While this project was originally created as a lanyard for CHA - it
would also make a unique accent necklace. It’s chunky, rich toned
colors and bit of fiber fringe would be great layered over a cozy
sweater. Create it in pastel or bright tones, use a bit of cheerful
ribbon instead of fiber, and it would be a funky accent over a spring or
summer t-shirt. The best part is it could not be easier to create.
All you need is a multi-color package of
Makin’s Clay®, good sharp heavy scissors like
Westcott
Titanium Non-Stick scissors, and fiber or ribbon. I used Vineyard Tones clay that
was actually old, outdated and had been accidentally left in storage in
my attic. I could have reconstituted it with water (another great thing
about Makin’s Clay®), but instead I used it in the brick form it was
already dried in and sliced it into beads with the heavy scissors. The
fiber was strung onto an upholstery needle and then pushed through the
center of the square beads. To re-create this
technique if you don’t
happen to have
old, outdated, dried clay bricks (gee, who wouldn’t have those around
in their creative stash?) first open the box of clay, and remove the
individual colors from the outside packaging. Carefully remove
packaging from individual colors (if clay sticks to packaging during
removal, you can hand form your bricks again - I liked the random effect
on the sides of the dried clay so don’t create perfectly smooth bricks
unless you desire that effect. Let dry at least overnight. Carefully
slice into chunks using heavy scissors. String onto ribbon or fiber in
desired pattern, allowing space between each cluster of beads so
ribbon/fiber shows. Add closure mechanism and your finished.
- Cindi Bisson