Blue Octopus Pendant From Polymer Cay

This octopus pendant was super fun and super easy to make! It is definitely something a beginner could make. So here it is! Enjoy!

Sculpting tools you feel comfortable with using
Polymer clay (translucent and blue/indigo)
Seashell
Eyepin
Necklace chain
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
Q-tip
White glue that dries clear
Acrylic paint
Fine tip paintbrush

Resin:
Toothpicks
Small disposable paintbrush
Bowl of hot water
Sandwich bags
Aluminum foil
Glass pebbles (optional)
Mixing cup

To make the octopus color I wanted it to be slightly translucent, so I added just a tiny amount of the blue color to the translucent for a nice blue color. For the octopus body, roll out an oval shape ball for the head and then cut 8 even snakes of the clay for the tentacles. Then, take the 8 snakes you cut and roll one end to a point. Do this to all 8. Next, grab your shell and put some white glue down where you want the head and start of the legs. This is so the clay will stick to the shell. If you have Liquid clay then go ahead and use that. Then you can blend on the head where you want it and also position the tentacles.

Now for the eyes, press 2 small holes in the head of the octopus. Next roll out 2 tiny dark purple balls, then position into the eye sockets you just made. Next, you can roll out 2 small thin snakes and position over the eyeball. If you want, you can clean up any fingerprints or dust on the octopus with rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip. Then add an eye pin into the back of your octopus head, pressing it in the clay to secure it. Now you can bake it! For baking, make sure you follow the instructions on your clay package.

When I painted the octopus, I watered down acrylic paint with some rubbing alcohol, but you can just use water. I started with darker paint at the top, then got lighter towards the bottom of the head and the bottom of the tentacles.

I just recently got into using epoxy resin for some of my art projects, so I am still a beginner. If you have any pointers on how I can use resin better, please say so in the comments so I can better myself.

To prepare the resin, put your resin container in sandwich bags to soak in hot water for around 15 minutes. This helps to reduce bubbles and makes it easier to mix. Next pour equal amounts of resin into your mixing cup. It's really important to get equal amounts because if they are even slightly off they won't mix properly and will cure too fast or, it will just never cure, depending on which parts you add too much of. Then you can start mixing. Mix your resin until you do not see any more swirls. I found that it helps to keep the bottom of your mixing container in the hot water while you mix your resin to reduce bubbles and helps it mix easier. Also to reduce bubbles, it helps a TON to stir very slowly.
Then using one of your disposable paintbrushes, coat the entire octopus in a thin layer of your resin. Next, if you want, you can put extra resin in between the octopus tentacles so that I kind of gives the impression that's he's in the water. Also if you want, you can add some small glass pebbles, or any other accessories you would like. Use a toothpick to guide them where you want it. Then using your aluminum foil, create a dome to go over your octopus. This is just so you won't get dust on your creation while it is drying. It my project about 24 hours to dry fully.


Then that's all! You are done! You can add your necklace chain so you can wear it wherever you go! Thanks so much for taking the time to read through my Instructable. I really hope I explained everything clearly. Thanks again! God bless you!