Contrary to what a lot of this book might make you think, not every piece of jewelry needs to include sparkle or crystals! You can take this concept and make it just for fun, or you can dive into finding photo references for real ancient art and copy those designs. I used recycled old bike tire inner tubes, cut open into strips and washed well, as the chains for these necklaces. It’s one more way to help save the planet, as you are using something that bike stores just throw away.
Skill level: Easy
Time: 15 minutes plus curing time
Supplies
♦ Disposable gloves
♦ Two-part epoxy clay (gray, brown, and white)
♦ Protected work surface
♦ Wet wipes
♦ Dark silver pigment powder
♦ Pencil
♦ Decoupage medium (such as Mod Podge) in a matte finish
♦ Bike inner tubes cut into strips (wash well)
♦ Jump rings
Gay Isber
1. Mix some gray clay with a little brown to make the tone earthier and richer. Mix the A and B parts together, then add just a bit of white clay (I like Aves Studio’s Super White), folding it into the larger mixture just enough so there are still some white streaks left. Divide the clay into balls and make them into flat rock shapes. Rub on a little bit of pigment powder to darken some areas. Try to make it look like a real rock.
Mike Mihalo
TIP:
Ask bike shops to save their old inner tubes for you. They are usually happy to share them if you ask nicely. Cut them open and wash really well, then cut into thin strips. Bring the shop a finished piece as a thank you.
Gay Isber
2. Using a pencil, add a hole that goes all the way through the top of each rock to make a hole big enough to string it onto a rubber strip later, or place the hole close enough to the edge so a jump ring will easily work.
Gay Isber
3. Add a design to each rock using the tip of the pencil. Flip them over gently and add a design to the back side, too, if you want. Allow them to cure.
Gay Isber
4. Once cured, move the rocks to a plastic bag, as this step can get messy. Add a coating of a matte finish decoupage medium on both sides. Allow to dry. String onto the inner tube strips or add a jump ring and pass the rubber through it. Tie the ends together and trim any strips that are too long. Wear at the length best for you. Caveman jewelry upgraded for our times!