How to Make a Jelly Bean Clay Bead Necklace

This simple Jelly Bean clay necklace is perfect for a group of girls to make at an Easter time slumber party or even a birthday party. The beads can be painted to look like yummy real jellybeans, just like the eons you get in your Easter basket.

This simple clay craft is great for a group for kids because your clay will a really long way. The kids will spend so much time making the Easter Jelly Bean beads that they won't realize they are not using a ton of clay.

You can make an Easter Jelly Bean clay craft project in less than 2 hours. Be sure to allot for drying time for the clay. So, if you are doing this at a slumber party then have the kids start making the Easter Jelly Bean beads out of the air drying clay the night before. They can dry overnight and the kids can put their necklaces together after breakfast.

Now, to make Easter Jelly Bean clay beaded necklace you will need:

Air Drying Clay

Wooden or Metal Skewers

Twine

Scissors

Pastel Acrylic Paints

Clear Acrylic Spray Paint

Now, the first thing your need to do is find your air-drying clay. I buy this at Dick Blick art supply store. I have also seen it at Pearl Paints. You may be able to find it at Michaels in smaller containers. Look for air-drying clay in white to get truly crisp pastel colors. You could also prime the dried beads in white Kilz primer to help with the color.

Generally a large block of air drying clay will cost about $25. You can make a large number of necklaces with one block.

Ok, so if you are making this with a group of kids I recommend going ahead and slicing if a slab of clay for each child. They can keep it wrapped in plastic wrap near them so they don't have to reach for more.

Have each child break off small pieces of clay. They should roll the clay in their hands to make a small ball. Now, press the ball out into a jellybean shape. This will be the Easter Jelly Bean bead.

These Easter Jelly Bean beads can be made to almost any size. I recommend about ¼ inch to ½ inch circles for the best beads. The kids can also roll out coils and cut out tube shaped beads.