-Rachel

P.S. Rebecca Caridad took this photo of Brett and I. It's one of my favorites.