How to Make Pirate Rings Out of Polymer Clay

Intro: 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.

Comments

[manan2007]

I liked it! Much amazing pieces.

[Nikita Maree]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[Angi2learn]

Beautiful pieces, I love them !!

[Nikita Maree]

Thank you so much.

[M.P5]

Where did you buy the metal circle cutter and a ring sizer?

[Nikita Maree]

The metal circle cutter I got from Ebay in a variety of sizes. They can be found in the polymer clay section as well as the cake decorating section. Sculpey polyform also sells there own branded metal cutters that can be found at most craft stores. The ring sizer I got my husband to make for me, because I didn't have the money to buy one. But they can also be found on eBay, I beleive they are called metal ring sizing anvil.

[Techhlp]

This gives me some ideas considering flexible vs rigid. Flexible polymer clay is ideal for allowing movement when wearing, I’m wondering how paint will hold up without cracks though. How about some designs using the polymer clay where it fits you but incorporating a harder amulet etc which dry’s hard, I’m thinking about using Worbla or Thebra. One concern is their method for shaping, the clay is moldable before heating, Worbla and Thebra are sold as sheets and become pliable for shaping when heated, then they cool hard. They may have to be prepared separately then joined after, so many possibilities.

[Nikita Maree]

Hello Techhlp. If you mean wearing as in like armor (instead of worbla), I don't think polymer clay is a good choice. It costs about $16 US for a 1 lb block. So it would end up being extremely expensive. You could definitely use it to create small armbands and accent pieces, to later add to your costume.

I find the paint holds up well with flexing the clay. But I don't intentionally squish it over and over again just to see. But I have heard a lot of good things from other artist with painting onto this clay.

[Techhlp]

Hi Nikita, I think you answered by saying the paint holds up ok through flexing. Oh no I wouldn’t want to suggest to crafters to break the budget to make large pieces, staying with smaller items such as rings, I may have been inaccurate with my description. For larger areas I agree with you using Worbla or similar with the inside lined for comfortable wearing. I included Thebra as there is a walk in craft store where I am that sells it, that store also sponsors a local Cosplay competition, or used to before 2020.

[Nikita Maree]

I am glad I answered the flexing question. Sorry, I may have miss understood what you were saying. Yes, I often find it hard to convey what I mean through written words.

[Amyk8040]

Could you please tell me whether I should get soft, medium, or hard polymer clay? The cos clay website has a lot of options and I want to choose the right one. Also can you please post links to the tools you used and whatever the ring molder thing you have the rings on is called? I really would like to try this but want to make sure i have the right tools and materials.

[Nikita Maree]

Hello Amy. The firmness of clay you should get all depends on your personal preference. I prefer a firm clay that holds it's details when being handled, but it is also a lot harder to condition (But I have strong Hands). Some people only like to work with softer clay, because anything else is to hard for them sculpt. I don't have links to the tools sorry. I just search eBay for the cheapest ones I can find at the time. As for the ring sizer, my husband made that for me, because I didn't want to spend the money on an actual ring sizing anvil. But I have seen them on eBay as well (be sure that it is metal though). You could also sculpt onto various sized pipe. Good luck.

[QGurlCraft]

so pretty!

[Nikita Maree]

Thank you very much.