Hi! It's aardvark - this is my first instructable. I hope you have as much fun making this necklace as I did!

Step 1: Materials:

You will need:

toothpicks/paperclip
scissors
1 packet of sculpey clay
ruler
cord or string
hobby knife and 2 blades
a pen or pencil (this will be used later on for marking)
a square clay mold (optional)
fasteners (optional)

You can modify the design by using different coloured sculpey or string. I do not have any commercial connection to sculpey, I just like polymer clay.

Step 2: Mold the Sculpey Clay

Mold the sculpey into long rectangular logs. I used my square mold but you can use your hands and still achieve the same result.

Step 3: Cut the Logs

Without being too fussy I cut my logs into ~1/2" pieces and sloped a few. The sloping will help for a more natural look when we have finished. The hobby knife helps to get a nice clean cut, but I did notice that sometimes the clay stuck to it.

Step 4: Faceting

Faceting is basically just a fancy word for making even more faces/vertices on a shape. Next cut off pieces of the shapes we just cut so that it has more angles and looks more interesting.

Step 5: Making Holes

Now we are going to make the holes we will thread our string through. You can either use a paperclip or a toothpick to make the holes but you want it wide enough to thread your cord through. You do not need to stick the toothpicks into a box (as it is not air dry clay) - I used a box as a contrast so you could see how to position the holes.

Step 6: Cooking Time

Lay your beads on a greaseproof paper lined tray (so the beads don't stick to the tray). Cook the beads according to the instructions on your clay packet. When they come out of the oven leave them until they are completely cool. If you use them while they are hot, you risk breaking them.

Step 7: Compiling the Necklace

Cut two ~36" (90cm) pieces of string and find half of both. At 6" (15cm) out from halfway on either side mark with a pencil. On the left side tie a double knot like I have done (in the photo). Then thread one bead on each strand of string and tie as tightly as possible. Keep on threading the beads, and knot after each bead, and then tie another double knot when you finish your beads.

Note: Make enough beads to reach from one 6" mark to the other, this will mean your fastener or knot will be at the back of your neck.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

If your ends of string are not even trim to make them even. Then you can attach a fastener to each side but I actually prefer just to double knot the ends as it should just slide over your head.

Thankyou so much for looking at this instructable. Please comment below if you thought anything could be done better or if you have any questions. If you made it please show me as I really want to see my design in action and hit the "I made it" button below.

Be an aardvark, do something different!