1Prepare different colors of clay.

Prepare various colors of air dry clay.

2Mold the clay.

Mold the clay into the desired shape. You can shape it with your hands or use a cookie cutter or a play dough shape mold.

3Make a swirly effect.

To create a swirly effect, combine two colors of clay. Mix them together partially before forming into the intended shape.

4Make a link.

Make a link at the top of the charm with any of these materials:

a.)   Paper clip - carefully insert a paper clip at the top of the clay charm. Carefully push until only a small loop juts out of the clay. Pat the clay around the paper clip.

b.)   Pipe cleaner shaped into a "U" - bend a short piece of pipe cleaner or craft wire into a "U" shape. Plant the ends of the "U" into the clay. Pat the clay around the pipe cleaner or craft wire.

c.) Pipe cleaner shaped into a loop - this option is best if the first two described above are too wide for your clay charm. Start out with a short piece of pipe cleaner or craft wire. Make a small loop on one end. Insert the straight end into the clay. Push carefully until only the loop juts out of the clay. Pat the clay around the loop.

5Make clay details.

Make details with more clay. You can decorate the edges, write an initial or name at the center, or fill the center with clay formed into flowers, hearts or any other design you like.

You can use the set of plastic tools that usually go with the clay or use small plastic spoons, knives or toothpicks.

6Add other accents.

Embed rhinestones, beads, and other notions to accent your clay charm. Pat the clay around the small objects you put.

7Let the clay set.

The clay may take a day or more to dry. Flip the clay charm after a day so that it dries more quickly.

Once dry, your clay creations be used as keychain charms or bag charms. They'll be awesome handmade gifts for your friends and loved ones.