How to Make a Cute Black Bear Polymer Clay Charm

Updated at: 22/05/2025

Polymer clay offers endless creative possibilities, and crafting adorable miniature animals is a particularly rewarding experience. Today, we'll be tackling a charming creature: the black bear! This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a captivating little black bear charm, perfect for adding a touch of whimsical woodland charm to your jewelry, bags, or keychains. From shaping its tiny body and adorable face to adding those distinctive little ears and claws, we'll cover every step in detail.

With its glossy black fur and endearingly round features, this black bear charm is surprisingly simple to create, even for beginners. We'll use readily available polymer clay tools and techniques to bring this cute critter to life. Ready to get your hands messy and create something truly adorable? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin sculpting your own miniature black bear charm!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fimo clay (black and ecru)
  • Tile
  • Rolling pin
  • Needle tool
  • Xacto knife
  • Pasta machine
  • 4mm round beads
  • Super glue
  • Paper clips
  • Stylus
  • Blush
Safety Guidelines
  • Polymer clay needs to be baked according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden. Baking at the wrong temperature or for the wrong time can result in a charm that is brittle or doesn't harden properly.
  • Always bake polymer clay in a well-ventilated area. The fumes produced during baking can be harmful if inhaled.
  • Polymer clay can get very hot during baking. Use oven mitts or gloves to handle the baking dish and the finished charm carefully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Bear's Body

    • Roll out a ball of black clay and shape it into a fat body for the bear.
    • Make four legs using small balls of black clay, roll them into cylinders, and attach them to the body. Bend the bottoms to create feet.
    • Create two front paws using small balls of black clay, roll them into cylinders, and attach them to the body. Use the needle to create claw marks.
    Create two front paws using small balls of black clay, roll them into cylinders, and attach them to the body. Use the needle to create claw marks.Create two front paws using small balls of black clay, roll them into cylinders, and attach them to the body. Use the needle to create claw marks.Create two front paws using small balls of black clay, roll them into cylinders, and attach them to the body. Use the needle to create claw marks.
    Create the Bear's Body

  2. Add the Belly

    • Use the pasta machine to create a thin sheet of ecru clay. Cut an egg shape and place it on the bear's body to form the belly.
    Use the pasta machine to create a thin sheet of ecru clay. Cut an egg shape and place it on the bear's body to form the belly.
    Add the Belly

  3. Shape the Head and Face

    • Make a head using a ball of black clay and attach it to the body. Create a muzzle from a small ball of ecru clay and attach it to the face.
    • Add a small black ball for the nose.
    Add a small black ball for the nose.Add a small black ball for the nose.
    Shape the Head and Face

  4. Add Facial Features

    • Insert two 4mm round beads for the eyes. Use the needle to make indentations for the eyebrows and mouth.
    Insert two 4mm round beads for the eyes. Use the needle to make indentations for the eyebrows and mouth.
    Add Facial Features

  5. Add Ears and Blush

    • Add blush to the belly for color. Make two small balls of black clay for ears and attach them to the head, shaping them with the stylus.
    Add blush to the belly for color. Make two small balls of black clay for ears and attach them to the head, shaping them with the stylus.
    Add Ears and Blush

  6. Attach Hanging Hook

    • Insert cut paper clips as hooks for hanging. Apply super glue to secure the hooks before baking.
    Insert cut paper clips as hooks for hanging. Apply super glue to secure the hooks before baking.
    Attach Hanging Hook

Read more: Hang Your Clay Creations: The No-Hole Hanger Method

Tips

  • Using black clay will stain your hands. Consider washing your hands between colors.
  • Always start by rolling the clay into a ball before shaping it.
  • Use a needle to add details like claws and eyebrows.
  • Apply super glue to the metal hooks before baking to ensure they stay in place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Clay Application

Reason: Applying too much or too little clay in certain areas can lead to a disproportionate bear.
Solution: Use small amounts of clay and blend seamlessly to achieve a smooth, even surface.

2. Poorly Defined Features

Reason: Lack of detail in the eyes, nose, and mouth can make the bear look indistinct or blurry.
Solution: Use fine tools to carefully sculpt the facial features, ensuring they are clearly defined and appropriately sized.

3. Inconsistent Baking

Reason: Uneven baking can cause cracking, warping, or discoloration of the charm.
Solution: Bake the charm according to the clay manufacturer's instructions, ensuring it's evenly heated throughout.

FAQs

What type of polymer clay is best for making this charm?
Sculpey Premo or Fimo are excellent choices for their durability and ability to hold detail. Avoid Sculpey III as it can be too soft for intricate work.
How do I prevent cracks in my clay bear?
Ensure your clay is well-conditioned before sculpting. Avoid rapid temperature changes during baking, and bake according to the clay manufacturer's instructions. Gentle handling is also important, especially while the clay is still slightly warm after baking.
What kind of finish should I use on my bear charm?
A varnish specifically designed for polymer clay is recommended to add shine and protect the charm from wear. Many craft stores offer suitable varnish options.