HIGH on DIY

One can never have enough accessories, so here’s one more you can DIY. It is inspired by the beautiful Panacea Colorblock Bib Necklace. I really loved it’s shape but I switched up the colors in my recreated version. I have been wanting to use oven-bake clay for a while and this DIY was the perfect chance. I have never baked anything before and the first time I baked, it was the clay for this colorblock bib necklace DIY and not some delicious cake or cookie! Anyhow, lets get started.

Here’s what you will need:

• Oven-Bake Clay in Two Colors (I used Sculpey — Premo! Fuchsia and Premo! Accents Peacock Pearl)
• Chain in Gold (Two 20cm pieces)
• 11 Small Jump Rings in Gold & a Clasp
• Necklace Template
• Mod-Podge in Gloss & Brush/Sponge
• E-6000 Glue
• Toothpick
• X-Acto Knife
• Jewelry Plier
• Rolling Pin (optional)

Step 1: Tale 1/4th of the Peacock Pearl clay and condition it between your hands until it’s soft. Then flatten the clay using your hands or a rolling pin.

Step 2: Print out the necklace template on a A4 sheet to get the correct sizes of the shapes. Using the X-Acto knife, trace out shape A from the flattened clay according to the template.

Step 3: Use the toothpick to make two holes on the corner edges of shape A to attach jumprings later.

Step 4: Condition the leftover clay from step 2 and trace out two shape Bs and two shape Cs. Take 1/4th of the Fuchsia clay and repeat steps 1 & 2 to trace out one shape D and two shape Es. Create the jumpring holes in shapes A, B and C.

Step 5: Place all the shapes on a baking tray and bake them according to the instructions on the packet. I baked mine for 30 minutes at 275 degree F.

Step 6: After the baked clay has cooled down for 10 – 15 minutes, add E-6000 at the back of shapes D and Es.

Step 7: Glue shape D on top of A and the two Es on top of the two Bs. Make sure not to glue over the jumpring holes on A & Bs. Then, let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes.

Step 8: Once the shapes are glued together, use the brush or sponge to apply a layer of Mod-Podge over all the shapes including the two Cs. Let it dry for 5 – 10 minutes.

Step 9: Looking at the necklace arrangement on the template, link the shapes accordingly with jumprings. Add one piece of 20cm chain on each outer end of the C shapes.

Step 10: To create the closure for the necklace, add a jumpring to one 20cm piece of chain and add a clasp to the other 20cm piece.

Then you are ready to add a pop of color to any of your winter outfits with this DIY colorblock necklace!

I really love trying out a new medium and I am happy with how my first work with clay turned out. I have more than 3/4ths of each color left to try make other jewelry pieces. I really hope you give this a try as it’s so much fun and you can make multiple necklaces with different colors and shapes. I would love to see what you made and hear any tips/tricks of working with clay. Follow along on Facebook & Pinterest to stay up to date with my  inspirations. Until next time, get your creative fix & stay HIGH on DIY!

I hope you all are having an amazing start to the new year! Before I start posting my 2013 fashion DIYs, I thought I will do a quick recap of my DIYs since August 2012 i.e. when I first launched this blog. There are DIY necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair pieces and skirts. Check them out, give few of them a try if you haven’t already and let me know which one is your most favorite!

Rodarte Shooting Star Hair Clip || Neon Beans Statement Necklace || Chain & Bead Bracelet

Scarf Print Wrap Skirt || Chain Wrapped Pink Earring || Safety-Pin & Sequins Bracelet

Geometric Triangle Chain Necklace || Cutout Gift Wrap || Jewel Embellished Skirt

To see what’s inspiring me for the upcoming DIYs, have a look at my Pinterest boards. Until next time, get your creative fix and stay HIGH on DIY!