This DIY bag charm probably won’t surprise anyone who knows me. While some people reach for chocolate when they’re craving a treat, I’ve always preferred salty snacks; and pistachios are right at the top of my list. So it didn’t take long before my love of these little nuts found its way into a polymer clay project!

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop co-hosted by yours truly and Donna from Modern on Monticello! If you are visiting from Carol’s blog, Blue Sky at Home, welcome! Wasn’t her ribbon wreath beautiful? Thanks for hopping over!

At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

After completing this polymer clay planter, I’ve been completely captivated by polymer clay. What started out as a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon with Hubs has quickly turned into a full-blown creative obsession. Every time I finish one project, my mind is already racing ahead to the next idea. Suddenly, everyday objects, snacks, and random items around the house are no longer just things; they’re potential clay creations and upcycles waiting to happen.

I’m so thankful to have this creative outlet because my latest episode of dizziness isn’t letting up and clay craft is the perfect way to keep my hands busy while I rest my head and focus on something calming and low-key.

Materials

If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• Swivel Lobster Claw Clasp
• Acrylic rolling pin
• Sculpey III polymer clay – sampler or individual colours: green, natural, yellow
• Clay modelling tools
• Eye screws
• Oven thermometer
• Toaster oven (for baking)
• Teardrop cutter
• Curb chain
• Jump rings

Pistachio Shells

Save those pistachio shells because they come in handy to help mold the shapes.

I’ve not come across pistachio-coloured polymer clay so I mixed a dark green with some yellow. Set that aside for the nuts. Tip: leave some of the green as-is if you want to add leaves (I forgot to do that and mixed it all)!

I’m using a teardrop shaped brass cutter to get the initial shape of the shell. This one is smaller than another one I tried; they all work. However, you can also cut these free form with an x-Acto knife if you don’t have a cutter.

I rolled the clay on the thick side, and placed each shape onto baking paper so they wouldn’t stick. Tip: add rubber O-rings to the ends of your rollers to act as a spacer. Or use paint sticks.

This brass cutter is handy because you can easily push out the clay if it sticks onto the cutter.

Use the modelling ball to thin the clay and get a concave curve. That will make space for the nut.

If you have to do this project over a few days, have a piece of cardboard handy so you can put the project away. Keep it covered (the clay really attracts dust).

You can also use the shell of the pistachio itself to mold each half.

If it sticks to the shell, try using a little cornstarch as a release agent.

A dusting of cornstarch keeps tools from sticking too.

Tip; if using the shells to mold, save your pistachios shells in pairs if you want them to fit together in an exact match (I tape them together with a piece of painters tape).

You’ll need two rounded halves per pistachio.

Forming the Pistachio

I grab some green polymer clay and again use the pistachio shell to form the shape.

Here’s my trick for getting that iconic pistachio ‘crinkle’. Scrunch up some foil and roll it over the lines to impress the clay.

A perfect pistachio nut!

Place the nut into one half of the polymer clay shell.

Apply the other half and use a silicone tool to close along the seam.

If you want to get that authentic pistachio look, you can add some brown to mimic the papery pistachio skin. I used the brown polymer clay as-is, but next time I make these I’ll add a touch of white and blend to lighten it a  bit.

No need to cover the whole nut. Place it into the shell so the brown will show along the side where the nut is open.

As you can see, my ‘pistachio’ green mix is a bit brighter than a real pistachio. If you know colour theory, and have the right colours, you can get a closer match. But close enough is good enough for me!

Assemble DIY Bag Charm

Insert these teeny, tiny screw eyes into the top of each pistachio before baking. You can add a drop of Sculpy Clay adhesive before inserting if you’re worried about durability (I didn’t).

As a final touch, I went outside and plucked a leaf from our clematis (be sure to keep the stem). Press it into the rolled out clay, right side up. The stem will help you lift the leaf so you can roll it again.

This is where it would’ve been good to keep some of the dark green so there is contrast between the nuts and leaves.

Use an x-Acto knife to cut around the perimeter. I rolled each steam into a loop. However, it’s probably best to cut the stem off and punch a hole through the leaf instead: Sculpey III, which is the clay I’m using, is brittle when thin.

Bake all pieces at 275 fahrenheit for 30 minutes. I bake outside in a toaster oven.

Use some chain and jump rings to attach all pieces. I left 5 links between pistachios.

Polymer Clay Earrings

Tip: I originally meant for these to be earrings, but they were waaaay too heavy with four pistachios and 2 leaves. So moving on to ‘plan B’, DIY bag charm it is!

I still want earrings though. So, I’ll be remaking these again. For earrings, three pistachios might be better. Also, to reduce weight, I’ll roll an aluminum foil ball for the centre of each nut.

Then I’ll wrap it in a thin piece of rolled out clay. If they work out, I’ll post an update.

In the interim, I swapped out the earring hooks for this lobster claw clasp. It makes a great zipper pull tab!

But it’s getting too warm for a zip up, so onto a purse it goes! This cluster of pistachios may not be edible, but it does add a fun and unexpected touch to a bag while celebrating one of my favourite snack-time indulgences.

The best part about polymer clay is the freedom to explore a different kind of creativity than my usual upcycling projects. It’s small-scale, wonderfully detailed, and incredibly satisfying to shape something from a lump of clay into a finished piece. A case in point; my newest make – this fridge magnet, Mr. Grumpioli, which I’ll show you how to do in an upcoming post.

At this rate, I may need an intervention… or at the very least, a larger craft room!

Pin DIY Bag Charm

Creative Craft Hop

Next up, visit Donna from Modern on Monticello to seeSimple Two-Ribbon Patriotic Boutique Bow. When you’re done, be sure to explore the other inspiring projects below too:

• DIY Bag Charm (that’s us!)
• Simple Two-Ribbon Patriotic Boutique Bow
• Hibiscus Paper Napkin Foam Flowers
• How to Crochet Trim to Elevate Plain Hanging Baskets
• A Ribbon-Inspired 4th of July Wreath