Chocolate Frog Pattern Weights
Do you find the process of pinning and cutting out a pattern daunting?
Did you know pattern weights can cut the time of pattern cutting in half?!
Using these chocolate frog pattern weights, you add a bit of whimsy and magic to your next sewing project!
In search of the perfect pattern weight…
If you sew, then you know anything can be a pattern weight! From books to gemstones to rice pouches to blocks, if it has enough weight to hold down tissue paper, it can be used to hold your pattern in place!
I’ve seen some seriously adorable pattern weights like these and these and these!
But none of them really spoke to me.
That was until I had a brilliant idea to combine my love of sewing with one of my nerdy hobbies!
I’ve always loved Harry Potter and the magic that it captures.* I began pondering what item I could get to be a good pattern weight.
What would Madam Malkin use? I’m sure she wouldn’t need pattern weights! I imagine she cuts fabric similar to the three Good Fairies from Sleeping Beauty. But I digress…
I could use so many things from the wizarding world! But, I ended up settling on chocolate frogs after finding molds on Amazon.
I fell in love with the idea that I could bring in a bit of magic into my pattern-cutting experiences!
So I set off to make them!
This is how I did it.
*My love for Harry Potter extends to the magical wizarding world and all that it set ablaze in my imagination. I, respectfully, withhold my public opinion for any other issues surrounding the works currently. The stories will always have a special place in my heart and I want to share my creative process with you.
This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure for more info.
List of Supplies:
Makes; 6-12 chocolate frog pattern weights
Estimated time: 1-2 hours, plus dry times; overall, the process was completed in 3 days.
Skill Level: Beginner (Kid-friendly project)
Chocolate Frog Mold
Crayola Model Magic (white)
Brown paint
Clear sealer (I used Mod Podge glossy sealer)
Washers
Butter knife or clay knife
Cork or felt (optional) for the bottom of the frogs
Superglue
How to make Chocolate Frog Pattern Weights
Step 1:
Gather the supplies.
I grabbed the molds from Amazon and scoured my local Lowe’s for the washers.
Step 2:
Add clay into the mold, leaving a small space to insert the washers.
To do this, I pressed the clay fairly flat before I pressed it into the mold.
I worked the clay into the mold and took care to leave a big enough gap near the back of the mold (the legs).
Step 3:
Insert the washers and cover them with the remaining clay.
I used two washers to add additional weight.
Step 4:
Release the frog from the mold.
To do this, I very carefully pressed the center of the mold and peeled back the excess to help release it. This will take some finagling and I did have to straighten some frogs back out.
Step 5:
Cut the excess clay away from the frog and smooth the edges.
To do this, I used a butter knife to carefully trim away the excess. Then, I smoothed the edges down towards the bottom of the frog.
Additionally, if the washers are showing through the side of the frog, you can add in small bits of clay to cover it.
Repeat until you have as many frogs as desired. Then, let the frogs dry overnight.
I let them dry two days before painting.
Step 6:
Paint the frogs and let them dry.
To do this, I used two brown paints. I placed dark brown paint all over. Then, I took a lighter brown (only a shade or two lighter) and brushed a bit over the top.
I let my frogs dry overnight even though they were dry after a few hours.
Step 7:
Paint the bottoms of the frogs.
I only have this a very light coat since I don’t plan on seeing this side very often.
Step 8:
Seal the frogs using a clear acrylic sealer. This will ensure that the frogs will have a longer lifespan.
I let the frogs dry for 24 hours before I added bottoms on.
Step 9: (Optional)
Add a base to the frogs.
I bought an adhesive cork sheet from the Dollar Store and used super glue to secure it in place; however, you can use whatever material you prefer or skip this step entirely.
I wanted my frogs to have a little more finish to their undersides. But as I mentioned, this was a personal preference!
That’s it! The chocolate frog pattern weights are complete!
They are ready to jump into your next project and give you a hand!
Top Tips
This project is very kid-friendly! My children enjoyed helping me mold and paint the frogs.
I use parchment or wax pepper under my painting projects and when I use spray adhesive. I find that my items remove easier from that than they do from a newspaper.
Work the model magic in your hands for a minute or two to soften it up. This helps the clay’s ability to blend better.
After you’ve released the mold and trimmed away the edges, take small pieces of clay, cover the spots where the washers are peaking though, and blend it in with the body of the frog. It’s ok if it isn’t perfect!
My washers tended to peek out by the rear legs.
When you release the frogs from the molds, they tend to bend upwards ever so slightly. Try and carefully bend them back to a neutral position.
To release my frog, I found it best to try and press the top of my mold while lightly pulling at the excess clay.
A single color of brown didn’t really sing to me. I felt the frogs lacked depth. After their first coat, I went back and blended in a lighter shade of brown.
Things I would do differently…
These pattern weights turned out exactly how I expected them! I’m extremely pleased with them!
That being said, I do wish I could have the frogs molded in different positions.
I don’t feel confident enough in my clay molding skills to make frogs in different poses. Maybe one day!
As far as pattern weights go, I would like to try other variations.
I think it would be fairly simple to do Golden Snitch weights or really any of the quidditch equipment!
Overall, I enjoyed this project very much and there is not a whole lot I would change. I really just want to explore my decorating options!
If you make these ornaments, make sure you tag them with #DarkkFluriDIY so I can see your creations!
Until next time, stay crafty!
