The Cord: Embroidery thread, hemp cord, twine, or the inner strands (guts) of a 550 paracord.

The Beads: Wood, clay, stone, shells, glass, or bone beads.

Sentimental Trinkets: Feathers, crystals, sea glass, or small items representing your life (like a specific rock or charm). 

Major Life Beads: Pick highly unique, larger beads or crystals to represent major milestones like births, graduations, moving to a new home, or losing a loved one.

Verses and Choruses: Use small or medium uniform beads to separate the major life events. These act as the "rhythm" of your life song. You might make a specific patterned braid or string a few common beads to signify the "chorus" before transitioning to the next big life moment.

Cut the base string: Start with long pieces of thread (usually at least 1 to 1.5 meters long) so you have plenty of room to weave and add knots.

Pick your knot/braid: You can simply slide beads onto a string, but many fans prefer using macrame knots like the spiral staircase bracelet stitch (half knots on a single side) or half-hitch knots to create a textured, rugged vine look.

Construct chronologically: Start from your earliest memory or birth at the beginning of the cord. Thread your "verse" beads, tie a specific knot or sequence for the "chorus", and then secure your big "milestone" bead.

Keep it growing: Traditional songcords are never technically "finished" until life ends. Leave the tail end open so you can continually tie on new threads and beads as you experience new core memories.

Omatikaya (Forest Clan): Use rich earth tones, heavily braided brown or green twine, dark wooden beads, seeds, and feathers.

Metkayina (Reef Clan): Use bright blues, greens, and whites. Use smoother cording, shark teeth, small seashells, pearls, and sea glass.