Polymer Tips and Tricks Lesson #2: How to add findings and connecting chains?

Welcome back to lesson number 2 in the polymer tips and tricks I have learned.

Lesson 2.1
Findings
What are findings and why do I need them?

1. Findings:
They are metal connectors, hooks, chains, screws and etc. used to complete your polymer designs.

You may think, well of course I need chain, key rings, etc. if I want to make a completed key chain charm.  There are just a few things to consider before going to your local craft or hardware store. 

2. What kind of findings do you need for your project?
I tend to use small hook eye screws in all of my charms.  It doesn't waste a lot of metal, and it doesn't risk me smooshing my piece trying to get a metal rod to go through it cleanly. 
Do you need chain for necklaces?  Or key chain and key ring for key chain charms?  Do you intend to make your clay into dust plugs, earrings, or beads?  Ask your self these questions to determine what your finished project should look like so you know what metal findings you will need to complete it.
I have only done full clay with eye pins or eye screws as my finished metal attachments so I don't have a lot of advice in this area. 

3. What is the best way to attach a loop/hook to my charm?
  I was using a technique I had seen many others use on You tube videos where you take an eye pin and wire cut it down so it is about 3 mm long.  Then you bend one end so it is shaped like an L then loop the other end into a eye hook.  You would then insert the pin into the charm and then twist  half a turn so it doesn't pull out of the charm while on a key chain.  It didn't work. They all came out over time.  The best way to use  an eye pin is to thread it all the way through the charm making sure it has a stud base then a loop on the other end.  It does work if it is quality metal and the charm will just spin around it and never break away from the finding. 

Otherwise the only thing that works for me are Eye Screws.
 

 They don't come out and I don't squish my work.  Here is how I attach them.

4. Should I buy the chain and key ring and etc. all separate if I am going to make key chains?
No, not worth it.  I have tried, bulk chains, jump rings, and bead ball chains to make my own key chains.  I do personally use ball chains for some but, I otherwise I have been ripped off with weak jump rings and aluminum jewelry chains.  (like the one I got at Michael's)  Just buy pre-made key rings like Aspire Split Key Rings or the like.  It's worth it to not have my chains break on me.

I know this wasn't a ton of info, but really you just have to try stuff out and find what works for you. 

See you again soon with Lesson #3