DIY Faux Metal Geometric Necklace using Clay

Do you know I love metals and especially mixed metals? If you are following me here, you would have already read my DIY Mixed Metal Jump Ring Necklace. Recently , I fell in love with the geometric shapes necklaces which are dainty and sheek. Those necklaces retail for $50 or above.So, I thought I would try to recreate that look for less.In order to achieve that, I am using various metal chains and metallic accents clay to create different geometric looks. Join with me to learn how to create faux metal geometric necklaces.

Materials Required :

Polymer Clay in metallic colors
Cookie Cutters in various sizes
Conditioning Machine(optional) or Roller
Plastic wrap(optional)
Chain
Jump Rings
Lobster Clasp
Pliers
Ball tool (optional)
Scissors(Optional)
Xacto Knife(Optional)
Ruler(Optional)
Pencil(Optional)
Paper(Optional)
Liquid Clay(Optional)

Step 1: Preparing the pendant using cookie cuttersCondition the clay using conditioning machine or roller and prepare a clay sheet that fits the large size cookie cutter.Wrap the clay sheet with the plastic wrap and cut the shape.Plastic wrap is used here to get a clean and domed edge.It is totally optional.Once you get the shape wrap the shape with plastic wrap again and use the next smallest size cookie cutter of same shape to cut the shape. Align the cookie cutter in such a way that the edges are of equal length and that's it. Your dainty triangle pendant is ready or baking. If you don't have various size of cookie cutters , don't worry .Next step is for you.

Step 2 :Preparing the pendant using paper template

If you don't have various size of cookie cutters, draw the desired shape in a paper and cut it with the scissors. Use that as a template to create your pendant.

Place the paper template on the clay sheet and go through the clay on the edges of the template using xacto knife. Your basic shape is ready.Next use ruler and pencil to draw your next size of the same shape by measuring equal distance on all sides.Cut the template using scissors.Place the template on the already cut shape and repeat the steps to create the pendant

Step 3:Texturing your pendants

You don't need hammer and texturing tools to give that look. A simple ball tool or even bobby pins will work for this technique.Just use the ball tool and keep dotting all over the clay piece to give the hammered look. Arrange the pieces as desired. You don't need extra glue to secure the pieces and if you are too much worried whether the clay pieces will stick together or not, use small amount of liquid clay to secure the clay pieces in place. I tried it without any liquid clay and the pieces came out perfectly.(Just in case, if you want to know how it worked for me ;))

Step 4:Design idea using circles

I used the basic technique and made various sizes of circles in different metal accents and joined all at one edge.

Step 5:Triangle design and baking the clay pendants

In similar way , I also made a various triangle sizes and place one above the other. Finally, once you are done with making of pendant. Line the baking sheet with a piece of paper(This is done to avoid glossy texture on the underside while baking ) and place the pendants above. Bake it (As per instructions on the package). I used premo sculpey so I baked at 275 F for 40 minutes.(I usually bake them for few minutes extra than specified)

Step 6:Finishing the necklaces

I used big jump rings to connect the pendant and chain for the squares necklaces and for the other two necklaces I used Lark's head knot(also know as Cow Hitch) . This is a simple knot .Fold the 18" chain into half and pass the folded end through the pendant(as shown in the picture 3) and now pass the the other end of the chain through the loop created to form the knot.(as shown in the picture 4). I used single knot for circle necklace and two knots on either side for triangle necklace. I did not want to spoil the looks of the pendant by piercing holes in it and so I followed the above method. If you don't want to follow method above, alternatively you use a small piece of clay to secure a jump ring on the back side of the pendant or pierce a hole as you normal do. I will not recommend piercing a hole as it may affect the strength of the pendant holding to chain because the width clay is too small however if you try larger width you can follow that method.

Use jump ring and a pliers to attach clasp to the end of the chain and a jump ring on the other chain end to act as a closure.And voila !! Your chains are now ready to rock.

Hope you enjoyed learning how to make these faux metal geometric necklaces.If you make any these be sure to share a picture with me in any of the social media.I would love to see your creations. Share what you think in the comments below.