DIY Polymer Clay Friendship Bracelets

My Cheeky Monkeys are HUGE fans of creating with polymer clay (I can't blame them, really!) so we are constantly thinking of new things to create with our stash.  Our latest project involved making simple "friendship bracelets" with polymer clay feature beads and gorgeous rainbow-coloured rattail cord.  Here's how you can make your own for all of your friends!

Supplies

- polymer clay (whichever brand you prefer) in a range of colours

- 2mm or 3mm wide rainbow rattail cord (we used 12-15cm per bracelet)

- foldover cord end crimps (2 per bracelet)

- 6-7mm jump rings (2 per bracelet)

- lobster claw clasp (1 per bracelet)

- wooden skewer or toothpick

- jewellery pliers

Method

1. Make a feature bead for each bracelet using 2-3 favourite or matching colours of polymer clay.  Mix the colours together till you are happy with the marbled effect (but be careful not to mix too thoroughly or your colours will meld together into a new colour rather than giving a marbled or swirled pattern).

Form the bead into your preferred shape, anything goes really, as long as the bead can bake evenly.  Poke a hole through the middle of your bead with a wooden skewer or toothpick, then carefully reshape your bead if it has become a little lopsided.

When you have enough beads, bake them as per the manufacturer's instructions.  Leave them to cool once fully baked.

2. Cut the rattail cord to your required length.  Attach a crimp to one end of the cord, adding a little glue to the end of the cord if desired.  Open a jump ring and attach the clasp to the cord crimp.

3. Thread a bead onto the free end of rattail cord.  Attach a crimp to the free end of the cord, as in step 2.  Open the last jump ring and attach it to this second cord crimp.

And there you have it, delightfully bright and colourful bracelets for you and all of your friends!