A relatively quick and simple gift.

Step 1: Materials

Materials

Amazing Casting Resin
Petroleum Jelly
Clay
Paint
Matte Finish
Cup
Stir stick
Brushes
Xacto blade
Spray Primer (not pictured)
Sand paper (not pictured)

Step 2: Design

Using a card fob as a template, I sized the design I wanted.

I chose a simple design and some fancy lettering for the initials on my fob.

In my program (Jasc Paint Shop Pro) I used the mirror option.

Remember: If your design has words, letters or numbers the design must be reversed.

Once cast, it will read correctly.

Cut out the design.

Step 3: Creating Fob Mold

Roll and knead your clay until it is pliable enough to take and impression.

Roll the clay so the top is smooth and large enough for the size of the design.

This fob is quiet shallow, so depth wasn't a large concern.

Press the template into the clay as evenly as possible. The plastic might ride up as it is being pressed, just be aware of how level it is.

Using a knife or toothpick, carefully pry up the edge of the plastic template.

Lay the printed design (should be mirrored) into the impression made in the clay.

Using a knife or toothpick, gently poke out your design, leaving a series of shallow holes in the clay. The clay should hold the paper still, but watch for any slipping.

Use a toothpick to press the clay down following the lines.

For thicker lines, use an Xacto knife the carefully cut chunks of clay free. Break a toothpick in half and use the larger blunted end to tamp down and smooth these larger lines.

Gently brush Vaseline onto the mold, making sure you get into all the lines of the design.

Step 4: Casting

Follow the direction of the resin you chose.

I used Amazing Casting Resin.

Measure out equal parts solution A and solution B and stir together for about 30 seconds.

Pour slowly into your mold.

Watch for any air bubbles. Since my design had thin lines it cause some serious air bubbles. Gently use your toothpick to move them to the surface.

It takes about 10 minutes to set.

Trim or sand any edges that need to be cleaned up. My mold was a little messy so there was a bit of edge cleaning involved.

Use an old tooth brush and a little dish detergent to remove any clay residue.

Step 5: Painting

PRIMER your fob before painting it.

I was a little too quick on the draw and went ahead and started painting with my acrylics. Needless to say, it all peeled away.

I used a spray primer but gesso should work just as well.

Folkart Metallic Black and Liquid Leaf Gold is my fairly simple color choice.

Paint the whole fob black, then carefully paint the gold leaf on the raised parts of your design.

Spray an Acrylic Varnish on your fob.

You can add a metal ring or just thread it like this onto an existing key ring. Enjoy!