Don't you love that feeling when you come upon a really expensive necklace that you can easily make yourself? Lots of times I see cool necklaces that are way beyond my skills so when I find something simple, colorful & cute that I can recreate I do a little internal happy dance. Please tell me I'm not the only one making a fool of myself at Michaels? Anyone?
Anyway, a similar necklace was calling my name. So I bought a colorful pack of clay and had a fun afternoon of crafting with Caroline - we made another necklace that I'll show you soon! Read on for full instructions.
Clay Chain Necklace Instructions
Step 1: Work the clay in your hand until it loosens up. Then take a small piece and roll in out into a snake. (This is the part that kids love.)
Step 2: Decide your color combination. I used 3 colors for the black & white necklace and 4 colors for the more colorful versions. Shape into a chain with 9 links and bake according to directions.
Step 3: When it has cooled off just knot leather cord to each end and add a dab of glue.
Step 4: Cut the ends off the cord and tie the ends around your neck. So easy, right?
I actually made clay link bracelets awhile back but found it a bit challenging to get them on and off. But you could easily wear this on your arm and use the cord as a closure (why didn't I think of that sooner?!)
janada says
What kind of clay do you use?
is there a brand that you recommend?
gerbermom says
Julie, thanks so much for the feature! I can't wait to check it out!
gerbermom says
Girl, I'm nursing and I still rock that necklace - go for it! :) Thanks for the blog invite!
Holly Lefevre says
This is a super fun idea. What a great looking piece of jewelry too!
gerbermom says
Holly, thank you so much for the kind words! I had a fun time making these little clay creations. Thanks for stopping by - You have such a great blog :)
Printabelle says
Very cute! My daughter is a big polymer clay crafter, but I don't think she has ever made links like this, thanks for sharing!
gerbermom says
Thanks for stopping by! I bet you daughter has make some fun stuff with the clay!
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
Your necklaces are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this excellent tutorial - this is such a great frugal and fashionable idea!
gerbermom says
Thanks April! I'm all about frugal & fashionable ideas :) Thanks for stopping by!
Becca says
Your necklaces look JUST LIKE THE $75 one!
This is so awesome, I can't wait to try it. I've never worked with clay. (Well, since I was younger)
gerbermom says
You will love clay Becca - it is so much fun! Let me know how it turns out!
Bromeliad says
So cute. Snakes is all the further I got in my clay molding skills, so this should be doable.
gerbermom says
Haha, that's about as far as my clay skills go too! Have fun :)
Nicole@Show Off Friday Blog Hop says
That is such a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
You always have the best ideas for clay! I have a bunch of packages sitting in my craft room just waiting to be made into a necklace.
Megan says
What a great idea! It looks fantastic. Megan
Susanna says
I got to wear one and it is lovely--great job sis!
Jennifer says
Sooooo cool! I suck at working with clay but you look like a pro!
gerbermom says
the "snakes" are so easy that anyone can make them - actually the whole necklace is pretty easy! just try and see.
nancy @ adore to adorn says
this is such a great DIY! And it looks exactly alike! Love your take
xo,
nancy
gerbermom says
thanks! I'm quite proud myself (wink!)
Mandy Pellegrin says
Oh. My. That is wonderful. It's about the cutest, most clever project I've seen in a while. Yet so simple! If only I'd thought of it first... :)
gerbermom says
Aw, thanks Mandy! I love these easy types of projects! :)
gerbermom says
oh, thank you Mandy! and thanks for sharing on your blog as well!