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1. |
Pinch off a small chunk from white self-hardening clay or uncolored salt dough. |
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2. |
Use your hands to shape the clay or dough into a star. The star should be thick enough for a hole to be punched right through its side. |
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 3. |
Punch a hole through the side of your star-shaped clay using a toothpick, wire or a straightened-out paper clip. The hole should be big enough for a string to pass through. |
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4. |
Repeat Steps 1 to 3 to make as many clay stars as you like. Allow them to set completely. Self-hardening clay usually just takes overnight to dry while salt dough may take a day or two to air-dry. |
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5. |
Once dry, you can paint the star-shaped clay or dough beads with blue and red acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. You can waterproof the beads afterwards by applying a coating of clear acrylic sealer. |
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6. |
There are lots of 4th of July crafts you can make with these patriotic clay beads, some examples include:
Bracelets and Necklaces - Cut string to the desired length (elastic strings are great for bracelets). String the star-shaped beads alternately with smaller plastic beads or short pieces (about ½-inch long) of drinking straw. |
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After stringing enough beads, knot the ends of the string together to complete your bracelet or necklace. |
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Rings - Make funky rings by stringing a star clay bead in the middle of each 2 ½ to 3-inch long pipe cleaner and twisting the ends of the pipe cleaner together to fit around your finger. |
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Keychain charm - String 3 star-shaped clay beads alternately with 3 plastic beads. Make a large loop with the excess length of string and knot the string right above the topmost bead. |
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Napkin rings - Create 4th of July napkin rings by stringing 1 or 2 patriotic clay beads in the middle of a 4-inch long pipe cleaner. You can string a smaller plastic bead in between 2 patriotic clay beads, if you like. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner around a rolled napkin to hold it in place. |
