How to Make Polymer Clay Beads

Polymer clay beads can be made with Fimo clay, or any other brand of low-firing poly-clay . This clay is versatile and comes in a wide array of colors from rainbow tones to shiny metallics and pearl hues for a multitude of jewelry options. Knowing how to make your own polymer clay beads gives you the opportunity to create your own signature accessories that can be worn for any occasion or given as gifts to your friends and loved ones.

Things You Need

2 oz. polymer clay

Puncturing tool

Ceramic baking stone

Spray glaze

Optional embellishments

Process

• Pinch a wad of clay from the ball or package, choosing a color that is best suited to your needs. For instance, if you're wanting to create a feminine and classic looking bead for a wedding or similar event, a pearlescent tone is ideal.
• Roll the wad of clay between your thumb and forefinger until it forms a perfect sphere shape. This may take some practice, but make sure you use a wad large enough to create a bead of 6mm in diameter.
• Insert a needle through the center of the bead, puncturing it all the way through the polymer clay. Use a small needle for thin-gauge wiring, or use an embroidery needle or larger puncturing tool to gauge it for your chosen stringing material.
• Repeat Steps 1 through 3 with as many polymer clay beads as you want to make.
• Place all of the finished beads on the ceramic baking stone. These stones can be purchased in craft and hobby supply stores, specifically crafted for firing polymer clay.
• Bake the beads at 250 degrees F for one hour. Turn off the stove and allow the beads to cool to room temperature inside of the oven. This may take a few hours.
• Hold the canned glaze spray 4 inches from the surface of the beads and then release a thin mist of it over the surfaces of the hardened polymer clay objects. Let them dry for 10 minutes and then flip them over on the ceramic stone. Spray them again, and then let them dry for another 10 minutes.

You can embellish your finished, glazed polymer clay beads with paint designs or water-transfer decals. The options are almost limitless with what you can do with polymer clay and beads.