Sculpting Clay Felt Native American Necklace

Acquire Costume Jewelry often found in Thrift Stores or in your own stash. You may need to take it apart to rearrange components. I made the Necklace fit over my neck so I would not have to use a clasp.
Round the clay into beads. With a sculpting tool or a found object sculpt the features on the front of the bead. I used photos and pictures of Native Americans in different tribal attire. The back remains rounded with its bead structure in place. (See Photo of Necklace) Imagine the design as a rounded whole figure.
I painted the Native American beads with craft paint. Seal them with clear varnish or a similar product. To make the fiber beads roll the fiber in the palms of your hands until they form a loose ball. Firm them by rolling them in hot soap and water. (Apply pressure) If needed wash them in your washer and or dry them.
Assemble your beads. (glass, felt, and sculpty. The coins were already on the necklace I found in my stash. Secure them with eye pins using a small needle nose plier to form a nice circle. I pushed a pin through the felt beads then pushed the eyepins through. (Note the brown felt bead next to the Native American bead) You could use other themes of course suiting your interests.
I made the beads first and had them sometime. I wanted to honor and remember some Native Americans I came to know very well. Finally what I wanted to create clicked in my mind. A Song of the High Plains