Sculpey III® Chunky Beaded Necklace

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work 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.

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 30 minutes per 1/4" (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.

Condition 1/2 block each of Navy Pearl and Garnet Glitter clay. Following the directions on the Bead Maker tool, form one 18 mm Garnet Glitter ball and two 18 mm Navy Pearl balls.

Press each ball so they are flat on two sides and to the following approximate thicknesses; Garnet Glitter = 11 mm and Navy Pearl = 12 mm.

Use the chisel end of one of the Dual End Detail Tools to make indentations all the way around the Garnet Glitter piece.

Use the smallest ball end of one of the Dual End Detail Tools to make small indentations all around both Navy Pearl pieces.

Condition 1/4 block of Pearl clay. Roll the Pearl clay and the left-over Garnet Glitter clay into small logs. Press the two logs of clay together and twist until you have a marbled pattern.

Use the Bead Maker to roll two 16 mm balls of the marbled Garnet Glitter and Pearl clay. Press these two balls so they are flat on two sides and approximately 11 mm thick.

Use the Bead Maker to roll two 13 mm balls of Pearl clay. Press these two balls of clay so they are flat on two sides and approximately 11 mm thick.

Repeat this process to marble Navy Pearl, Garnet Glitter, and Pearl clay. Use the Bead Maker to roll two 13 mm balls of this three-color marbled clay. Press the two balls of clay so they are flat on two sides and approximately 11 mm thick.

Use the medium size Etch ‘n Pearl tool to make the holes through each of the beads. Center the tip of the tool on one of the flat sides of the bead. Slowly twist the point all the way through to the opposite side of the bead.

Once you have poked a hole all the way through the bead, pull the tool out of the bead and re-insert the point through from the other side of the bead.

Note: Since the tool is tapered, pushing the tool from only one side can result in a hole that is not an even diameter all the way through the bead.

After you have finished opening the hole check that the cord will fit through the hole. If the hole is not large enough re-insert the tool and continue twisting through the hole to widen the hole. Continue this process as needed until the cord easily slides through the hole.

Repeat this process with the remaining beads.

Bake all the beads as directed in Step 1 above and let cool. Slide the beads onto the cord and finish the ends of the cord as desired.