| g clay beads can be a fun activity for young and old | | | | a single shade, you can immediately work your clay |
| alike. You may want to produce fun clay beads for | | | | into those shapes. |
| kids or you may be interested in polymer clay | | | | If you're using filler beads, you can simply shape your |
| beading as a creative activity in which kids can | | | | clay around the outside of the filler. This method is |
| participate. Either way, you'll find the use of polymer | | | | easiest when you're using a single color of clay; it |
| clay in bead making to be an easy and fun creative | | | | becomes very difficult, especially for those new to |
| practice. | | | | the craft, when you want to include multiple colors or |
| Many bead makers use polymer clay alone to create | | | | layers of clay. |
| their beads but you should keep in mind the expense | | | | Some of the most appealing clay beads are those |
| and weight of the beads in making your material | | | | that use multiple colors or layers of different shades, |
| decisions. Big beads created from clay can be nice in | | | | in which case you will roll your clay onto your wax |
| appearance but they can also be heavy to wear as | | | | paper in thin sheets. After creating your sheets of |
| jewelry. Clay can also be a relatively expensive | | | | clay, you can then layer them on top of one another |
| material which makes it more cost effective to | | | | in the order that appeals to you. |
| consider using a filler bead in creating polymer clay | | | | After laying your sheets in the order you want, you |
| beads for kids' jewelry. | | | | then roll the sheets together to create a single tube |
| Filler beads can help cut down on the weight and | | | | of clay. If you're shooting for a shaped bead, you |
| cost of making polymer clay beads, without changing | | | | should mold the entire tube of clay to that |
| the general appearance of the beads themselves. If | | | | appearance. |
| you're producing your beads for profit, it is important | | | | After molding the tube to the desired shape, you can |
| to consider the cost of your materials. You can lower | | | | slice the clay into single beads. Whatever thickness |
| your expenses and make a better profit but you can | | | | you desire can be easily achieved, as polymer clay |
| also price your items lower, making it more likely they | | | | can be sliced into thin or thick pieces without |
| will sell well. | | | | difficulty. |
| You'll need to have the right tools to make fun clay | | | | The last step in creating the bead is to puncture a |
| beads for kids. There are a few key tools that make | | | | hole in it for stringing or threading. You will want to |
| the craft easy and fun. These include a knitting | | | | have a sharp-tipped object for this; knitting needles, |
| needle, pre-made bead cane, and a tissue blade or | | | | beading canes, and food preparation skewers are all |
| other similar object. You'll also need an exacto-knife | | | | good for this activity. Keep in mind the size of the |
| or stylus blade and wax paper. And of course, you'll | | | | thread or string you intend to use for hanging the |
| need your polymer clay and any filler beads you may | | | | beads when making your holes and be sure to make |
| want to use. | | | | them an appropriate size for that purpose. |
| If you decide to use filler beads, you should consider | | | | Now you're ready to bake your beads. Polymer clay |
| wood as it is durable and lightweight, making it a | | | | bakes at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a |
| perfect choice for the interior of the clay bead | | | | conventional oven, and take approximately 10 |
| structure. Polymer beads can also be made without | | | | minutes to reach their desired texture. Some beads |
| fillers, in which case you will not need to shop for any | | | | must be suspended in the oven in order to maintain |
| other beads for your project. | | | | their shape, and you can find good source material on |
| Selecting the right work station is critical to the | | | | safely suspending beads for baking. Most often, you |
| quality of your finished beads. It's important to | | | | can simply place your beads on a baking sheet to |
| remember that clay is soft and easily picks up debris. | | | | finish them.Looking for the best bead stores? Too |
| By keeping your workstation as clean as possible, | | | | Cute Beads was founded in 1998 based on one |
| you cut down on the dirt, dust, lint, and hair that can | | | | principal- giving everyone the opportunity to create |
| inadvertently become part of your beads. | | | | beautiful and unique jewelry at a reasonable price. |
| Having good lighting is also essential to making a | | | | From the beginning, we followed the principal that we |
| quality product. Especially when you're working with | | | | would never carry a product that we ourselves |
| small and intricate pieces, lighting quality can make all | | | | would not wear and love. Since then, we have grown |
| the difference in the world. | | | | and expanded. Our designs have been featured in |
| You will also want to make sure you have enough | | | | some of the top beading magazines. |
| room to work; you'll need plenty of space to easily | | | | Report this article |
| access all your tools and materials. There is nothing | | | | This article is free for republishing |
| more frustrating that trying to create something in a | | | | Source: |
| tiny space or without the right tools handy. | | | | Republish this article |
| Once you've selected your work area and placed all | | | | Ask a Question About this Article |
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| best when making beads that are a single color. If | | | | prevent infestation? |
| you're creating heart-shaped or star-shaped beads of | | | | |