Contributor post by Penelope and Pip.

I am loving the pastel colours that are already popping up this summer so when I stumbled across some gold leaf at my local hardware store last weekend I instantly thought of this cute DIY project with polymer clay.

This pretty necklace takes no time at all to make and will look great at a summer party.




Lets get started with materials:


Materials:

1. Polymer clay
2. Blade
3. Hole poking tool (I don't know what the fancy name for that is!)
4. Natural twine
5. Glass
6. Card
7. Baking tray
8. Jewellery findings
9. Gold leaf (I found mine at the hardware store)

The steps are super easy:





Step 1: Condition your clay by rolling it in the palm of your hand for a couple of minutes until it is soft and pliable.

The great thing about polymer is you can mix colours. I made this pretty apricot colour with a bright orange and some white. Luckily the other pastel colours were in stock at the shop.


Step 2: Use the glass to roll out the clay, making sure it is even. If you don't use an even sided glass you won't be able to get the clay an even thickness.

If you have an acrylic rolling pin that will be even easier to use!


Step 3: Use your blade to cut a triangle shape. You could get fancy and do a hexagon but I was a bit too mathematically challenged for that on a Friday afternoon!


Step 4: Use something to poke a hole in the top for your cord. I actually have a special polymer hole puncher, but you could use a knitting needle or something similiar.


Step 5: Place you triangle face down on a piece of gold leaf, making sure it has a straight edge at the top.


Step 6: Turn it over and use the gold leaf backing to rub the leaf on to the polymer. Rub it pretty hard to get it nice and smooth.

You can then tear away the excess gold leaf to leave a lovely triangle of gold like below.


Step 7: After you have finished making all of your pieces if you are making more than one necklace, put all of the pieces onto a card and place on a baking tray reading for baking.

Follow your clay's instructions to bake. I had to bake mine at 130 deg Celsius for 15 minutes. It is a good idea to cover the tray in aluminum foil to ensure no fumes escape into the stove. The clay packet says it is fine for a domestic oven, but I like to be safe.


Step 8: Once your pieces are cooked and cooled, thread the cord through, tie a knot and then attach your findings to the top, making sure you have the desired length.

You could even add a few together for a tiered look.


Now all you have to do is decide what to match it with and enjoy wearing some pretty pastels for summer!

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Rachael is an illustrator from Brisbane, Australia and is the creator of the whimsical world of Penelope and Pip. You can sneak a peek at her illustrations here and see what other projects and adventures are inspiring her on her blog too.