Using cookie cutters, create stunning embroidered air-dry clay hearts. This is a fun Valentine’s project or gift idea that is perfect for any occasion.
Air-dry clay hearts are a beautiful and simple way to create unique gifts or decorations for Valentine’s Day. These embroidered heart necklaces are a delightful twist on my original embroidered clay pendants and are just as fun to make.
You can craft heartfelt keepsakes that double as necklaces or ornaments using heart-shaped cookie cutters, red and pink embroidery threads, and a pink leather thong.
While these hearts make perfect Valentine’s gifts, they’re also ideal for other special occasions, such as Mother’s Day or birthdays, or as thoughtful keepsakes.
Materials Needed:
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- White Air-dry clay (any brand will work)
- Rolling pin
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Parchment paper
- Embroidery thread in reds and pinks
- Size 22 chenille needle
- Small wire loop – or open jump rings
- Pink leather thong (or string of choice)
- A straw
DIY Air Dry Clay Hearts
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace The first step is to set up a flat surface to roll out the clay. To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, lay down parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll Out the Clay. Roll out a lump of clay evenly to about 5mm thick using a rolling pin. A smooth, flat surface will ensure your heart shapes come out perfectly. I sometimes put cling film over the top of the clay when it is rolled out to keep it smooth and rounded when cutting.
3. Cut Out the Heart Shapes Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you like. This is the fun part, where you can experiment with different sizes if you have a variety of heart cookie cutters.
4. Pre-punch the Holes Before the clay dries, use a size 22 chenille needle to pre-punch embroidery holes into the clay. This step is similar to the technique used in paper embroidery. Ensure the needle size matches the one you’ll use for stitching to ensure smooth embroidery later.
For the starburst design, I punched evenly spaced holes around the edge of the heart.
Use a straw to make a larger hole in the heart’s centre. All embroidery stitches will go through this hole, forming a starburst pattern.
5. Make a Hole at the Top. Create a small hole near the top of the heart. This will be where you thread your necklace or hanging string later.
6. Let the Clay Dry. Allow the hearts to dry completely. Depending on your clay, this could take 24-48 hours. You can speed up the drying process by placing them on a radiator or oven on very low heat.
Adding the Embroidery Detail
7. Add Embroidery Details Once the hearts are dry, use a needle and embroidery thread to create designs. Reds and pinks are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but you can choose any colour scheme.
The starburst pattern originating from the centre hole is striking, simple, and elegant. It also looks great if you use two different-coloured threads.
8. Attach the Wire Loop. Insert a small wire loop into the hole at the top of the heart. This makes it easy to attach the necklace thong or hanging ribbon.
9. Thread the Necklace Finally, thread a pink leather thong (or string of your choice) through the loop, tie it securely, and your necklace is ready to wear or gift.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure your piece of clay is evenly rolled out for consistent shapes. Rolling between two chopsticks helps make it even.
- Pre-punching the holes is essential for easy embroidery and preventing the clay from cracking.
- Get creative with your embroidery patterns to make each heart genuinely unique. For inspiration, look at my post on how to embroider paper, where you’ll find stitch examples that can easily be adapted for clay embroidery.
Perfect for Gifts and Decorations
These air-dry clay hearts aren’t just necklaces; they also make lovely ornaments or charming additions to Valentine’s Day tablescapes. They look gorgeous paired with the scrap fabric heart pockets I shared in this Valentine’s sewing project. This combination makes for a truly thoughtful and unique gift.
Explore More Air-Dry Clay Crafts and Valentine Ideas
For more inspiration, check out my Adult Valentine’s Day crafts roundup on the blog. You’ll find plenty of creative ideas to make your day extra special.
If you love working with air-dry clay, don’t miss my other air-dry clay ideas, including the clay cherry blossom trinket dishes. There’s something satisfying about turning a simple lump of clay into something beautiful and heartfelt.
