Introduction: Ferret Wrapped Around Your Finger

About: I am an Industrial Designer, who obviously loves to create. Now that I am a mom, most of my creations are inspired by my daughers. I believe that if more parents were making stuff with their kids, the world wo…

If you like fun jewelry, you'll love this ring. You can customize it with your favourite animal. I love ferrets but if you like better cats, bears, dogs... just change the shape of the ears and tail.

It's perfect if you want to give a special gift. Don't worry if you don't have your friend's ring size. Because of its design, it will fit perfectly different sizes.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Wire

Bake and bend polymer clay. By sculpey.

Optional: Shaping tools. They help shaping but you could use any pen, knife, toothpick, if you don't have these specific tools.

Step 2: ​Mix the Clay

If you haven't used this polymer clay you should try it. It's very easy to work with, the colors are bright (although they get a little bit darker once baked). The colors blend easily, if you want to make new colors it will be easy. And it has a beautiful matte finish. Perfect for jewelry.

The only downside of this product is that they won't sell each color, you need to buy the whole set. But there are so many different things you can do with them, that's not a huge problem.

So if you want to make a different shade just mix the colours. To make this gray I mixed beige and black.

Step 3: ​Make a Thin Cylinder

Make a ball of clay and lay it on a hard surface, with two fingers roll it back and forth until you have a long cylinder. It should be longer than the wire.

Now put the wire in the centre and make the clay cover the wire.

Twist the sides where we sculpt the head and tail but check that the wire covers at least what I draw with a green line.

Step 4: ​ Make the Head and Tail.

In one edge make a ball, then make the tip pointy.

With a piece of the same wire I marked the eyes and ears.

Then I added a small ball of black as a nose.

The tail is easier, just make it wider at the middle.

Step 5: Bake and Bend

Now bake the ring. At 250F for 25 min. Once it's cold, bend it around a thick pencil or other object, until it fits your finger.

IMPORTANT: I tried different wires and found that if they are too thick or aren´t too flexible they perforate the clay when you bend the ring. Just test your wire to make sure it´s ok. I suggest you make first step, bake it, and bend it to test it. Once you are sure you have the correct wire, begin with your masterpiece.

And it's ready to use!

Makerspace Contest 2017

Participated in the
Makerspace Contest 2017