Work Hard, Clay Hard
These DIY polymer clay necklaces are simply stunning. Polymer is a type of modeling clay that is inexpensive, easy to work with, and widely available. With a vivid selection of colors to choose from, it’s an ideal substance for making jewelry and other everyday crafting projects. With just a few basic materials and a set of easy-to-follow steps, the results will leave you feeling both stylish and stress free! We’re so happy with how these turned out, we made a few to keep for ourselves – follow the trend!
Tools & Materials
- Polymer Clay
- Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brush
- Clasp
- 2 x Small Jump Rings
- 3mm Copper Bead or 3mm Copper Tubing (ours measures 1.5 inches long)
- 2mm Thick Chain (ours measures approximately 22 inches long)
- Wire Cutters
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Jar or Rolling Pin
Steps
- Use a jar or a rolling pin to roll out the clay to make a 1/8 inch thick circle.
- Take the copper needle and gently push it into the clay lengthways.
- Use your fingers and your rolling pin to smooth out the edges and any bumps in the face of the necklace.
- Bake the necklace at 225F for 15 minutes or according to the packet instructions.
- Cover the copper noodle ends with tape.
- Mix a little water and acrylic paint to form a milky consistency.
- Dip the brush into the paint. Flick the brush tip with your finger to splatter the paint across the face of the necklace. You can practice this on paper first if you’d like to.
- Thread the chain through the copper noodle to half way.
- Attach the clasp to one of the jump rings then attach the jump ring to the chain. You can watch our video on attaching jump rings here.
- Attach the second jump ring to the other end of the chain.
- Wear your new handmade statement necklace with pride!
Tips
Pick a length of chain that suits you and your style. Go shorter for a choker-style or super-long for a more relaxed look. The length of our chain was 22 inches and our copper needle was 1.5 inches. There are polymer clays and acrylic paints in every color you can think of, so feel free to experiment here – try a metallic clay with hot pink paint, or maybe a neutral clay color with a pastel paint – the options really are endless!
Strut your Stuff!
Share photos of your completed polymer clay necklaces using #LoveLia – we can’t wait to see your beautiful creations! For more DIY project ideas, follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or begin a Lia Griffith membership today. Happy crafting ~ Lia & Team
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13 Comments
[…] Photo by: Lia Griffith […]
[…] your own Geometric Clay Necklace with this simple DIY! This easy project can be made in a variety of colors and paints to create an […]
Just 15 min in the oven?
It depends on the brand of clay, and your oven! I’d check every 5 minutes to be safe.
it’s just beautiful!!! thanks for the tutorial!
So glad you like it!
Where can I get a clasp like that?
It’s called a lobster clasp– you can find them on Amazon or any online jewelry store, and likely any craft store near you that sells jewelry supplies!
Such a great and simple guide! Love it!
So glad you love it!
What an amazing designer gemstone jewelry especially its design it’s just next to the awesome.
You may want to include the copper noodle in your list of materials. Wondering if that is what you’d look for on-line, “copper noodle?”
Oh goodness, thank you for catching that! I updated the link for an actual copper bead, BUT you can use 3mm copper tubing and cut to size, too!