Thursday, May 21, 2009

Faux Agate Bracelet

Today marks the very last day of school here in Anchorage. Yes, you heard me--the last day.

So my plan is this: I'll be posting one kid-friendly craft each Wednesday from my files all summer long to help you with ideas for entertaining your kids. Because we're in this together you know.

I did this two years ago and it was great so trust me on this.

Anyway, today here's a fun and easy craft (it's easier than it looks). You'll need polymer clay, something to string the beads on and you've got yourself a fun pebble bracelet.

I used Sculpey brand polymer clay in "translucent" because it turns slightly yellow as it bakes, giving it that nice agate look. All the kids need to do is roll out a small little ball of the stuff then poke a safety pin through the center and bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes. Let it cool then string it on dental floss or bead wire, depending on how fancy you'd like to go.

For the bluish and greenish agate pebbles I used a tiny ball of blue or green then put a very thin layer of the translucent over the top then worked it in a little bit before shaping. If you want the rocks to be a little shinier you can brush them with a thin layer of Mod Podge to give them a very slight luster such as the real rocks would have but that's just icing.

I think it's quite pretty--a nice little Mother's Day present or Christmas present down the road.

As for this one, I'm sticking it in my Etsy shop.

Sponsored by Pink and Blue for unique baby gifts to make them "ooh" and "ahh."

17 comments:

Pam D said...

Ca-yute! and pretty, too... I think I may have to have the girls next door over and let them make these for their mom, grandmom, and aunts... what a great idea! I'll be tuning in throughout the summer for more kid-crafty ideas...

Jolanthe said...

Pretty!! :) I'd have to go off in search of string...since the only dental floss we have is minty fresh. :)

Jolanthe

Flea said...

What fun! We have yet to try Sculpey. Maybe this is our summer ...

Anonymous said...

Fun idea. I even have the supplies because I've been making pie magnets. I've never used modge podge in this way.

Do you put it on before you bake the pebbles?

I'm looking forward to these crafting Wednesdays. I'll be a very popular auntie this summer. :-)

carrhop said...

Didn't know there was a translucent type! How great! Looks wonderful and looking forward to the summer craft posts!

Blessings!

jacjewelry said...

I used to love Sculpey clay! I made all kinds of figurines with it - kitties mainly. If you have several different colors, you can twist them together to get striped beads!

Patois42 said...

Your recommendations for Sculpey use are the BEST! Another one for me to bookmark to do again and again.

a Tonggu Momma said...

That is very pretty and soft. I like pretty and soft. But the real reason I'm leaving a comment is...

It's the last day of school? What - is winter finally over up there?

Maddy said...

I may have to avoid this one as the distinction between 'rock' and 'pebble' might be too much of a challenge. I don't want to find myself attached to a ball and chain!
Cheers

Suzie B. said...

Okay. I have to ask this. Is Scribbit an alias for Martha Stewart? When do you find time to do all that you do?!

jean said...

I never would have said that was made with polymer clay. I loved the soft colors. Another great job!

Scribbit said...

Glad you like it--and JOlanthe, the minty fresh angle would just add to the aura :)

Fruitful--I put it on after it's baked and cooled.

Tonggu--yup. Last day. And the weather this month has been fabulous. I sneaked in 10 days early and planted my flower beds yesterday.

Suzie :) So nice of you! Actually, I did the project while sitting on my front steps in the sunshine watching the empty street in front of me. Very relaxing morning with nothing to do and it was great.

Unknown said...

Lovely craft.

The kids have finished school? How long for?

Ours finish at end of June, and return at beginning of September.

Must check out your etsy store.

M said...

Loved these posts a couple summers ago and plan to love them all summer long!

Thanks!

Lisa said...

Oh I love that! I should give it a try, too!

Have a happy summer!

Jill in MA said...

And to think, I just took my daughter to the bead store to pick out beads and make earrings for her pre-school teachers. We could have made our own beads instead!! Nice idea!

daysease said...

such fun!! and, even great for a birthday party craft!!! or favor!!!