20. Sculptural Polymer Clay & Gold Leaf Pebble Necklace
What This Idea Means
Mimicking tumbled river stones and gilded marble, this artistic necklace strings lightweight organic polymer clay “pebbles” detailed with gold leafing onto an adjustable leather cord.
How to Make It
- Roll Clay Pebbles: Roll polymer clay into asymmetrical pebble shapes of varying sizes (from 15mm to 30mm).
- Apply Gold Leafing: Press sheets of gold leafing onto select sides of raw clay pebbles, rubbing gently to create cracked marble veins.
- Pierce Bead Holes: Pierce generous center holes through each pebble using a thick knitting needle.
- Bake and Sand: Bake pebbles on a baking tray according to clay package directions. Once cool, buff uncoated clay sections with 600-grit sandpaper for a smooth matte finish.
- Assemble on Cord: String pebbles onto a 30-inch adjustable leather cord, knotting sliding sliding knots at the ends for variable length wear.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Buffing baked polymer clay with a denim fabric scrap gives the clay a natural satin sheen without needing liquid varnish.
- Variation: Add real crushed turquoise chips embedded into the clay pebbles before baking.
What You Need
- Polymer clay (White, Charcoal, Granite)
- Gold leaf sheets
- Thick knitting needle & 600-grit sandpaper
- Denim cloth scrap
- 2mm round leather cord
