Sculpey® III Multistrand Clay Tube Bracelet

Step 1:

Your Workspace:
Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Getting Started:
Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:
Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 15 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

Step 2:

Cut off 1/8 bar of each color. Condition each color by kneading with your fingers. Lightly marble the 3 colors together then roll into a tube that will fit into the extruder. Do not over mix.

Step 3:

Insert the clay in the extruder, put on die/core and cap and extrude out the tube - the 6 mm tub die and 4 mm core was used for this project. Place the tube gently on a baking surface shaped into a curve. Bake according to the directions above in Step 1.

Step 4:

Let the tube cool slightly, then cut into 1 1/2” sections while the tube is still warm. We will use 5 for this bracelet. You should have enough tubing for many more.

Step 5:

Cut the cording into ten 18” lengths. Reserve the rest for wraps. Thread the lengths through one bar end of the clasp. Center the bar end and fold the cords in half.

Step 6:

Wrap one of the small black rubber bands around the cords to secure.

Step 7:

Cut an additional 18” length of cord to wrap over the rubber band. Fold over about 1 1/2” at the end of the cord and lay on the folded end of the bundle of cords with the loop on the clasp end. Starting at the short end of the cording, wrap the longer length around the bundle, over the small loop, heading toward the clasp end. When you almost reach the end, put it through the small loop of the wrapping cord. Pull the first cut end of the wrapping cord so that the loop pulls the second end under all the wraps. Clip the ends close to the wraps.

Step 8:

Separate the 20 strands into 5 groups of 4. Thread a tube onto each group. Gather together all the cording and put through the other bar end of the clasp. At about the 5 1/4” point, fold all the cords over the clasp and wrap with a small black rubber band to secure. (This will make about a 7 1/2” bracelet. Adjust as needed to make it shorter or longer.)

Step 9:

Cut a 36” length of the cording to wrap this end. Follow the same technique as the other end to secure the cording and hide the rubber band. Trim off the ends of the 20 strands close to the wraps.

TIP - Variations can be made by using different colors of clay or cording, or different shaped extrusions. Instead of the clasp with bar ends, you could use two large rings to wrap the cording around and join with a large lobster clasp.