Conchas, Marranitos, y Polvorones = Does it get any sweeter than that? Mexican mini sweet breads made of clay can be made into a keychain, earrings, charm bracelet, or decor for your Dia de los Muertos altar.
Roll out small balls of the light tan (flesh) clay, approximately the size of a dime. Gently press the middle with your thumb. Roll out the pink clay into a thin sheet. Create a round template using the pencil and sheet of paper the size of each concha. Carefully cut around the circle then cut strips accordingly. Place then push the edges of each pink strip on the semi-flat tan ball. Gently dab all sides with the toothbrush to add texture.
Marranitos:
Cut-out the enclosed stencil. Thinly roll out the beige clay approximately 1/4-inch thick. Using the template and an Exacto knife, carefully cut out the piggy. Gently dab all sides with the toothbrush to add texture.
Polvarones:
Roll-out crayon-like strips of the pink, brown and yellow clay as pictured. Push the colored strips together into a triangular form. Slice individual cookie piece using the fishing line. Gently dab all sides with the toothbrush to add texture.
Place each miniature on parchment paper and bake according to the clay instructions. To make each miniature look as if it has been baked, shave a small amount of the brown pastel chalk onto a paper plate. Mix with a couple of drops of alcohol. Dab paint on each miniature after it has baked and has cooled.
To make keychains or jewelry, pierce each clay miniature with a flat end jewelry pin.
With the pin in place, bake the clay according to the instructions. After miniatures have cooled, use the round tip pliers to form a loop. Use the wire cutters to cut the excess pin wire. String chain on this loop and the other end on the o ring. Slide o ring onto the keyring.
Notes
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