Jewellery Making with CraftyUnicorn and LiviaBivia

What can I use if I can't find elastic cord or air-dry clay?

Substitute elastic cord with stretch-bead cord (like Stretch Magic) or strong embroidery floss (secure the end with the tape trick from the instructions), and swap air-dry clay for polymer clay (bake per package) or ready-made charms instead of rolling your own.

My beads won't thread and my clay charms stay sticky—what should I do?

If the cord tip frays, rewrap a tighter piece of tape as described in the instructions or use a beading needle, and if charms remain tacky after putting them on a paper towel to dry completely, make them thinner, let them dry longer, or speed-dry gently with a cool hairdryer.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages?

For younger kids pre-cut the elastic cord, use large wooden beads and adult help for scissors and knots, while older kids can measure by wrapping the cord around their wrist/neck, roll smaller clay charms themselves, and create more complex color patterns from the layout step.

How can we extend or personalize the finished bracelet or necklace?

After tying and trimming the cord, personalize by adding letter or metal beads to spell a name, paint and seal your clay charms before tucking the knot, or make a matching bracelet-and-necklace set and then share a photo on DIY.org.