How to Make Pirate Rings Out of Polymer Clay

In this Instructable I will be going over the steps involved in sculpting these 5 different types of pirate rings.

These rings are also really comfortable to wear.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

I am using a flexible polymer clay called CosClay. And sculpting onto a metal circle cutter and a ring sizer.

I also use a variety of ball and needle tools but these techniques can be a achieved

with a variety of different tools.

Step 2: Skull and Crossbones Ring

Lets make the skull and crossbones ring first.

Step 3:

Start with an oval and blending that into the band.

Step 4:

Texture with a ball tool. And make some grooves around the perimeter.

Step 5:

Diagonals to create the twisted rope. Fine lines to texture.

Step 6:

Mark out for the crossbones. Then add 4 short lengths.

Step 7:

2 small balls on the ends. Blend them in and texture the bone.

Step 8:

The skull is a rounded over triangle shape, and the bottom jaw is an oval.
Sketch on the details. Place the skull on the ring and refine the shape.

Step 9:

Brush the surface with baby oil to smooth it all down.

Step 10: Compass Ring

Moving onto the compass ring.

Step 11:

Blend an oval to the band.

Step 12:

Using a flat blade to sketch. Needle tool to texture.

Step 13:

Roll out thin lengths for the points of the compass.
Add on 4 squares for the directions.

Step 14:

Write on the symbols for North, South, East and West.

Step 15:

Dotting tool to texture the band.

Step 16: Chain Ring

Moving onto the chain ring.
This is a nice and simple one.

Step 17:

Just press a small chain into the band of clay.

Step 18: Puzzle Ring

Now for the puzzle ring.
I based this ring off of the one I bought for my brothers 18th.

Step 19:

Start by sketching out 3 lines around the entire ring.

Step 20:

Blocking in some basic shapes.
Adding in some more of the details.

Step 21:

Blend everything into the band.
And smoothing with baby oil.

Step 22:

Practice getting the lettering nice and small.

Before you move onto the sculpted ring.

Step 23: Big Chunky Ring

Now for the big chunky ring.

Step 24:

I am using Premo Accents in the colours Gold, Orange, Pearl and Opal.

To create a rough mix that resembles a Citrine or Yellow Topaz.

Step 25:

Bake the faux stones, then place them onto the ring.

Add triangle claws to hold the stone in place.

Step 26:

Add claws to the 3 smaller stones, creating a cluster to one side.

Brush down with baby oil to smooth.

Step 27:

Now that the 5 rings are baked. It is time to paint.

Polyurethane gloss on the stones.

Step 28:

Black acrylic paint for the base coat.

Step 29:

I should have sculpted with black clay for this ring.

Because painting around the stones was quite difficult.

Step 30:

Time to 'dry brush'. Small amount of paint on a dry paint brush.

Dab off the excess and lightly brush over the surface.

I am using a combination of Silver, Gold and Bronze on the different rings.

Step 31: ​Finished Results

Now that you know all the basic steps in creating polymer clay rings.

You can create your own costume jewellery or for everyday wear.

Note:

I would recommend using a flexible polymer clay like CosClay as normal polymer clay's

have a tendency to break.

I would also recommend sculpting in a solid color like black or brown to save panting on a base coat.

Also this will help the rings hold up to constant daily wear.

Step 32: Video Tutorial

If you would like to follow along, you might want to check out my YouTube video.

I would love to see you there.