One of the most inspiring qualities that children possess is how quickly they can befriend a stranger and make a meaningful connection without any hesitation. Whether they are meeting for the first time or reuniting with a longtime friend, children always seem to “pick up where they left off.” As I’ve watched my own daughter effortlessly seek out other kids as playmates, I’ve reflected on how wonderful it is to cultivate and maintain authentic friendships throughout your entire lifetime, not just as a child.

To celebrate the magic of friendship, we have created a modern take on the classic BFF necklace using clay!

SUPPLIES:

  • Sculpey clay
  • Acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Jump rings
  • Cording or string
  • X-Acto knife
  • Pencil or wooden skewer

  1. Knead the clay and roll it into a ball. From there, use a rolling pin or another smooth object (I used a glue stick) to flatten the clay.

2. Trace out a heart.

3. Use an X-Acto knife to cut out the heart shape, divide it down the center, and clean up the edges. Use a pencil or wooden skewer to poke two holes at the top of the heart.

4. Place the heart on parchment paper atop a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees.

5. Allow the hardened clay to cool and then add paint. To create more of a watercolor effect, dilute acrylic paint with water until you find your desired consistency.

6. Add any additional details (I made polka dots using a black Sharpie pen) and let dry completely.

7. Finally, add the charms to two strands of cording, embellish with wooden beads, and share with your closest friend!

There’s nothing quite like the gift of friendship…especially when you can share a laugh in a colorful tunnel! Let the good times roll!