How to Make Clay Necklaces

If Mom's still got your grade-school drawings tucked away somewhere, we know what she wants on her day: something you made with your own two hands. Sculpt bold beads or a posh pendant out of good old oven-hardening molding clay, then add stylish details, and you'll have a grown-up accessory that she'll display with pride.

woman wearing clay pendant necklace
Photo: CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

If you're looking for things to make out of clay, these clay necklaces are just the thing. Making these crescent-and-tube pendants is even easier than baking cookies. Once you've picked out clay colors, beads, and cording, just gather a craft knife, a glass or two to help you trace the half-moon shape, and a small metal rod to wrap clay around to make tube beads. (Oh, and your oven, to heat them till they're done.) These clay necklaces make for the perfect DIY Mother's Day gift or birthday present.

What You'll Need

Materials

  • Oven-hardening clay (Fimo soft clay)
  • Craft knife
  • Drinking glass
  • Drinking straw
  • Small metal rod
  • Leather cord
  • Assorted brass beads

Instructions

  1. assorted clay tube and crescent shaped pendants
    Chelsea Cavanaugh

    For the half-moon pendant, knead two colors of clay together for a marbleized effect, if desired. Roll out the clay into a disc about 1/4-inch thick.

  2. Using a craft knife, cut the clay into a half-moon shape. An overturned drinking glass or small bowl can help guide the shape of the curves. Add holes at either end with a drinking straw.

  3. Bake the clay in an oven according to the package. Let it cool completely.

  4. Thread a leather cord through a brass tube bead, through one hole in the clay, then tuck the tail of the leather cord back through the brass tube bead to secure. Repeat on the other side.

  5. For the tube pendant, roll out clay into a tube about 1/4-inch thick.

  6. Wrap the clay around a small metal rod to shape it, then remove rod. Shape it into a slight curve.

  7. Bake the clay in an oven according to the package. Let it cool completely.

  8. Thread the tube pendant with the cord. Finish with the brass rods or more beads.

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