Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-13 Origin: Site
Ever wanted to make a medal that's more than just metal? Something personal, meaningful, and fun to create? Whether you're a teacher, parent, or event planner, this guide is for you. Making your own medal is easier than you think.
In this post, you'll learn simple DIY methods, material options, and creative ways to personalize your medal.
A DIY medal is something you create by hand using everyday materials like clay, cardboard, or recycled items. Unlike store-bought or factory-made medals, these are unique, often personal, and can reflect the spirit of your event or celebration. They don't need special machines or expensive materials—just creativity and a bit of time.
While professional medals are made to exact standards and often in large batches, DIY medals are usually crafted in smaller quantities. That makes them perfect for school competitions, family gatherings, birthday parties, or casual sports events. You can design every part of it, from shape to color to ribbon, and even add someone's name or a message to make it special.
DIY medals are also a smart choice when you're working with a tight budget. If you need just a few medals and don't want to spend money on custom manufacturing or shipping, this option works well. They also make great handmade gifts or keepsakes when you want something heartfelt instead of generic.
They may not last forever like metal ones, but they hold meaning that mass-produced medals often miss. Whether you're celebrating effort, creativity, or teamwork, homemade medals offer a chance to turn any moment into a lasting memory.
Before you start making your own medal, it helps to gather the right materials. You don't need fancy tools or professional supplies. In fact, most of the things you'll use can be found at home or in a basic craft store.
Clay is one of the most popular options. You can use air-dry clay or polymer clay depending on how you want it to set. It's flexible, easy to shape, and holds paint well. If you're working with kids or want something quick, air-dry clay is the better pick.
Cardboard is another great choice. It's cheap, lightweight, and can be cut into almost any shape. You just trace a circle or other design and cut it out. It's simple, but with a bit of paint or glitter, it looks great.
If you don't want to start from scratch, try found objects. Things like metal canning lids, plastic bottle caps, or even old toy parts work well as medal bases. They're already shaped and sturdy, so you save time.
To shape and decorate your medal, a few basic tools make everything easier. Cookie cutters are great for clay if you want perfect circles or fun shapes. Scissors are a must if you're using cardboard or fabric.
You'll also need paints, markers, or anything that adds color. Glue comes in handy to attach pieces or decorations. And don't forget the ribbons—these are what turn your creation into a wearable medal. You can use any kind of fabric or string, but ribbon works best.
Finally, a hole punch or awl lets you make a hole at the top. That's where the ribbon goes through. If your material is thick, try using a sharp tool to poke a clean hole without tearing it.
Making your own medal doesn't require special skills. Just follow a few simple steps, and you'll have something personal and fun to show off.
Start by picking the material for your medal. Clay is easy to shape and works well for detailed designs. It's a great pick for kids or crafts that need a bit more creativity. Cardboard is flatter and lighter, perfect for quick projects or classroom settings. Found objects like canning lids or bottle caps are sturdy, ready-made shapes that save time. Each material has strengths, so think about your audience. Will they wear it? Display it? Use that to decide which base makes sense.
Once you've picked your base, it's time to give it form. Roll clay to the thickness you want, then press a cookie cutter or shape it by hand. Don't forget to smooth the edges. For cardboard, trace and cut your shape using scissors. Found objects are already shaped, but you can modify or layer them if needed. Just make sure the medal isn't too heavy or sharp if someone's going to wear it. A palm-sized piece works best for comfort and safety.
Now it gets fun. Clay medals let you etch in names, draw symbols, or press textures using a toothpick or craft stick. Once dry, you can paint them with acrylics and even add glitter. For cardboard, grab your markers or stickers. Puffy paint adds a raised texture that makes the medal pop. If you're using found items, paint directly on them or glue on small decorations. Add personal touches like the person's name, the date, or what they achieved to make it meaningful.
To finish, punch a hole at the top of your medal. A regular hole punch works for cardboard, while a skewer or awl might be better for clay. Thread a ribbon through the hole, tie it in a knot or glue it in place so it doesn't come loose. Try colorful ribbons, strings, or even strips of fabric. You can match them to the medal theme or mix things up for a playful look. If the medal's heavy, double up the ribbon or use clips to secure it better.
Once your medal has shape and color, it's time to make it personal. Whether you're crafting just one or a dozen, adding details like names, dates, or logos turns it from a fun project into something truly special.
Using an engraving pen is a simple way to add text to a plastic or metal surface. These pens are small, affordable, and easy to find online or at craft stores. To get started, clean the surface and keep the medal steady. Lightly sketch your design or text first using a pencil if you're unsure. Then use the pen to trace over it slowly and evenly. For beginners, practicing on a spare piece can help avoid mistakes. Try short names or phrases to keep it clean and readable.
Laser labels are round stickers designed for quick customization. You print on them using a laser printer, then stick them to the back of your medal. They're great when you need something fast and consistent for a group. Flexibrass discs are a step up. They're thin plastic plates that look like metal. You can engrave them with a laser for a sharp finish. These are flexible, lightweight, and perfect for larger medals that might bend or break under real metal.
If you want color that pops, UV printing is the way to go. It lets you add bright logos, full-color images, or multicolored text directly to your medal surface. While full UV printing equipment isn't practical for most DIY setups, you can mimic the look using printed sticker paper or ordering pre-printed inserts. This method works well for event logos, school mascots, or anything bold. It's best used when appearance matters most and you want your medals to look polished in photos.
If you're looking for a creative and easy material, clay is a top choice. It's soft, safe to handle, and perfect for kids or beginners. You don't need a lot of tools, and mistakes are easy to fix. Just roll it out again and try a new shape.
Start by kneading the clay until it feels soft and easy to mold. Roll it flat with a bottle or roller, then cut out your medal shape. Cookie cutters make this fast, but you can shape it by hand if you like. Remember to make a small hole near the top while the clay is still soft. That's where your ribbon will go later.
Once shaped, let the clay air-dry for at least 24 hours. If you're using polymer clay, follow the baking instructions on the package. When it's dry or baked, it's time to paint. Acrylic paint works best. You can add one color or layer several for a bold look. Some people like to outline designs using a thin brush or even a toothpick.
Want more sparkle? Add glitter to the wet paint or use glue to stick on decorations. You can also emboss letters or designs while the clay is soft using a toothpick or stamp. When it's completely dry, seal it with a clear coat for extra shine and protection.
Making a DIY medal is fun, but designing one that looks great takes a little more thought. With the right choices in shape, color, and layout, your homemade medal can look just as impressive as a store-bought one.
The shape of your medal can completely change how it feels. Most people go with a circle, but you don't have to. Try stars, hearts, shields, or even animals to match your theme. Think about who's getting the medal and what fits the event. Size matters too. A medal that's too small can feel cheap, while one that's too big may be uncomfortable to wear. Aim for something that fits in your hand and feels solid, but not heavy.
Color sets the mood. Bright shades like red and yellow feel exciting. Blue or silver gives a calm, cool vibe. Think about color psychology, especially if your event has a theme or brand identity. If it's a school medal, use school colors. If it's for a race, bold colors pop in photos. Try to stick to two or three main colors so it doesn't feel messy. Use darker shades for backgrounds and lighter ones for text or details.
When you add words or logos, keep it simple and clear. Large, bold letters are easier to read. Use raised or recessed text if you're working with clay or metal. Avoid using too many words, especially if space is limited. You can place the name of the event or winner directly on the medal. If there's too much information, shift it to the ribbon instead. This keeps the design clean while still including all the important details.
The ribbon isn't just for wearing—it's part of your design. You can print logos, dates, or event names directly on it. This is useful when you want to add details without crowding the medal. Color-coding ribbons is another smart idea. Gold ribbons for first place, silver for second, bronze for third—it's easy to recognize at a glance. Ribbons can tie your whole design together, especially when they match the medal's color scheme.
DIY medals aren't just a backup option—they're often the better choice, depending on your situation. If you're working with a small group, like a classroom or family event, making medals by hand can feel more personal. You're not ordering hundreds, so there's no need for bulk pricing or minimum order limits. It's also a great way to show extra effort when recognizing individual achievements.
For people who enjoy crafts, DIY medals offer a chance to get creative. You're not stuck with templates or fixed designs. Want a pizza-shaped medal for a food challenge? Or a glitter-covered one for a school play? Go for it. You can match every detail to the event's vibe. Plus, it's fun. Kids, teachers, and even coworkers often enjoy making them together.
And then there's timing. Custom-made medals can take weeks to arrive. If your event is next weekend or you just remembered an award ceremony, DIY medals save the day. With simple materials and a few hours, you can pull something together that still feels thoughtful. You're in control of the schedule, so there's no waiting or worrying about delays.
Making your own medal is more than just a craft project. It's a chance to express creativity, personalize a keepsake, and even support eco-friendly choices. Whether you're honoring effort, celebrating fun, or working with a tight deadline, DIY medals let you design something that feels special and meaningful.
Clay, cardboard, and found objects like bottle caps or canning lids are all great choices. Each offers different benefits.
It depends on the materials. Clay medals usually dry in 24 hours. Cardboard medals can be made in under an hour.
Yes, with supervision. Air-dry clay and cardboard are safe and easy for children to use during craft time or events.
Use a hole punch or awl to make a hole. Thread the ribbon through and secure it with glue or a knot.
Definitely. With careful design, neat paint, and optional engraving or stickers, your medal can look polished and photo-ready.
