DIY: How to Make a Cork Necklace

Cork is more than just for wine bottles—it's a lightweight, sustainable, and stylish material that makes for beautiful jewelry. If you’re new to crafting or looking for an easy weekend project, this beginner-level cork necklace tutorial is perfect for you. With just a few materials and tools, you’ll create a handmade piece that’s as unique as you are. Let’s get started!

🧰 What You’ll Need

Materials:

• 1 length of cork cord (18–20 inches recommended)

• A selection of beads (wooden, metal, or cork beads work great)

• 1 pendant of your choice
  

• 1 clasp (lobster or magnetic)

• 1 or 2 jump rings

• Jewelry glue (optional but recommended)

Tools:

• Tweezers or needle-nose pliers

• Scissors

• Toothpick (for applying glue, optional)

Everything you need to make your own cork necklace!

✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Lay out your cork cord on a flat surface and arrange your beads and pendant in the desired order. You can keep it simple with just a center pendant or add beads symmetrically on either side.

Step 2: String Your Beads and Pendant

Slide the pendant onto the cork cord and push it toward the center of the cord. Follow it with your selected beads on each side of the pendant. If needed, use tweezers to help guide beads with smaller holes onto the cord.

Push pendant towards the center of the cork cord.

Thread beads on both sides of the pendant for symmetry.

💡 Tip: If the holes of the beads are tight, twist the cork gently as you push them through.

Step 3: Attach the Clasp

Once you're happy with the design, measure it around your neck for desired fit. Trim to desired length being sure to account for the lenght of the clasp. Now it’s time to add the end clasps. Apply a tiny dab of glue inside the metal end, then insert the cork cord. Press gently with pliers to crimp the end closed. Repeat on the other side.

Add a dab of glue for extra hold, then depending on the closure type crimp the closure tightly. The closures in our kit do NOT require crimping.

Step 4: Flaunt it and show it off

Your necklace is finished! Take a selfie, post it on your social media and tag Texas Cork Company.

🌿 Why Cork?

Cork is not only trendy—it’s a renewable, eco-conscious alternative to leather. It’s water-resistant, lightweight, and adds a rustic yet elegant charm to your handmade jewelry.

Lightweight, natural, and one-of-a-kind—your cork necklace is ready to wear!

🧵 Make It Your Own

This tutorial is just the beginning! Try swapping in different pendants, mixing bead types, or layering multiple cork necklaces for a boho-inspired look. They also make fantastic handmade gifts.

Final Thoughts

Crafting your own cork necklace is not only fun—it’s a chance to express your personal style with sustainable materials. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or just looking to try something new, this project is a creative and satisfying way to dip into cork jewelry making.

Happy crafting!