DIY Stone Age Necklace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 28/01/2025

Journey back in time and unleash your inner caveperson with this exciting DIY project! Create your very own authentic-looking Stone Age necklace, a stunning piece of prehistoric jewelry that's surprisingly simple to make. Forget expensive beads and modern materials; this guide uses readily available natural elements to craft a necklace that's both beautiful and historically inspired. Imagine the pride you'll feel wearing a piece of history around your neck, a conversation starter that blends ancient craftsmanship with modern creativity.

This project is perfect for anyone interested in history, crafting, or simply adding a unique touch to their style. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, you'll find this guide easy to follow, providing clear instructions and helpful tips along the way. Ready to embark on this thrilling crafting adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create your own Stone Age masterpiece!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Straw
  • Chocolate Seashell Trays (optional)
  • Paint
  • String
  • Small Brush
Safety Guidelines
  • Never ingest any found materials. Some stones and plants can be poisonous.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling materials to avoid infection.
  • Be mindful of sharp edges on stones. Use appropriate tools and handle with care to avoid cuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salt Dough

    • Mix flour and salt (approximately 1 cup flour to under ½ cup salt). Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust consistency with more flour if needed.
    Prepare salt dough: Mix flour and salt (approximately 1 cup flour to under ½ cup salt). Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust consistency with more flour if needed.
    Prepare the Salt Dough

  2. Create the Jewelry Pieces

    • Roll out portions of dough to create fangs, bones, and stones. Use a straw to create holes in each piece.
    • Create shell molds: Use chocolate seashell trays as molds to create shell-shaped pieces. Let them dry thoroughly.
    Optional: Create shell molds: Use chocolate seashell trays as molds to create shell-shaped pieces. Let them dry thoroughly.Optional: Create shell molds: Use chocolate seashell trays as molds to create shell-shaped pieces. Let them dry thoroughly.
    Create the Jewelry Pieces

  3. Dry the Pieces

    • Allow the salt dough pieces to air dry completely (several days). Baking at a low temperature is an alternative but carries the risk of cracking.
    Let the pieces dry: Allow the salt dough pieces to air dry completely (several days). Baking at a low temperature is an alternative but carries the risk of cracking.
    Dry the Pieces

  4. Paint the Pieces

    • Use various colors of paint to create realistic-looking Stone Age jewelry. The narrator suggests a mix of brown, yellow, white, pink and blue.
    Paint the pieces: Use various colors of paint to create realistic-looking Stone Age jewelry. The narrator suggests a mix of brown, yellow, white, pink and blue.
    Paint the Pieces

  5. Assemble the Necklace

    • Thread the painted pieces onto string, using double knots to secure each piece. Ensure the pieces face forward and are spaced evenly.
    String the necklace: Thread the painted pieces onto string, using double knots to secure each piece. Ensure the pieces face forward and are spaced evenly.
    Assemble the Necklace

Read more: DIY Story Stones: Budget-Friendly Sensory Play for Kids

Tips

  • Avoid adding too much water to the salt dough. It's easily fixed with extra flour.
  • Be careful when working with salt dough if you have cuts, as it can sting.
  • Double knot the string to securely fasten the jewelry pieces and prevent sliding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Unevenly sized beads/stones

Reason: Using stones of drastically different sizes makes the necklace look unprofessional and unbalanced.
Solution: Select stones that are relatively consistent in size before stringing them.

2. Weak or broken stringing material

Reason: Using weak materials like thin thread or damaged sinew can cause the necklace to break easily.
Solution: Choose a strong and durable material like thick sinew, strong cordage, or leather thong.

FAQs

What kind of stones can I use for my Stone Age necklace?
You can use a variety of stones! Smooth river stones, interesting shaped pebbles, or even small, relatively hard pieces of colored rock will work. Avoid anything too sharp or brittle that could easily break or cause injury.
What type of cord or string should I use?
Strong, natural fibers are best for authenticity. Leather thongs, plant fibers (like strong grasses or vines – if you can find suitable, untreated ones), or even sturdy cotton string will work. Avoid anything that might easily rot or break.
How do I make sure the necklace is secure?
Double-knot your cord after each stone to prevent them from sliding off. You can also use a simple overhand knot to secure the ends together once you've added all your stones. Consider using a sealant to help prevent the cord from fraying over time.