Polymer clay and wood bead garland diy

Wood bead garlands have been a trending decor element for the past year and their popularity continues to soar amongst decorators and bloggers alike.
Here, we are sharing our own DIY to help you create your own custom garland! It’s fun for the whole family and adding the polymer clay element really gets the kiddos involved. Who doesn’t love clay?
To get started, here are the list of supplies you need:
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• MakerX Rotary Tool (with drill attachment)
• Polymer Clay
• Putty Knife or Butter Knife
• Baking Sheet
• Wood Beads
• Jute Twine
• Jute Tassels
• Scissors
  
  
  

You can pretty much get everything you need from Amazon. We ordered our wood beads and jute twine from there and got the clay from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. The MakerX tool can be found online at https://www.worx.com/meet-makerx-crafting-tools
It has so many great attachments and can be used for a million crafts and projects!
(While you’re there, be sure to check out their MakerX blog to see more fun DIY’s!)

Wood Bead and Polymer Clay Garland DIY

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Start by conditioning your polymer clay. Knead and roll the clay until it feels soft and pliable.
   

2. Roll the clay into “snakes” or logs until they are about a half inch thick. Feel free to combine colors for a marbled effect or just stick with a solid color for a more classic look. (We did one of each as an example)

3. Lay each snake onto a cutting board or solid surface and cut into even sections. (this does not have to be exact, just eyeball it)

4. Roll each section into a ball with your hands. These will be your clay beads so mold until they feel as round as possible. (They should be about the same size as your wood beads. Slightly smaller or bigger will also work and add some dimension to your garland if desired.)

5. Place your clay “beads” onto a baking sheet and bake according to the package directions of your clay. (typically around 265 degrees for 15-30 min depending on the thickness of the clay)

6. While the clay beads are baking, gather up the other supplies and lay them out on your work area.
7. Allow the clay beads to fully cool.
​8. Power up your MakerX Rotary tool with the drill bit attachment and carefully drill holes into the clay beads. Be sure to do this on a safe surface to avoid damage. (A block of scrap wood works like a charm!)

9. After all of your clay beads are drilled, decide on a pattern and length for your garland and string the beads leaving each end open.

10. Once the beads have been strung, tie a knot in each end of the garland big enough to secure the beads.

11. Now add the tassels to each end by tying them to the remaining twine. Trim any excess twine.

The garland is ready! All that's left to do is decide where to display it! Wood bead garlands add rustic farmhouse style to any decor. Try it on your mantle or tablescape, or on a bookshelf or built-ins. The options are truly endless!
Happy Crafting!!!
If you try this tutorial, share your work with us by tagging @vansstrands_handmade on Instagram! Can’t wait to see your creations!
​XO
​Vans