Clay Jewelry

Howdy! So nice to see you today!

This week, I'm taking you on a shopping trip

to the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

in New York City.

I can spend many hours here to savor a snack

and browse through the shelves.

This is what I bought -- I'm trying out the crafts

with my blah to TADA! touch.

On Page 37, the author has a recipe

for clay jewelry.

Here's what we'll need:

3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup salt

1 tbsp warm water or as needed {I used 8 tablespoons}

liquid tempera paint & paint brush

Mix together the flour, cornstarch & salt.

Add water gradually until the mixture

forms a soft dough.

Roll the mixture into balls to make beads.

Allow the beads to dry for a few hours,

then poke a hole using a skewer.

Allow to dry.

The smaller the beads,

the faster the drying time.

{It took me about a week to get

the beads to fully dry & harden.}

Here's what they look like.

Now, it's time to paint!

To quickly get paint all over the bead, use this

trick of putting each bead on a skewer.

You'll need two to three coats of paint.

Make sure to paint the bottom hole too,

once the bead is removed from the skewer.

Let this dry for a few hours.

TADA! Your very own handmade beads!

String them on thread (regular or elastic).

And make your own jewelry like a necklace or bracelet!

This is a fun summer activity for kids

that they can proudly wear.