![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/4b3fed33-410c-4999-9689-7140552e9666.jpg)
Statement necklaces are the hottest summer accessory -- and easy to make! Use polymer clay to create large colorful beads and string tropically inspired jewelry. Make a large batch of handmade necklaces to give as economical gifts and party favors.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
- Bake-able Polymer Clay in Various Colors
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Bamboo Skewers or Toothpicks
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Clay Sculpting and Cutting Tools
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Clear Sealer
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Cotton or Nylon Cord
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Scissors
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Wood Beads
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Brass Washers or Hex Nuts
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Cookie Sheet
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Parchment Paper
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Optional : Silicon Mat
READ MORE PROJECTS BY LINDSEY ON EHOW
Step 1: Prep Your Work Area & Materials
Work on a piece of parchment paper or silicon mat to prevent clay residue from staining surfaces. Be sure your work surface is free of dust-- debris will stick to unbaked clay and lighter colors will show lint easily. Use a knife or cutting tool to cut workable pieces of clay and knead in your hands to soften.
![Standard blocks of polymer clay can be cut into 8ths for large beads or 16ths for small beads.](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/4d347ac4-1a7c-4c82-b529-d6d46ade8b44.jpg)
Step 2: Make Small Beads
Roll small pieces (16th cuts) into balls and flatten with your hands to a 1/4" thickness. Use a coring tool or toothpick, pierce a hole through the center of the bead and set aside for baking.
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/7c91b12a-b20a-4e80-b347-aa06d400288d.jpg)
Step 3: Make Large beads
Roll a 1/8 piece of clay into a ball with your hands and set aside. To create Polka Dots pinch off small bits of clay in a contrasting color and roll into small balls. Space evenly, and roll in your hands to flatten into dots.
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/aa1be1e2-40a0-467c-81f8-5896fbee30d3.jpg)
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/5e053b08-ca5d-47e5-9be4-892e3b343bfb.jpg)
Step 4: Coring Beads
Create two flat sides by pressing the sphere with your fingers or a flat surface (I used a ruler). Using a bamboo skewer or coring tool create a hole through the center of the bead large enough to string a thick cord through it.
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/cb09c83b-f87b-40f8-9bcd-7ff74605658e.jpg)
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/da710eea-3f63-4c64-902c-397422acc218.jpg)
Step 5: Baking
Space beads evenly on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake according to directions on packaging.
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/52a2e506-cc23-424c-bb02-c75a32253557.jpg)
Step 6: Stringing
After your beads have baked and cooled they're ready to string! Baked beads have a matte finish--if you're looking for shine just add a coat of gloss sealer and let dry before adding to a necklace.
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/5ff7405e-cf17-4274-9447-f81e915cb327.jpg)
String your handmade beads along with wood beads on your choice of cord. Use brass washers or hex nuts from the hardware store for alternative spacers. Symmetry is optional -- add eight to ten large beads to a cord, tie ends in a knot and wear!
![](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/0407351f-32c3-4af5-9610-405d46cc7252.jpg)
![Wear one...or four!](http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/0ef076f6-9d88-4eda-ac1b-c6dc5a97f110.jpg)
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