Sculpey III® Holiday Wonder Festive Tree 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 20 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.

From Wreath Green make a series of flat beads that range in size from a small ball to 1/2” in diameter. When these stack up they will make a cute little Christmas tree. Pierce holes in each one.

From Jolly Gold make a thick little pancake 5/8” in diameter. Score little lines around the outer edges with the tip of an Etch ‘n Pearl.

Pinch the areas between the score lines to form star points. Pierce the star from side to side with the Medium Etch ‘n Pearl.

Make 13 Snowy White ball beads 3/8” in size. Make 11 Jolly Gold ball beads 3/8” in size. Make 24 Holly Red flat spacer beads 1/2” in diameter. Pierce all the beads and place them on the Bead Baking Rack. Bake all the beads, including the Christmas tree beads and the star following the baking instructions in Step 1. NOTE: To quickly and easily create beads the same size, roll the clay out flat and use a small cutter (any shape) to cut the same volume for each of the beads. Roll into a ball. Test with the first bead to see if it's the right amount of clay for the size ball indicated above.

When the beads are completely cool, string them on monofilament or other thin beading cord in the order shown, including the flat discs you made for the tree.

At the end of each string, place a crimp bead. Go through the crimp bead, string on a jump ring and then go back through the crimp. Smash the crimp with pliers as close as you can to the last clay bead. Feed some of the cord tails through the clay beads near by and then trim the tails

Add the red and green chains to the jump rings. Your necklace will need to be at least 24” long to be put on over your head. If you like you can add a clasp to the chain