I've been working with polymer clay for 15 years and find at times I need a refresher course on certain things. I haven't made round beads for a bracelet in ages - too many other things going on. Yesterday I may have wasted about 20 black beads. A lot of these beads weren't perfectly round and I drilled holes after baking - not a great idea. I used to make really nice and round beads. Anyway, thank you Cindy for the refresher!
I agree Linda! Some tutorials are annoying and never seem to get to the actual tutorial part! ... These videos on the other hand are helpful, and interesting!
Clamp a 3/4" thick board to the table on a drill press. Use a 3/8" drill bit and make a dimple in the wood about half the thickness of the bead. Place bead in dimple. This will automatically center the bead under the drill bit you decide to make your hole. I use 1/16" drill bit. Choose the right size for your string or wire. You will need to hold on to the bead as you slowly drill the hole or it will spin.
Thanks Rochee! I haven't worked with air dry clay very much but the rules for rolling a round ball should be pretty much the same. I don't know if your brand of clay is really soft or not, but it may help if it were chilled in the fridge a bit before rolling to help keep it's shape. Of course the best advice is to try it. It's the only true way to get your answer. Happy claying!
Perfect! I've been "playing" with clay for a few months now, but honestly had no idea how to actually make a round bead (crazy, I know!). This was perfect. Thanks for your awesome vids. :-)
Hi MarleyJuly, I am guessing you are using a sticky clay like Pardo Jewelry Clay or something similar? Try using a spritz of water on your mold before pushing it into it. This will help keep the clay from sticking.
How did you make your rose petal clay??!! A recipe please. There is no discoloration it seems. I am looking for a tutorial on how to make rose petal "dough" to make rose petal beads for rosaries. Thank you!
Thank you for doing these informative tutorials! These videos are easy to understand, and includes usable techniques! I have been crafting for a long time and just recently decided to do clay projects! Whatever techniques I use from your tutorials when making things I will come back to share them with you!
Hi delilah collings, I have used chalk pastels in several of my tutorials. If you go to my blog (link in description) and type 'chalk' into the search box you should be able to learn more there. A chalk pastel demo would be a good PcT Test Lab video though. I'll add it to the suggestion box! Thanks!
I enjoy ur tutorials more than anyone else that I have watched thank u so much I wish I could watch u without having to scroll thru other tutorials to find your
Joyce Bower If you click on the name Polymer Clay Tutor beside my face icon, you will go to our channel where you can watch our videos all in one place. Make sure to subscribe and you won't miss any new ones!
Wow, I really enjoyed watching you, Cindy. I've watched so many of these and been so annoyed at the person presenting it that I couldn't get through them. You are a delight! And thank you for the tips....roundness is surely a hard thing to achieve! And the cutter, what a good idea!
Thanks for the information. I'm learning to make beads myself and was getting frustrated by being able to roll all but round beads. Now that I know to leave the bed alone for a while, hopefully I can begin making rounds beads.
Hi, I'm loving your videos. I've now started making some simple beads etc. I have a question about baking. I'm following the instructions but some pieces are getting burnt or the clay is discoloured with browning. Then majority are fine . This would be in one batch of baking the clay. Would love your to help me out. Thankyou
Greetings Cindy, I have viewed a few of your videos and found them helpful. I have decided to make beads to match and complement my marbled leather jewelry. I was searching tutorials for a way to quickly and easily condition the clay before putting it in the pasta machine. So I wondered if putting the clay in a heating pad would soften it up, weeellllll I am not sure if I baked it or not. Should I try to soften it in the ways you suggested or should I just toss it and get some more? Thank you. Peace
Hi Evelyn Pinkard well you may have partially baked your clay alright. You have to be quite careful when using heat to warm your clay, it is quite easy to go too far... I have done it myself. I never like to throw out clay, so I would try adding it to some translucent clay and see it you can't make a cool stone effect with it! Next time, try the other clay softening techniques first before using heat. They will be a little more forgiving! :)
I would love to see the second tutorial on Jaspers pendants but can not find it. I saw the intro on Jaspers pendants but not the second one. I am very interested in seeing one on turquoise also. Please let me know where I can find them.i am subscribed to ur site on utube. Thank u very very much
Love the ball rolling technique. Curious about your baking rack What did you do too it. I see all the little pink clay pieces on the edges. Why did you do that and how did you do that? Thank you
I love your tutorials, I'm new to polymer clay. What kind of clay would I used that bakes solid enough for me to sand and polish? Whenever I bake, the clay turns out rubbery; I want a solid hard pendant.
I have the same bead rack as in your video mine lets those bead wires drop down while taking to the little oven or during placing in or taking out How do you get them to stay on the rack without dropping down Mine is all metal no colored things like yours has by where you rest the wires, please help I am so frustrated with that part of it. I have Cerebral Palsy Autism and ADHD and so it is challenging enough getting them straight on the wires this video was so helpful with that Thank you.
Hi Mary, I actually did a video on how to add that red silicone that you see in the slots of the bead rack. It's called: Sugru Hack For Your Amaco Polymer Clay Bead Rack ua-cam.com/video/tX3fQ9bfIZ0/v-deo.html
I am just starting out with this. Do I have to buy a special oven to bake my things in or can I use a small toaster oven? I am really hoping that I can just use my toaster oven with out having to buy one of those expensive ovens at the craft stores!
Could I ask, how do you then bake them without them getting a small flat surface when they are sitting on the tray to bake them? I am more asking for making miniatures as opposed to beads, but ... very similar.
If you don't have a bead rack you can try putting the wire with the bead over a ceramic cup so that the bead hangs over the open "mouth" of the cup. That way it isn't laying on any flat surfaces.
Hi Cindy, Related to this video, do you have one already made for applying cane slices to beads? Do you bake the beads first, then apply the slices? Or apply the raw cane slices to the raw bead and then bake? Love your series, and Thank You! Chase
Hi CalicoEyez65 this is the type of question that is answered at my blog. www.polymerclaytutor.com Just use the search box and you will quickly find your answer!
Hi Bertha, the clay I am using is an oven cured polymer clay that doesn't dry out until it is baked. There are many brands of polymer clay available like Fimo, Premo, Souffle, Cernit, Cosclay, Pardo, Kato Polyclay and more.
I'm a newbie with cold porcelain clay so any tips help, so thank you for this. I couldn't get perfect beads n I'm OCD n a control freak so I was upset I couldn't make good beads. God bless XoJaynaoX
That mat is OK but I now use a glass mat as my worksurface. I did a review of of the We R Memory Keepers Glass Cutting Mat that you may want to check out: ua-cam.com/video/jCQ3p8X8wRU/v-deo.html I have been using that for years though I just recently upgraded to this Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat which is larger and a cool black color: amzn.to/2Dd6Ux1 Any glass cutting mat will do, but these two have a grid design that makes measuring and cutting straight lines easier when working with polymer clay.
Polymerclaytutor I was wondering if you could do a video on how to correctly color your realistic charms with chalk pastels. Please answer even if you won't be able to!
creativecrafterful That is a mixture of polymer clay and ground dried flowers. I have a tutorial on how to make Flower beads at my site. Here is the link: www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
thanks now I know I can start and do not have to bake them the same day I roll them I thought I would have to do it all in one day thanks for the video
Thanks. I am currently obsessed with teething to make a mold so I can replicate a particular bad I am trying to make. The jewelry clay I got is so soft and when I make the bead in the tool I use it gets stuck. Even putting the clay in the fridge doesn't help :(
Is the thing in the background what you use to bake all the beads to keep them round? If yes what is it made from, if no, how do you keep it from getting the flat spot when you bake?
Hi ***** Yes, I have added rose petals to my polymer clay. If you want to learn how to do it too, I have a tutorial on it. Here's more info if you're interested: www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
yes cool tip, want to make 7mm ones for eyes, you know they sell from 4mm to 8mm but for some reason they left out the 7mm size, outta gemstone none only found one seller of plastic 7mm ones.
@@PolymerClayTutor : also TY for showing the ceramic tiles for the toaster oven I know its going to work well soone as they get here, ima copy just like you, LoL put 2 on the bottom inside oven, and top outside, and the tray, I also got one those inexpensive temps thermometer
Diane Erjavec Those were dried rose petals that were in that clay. I have a tutorial on it if you're interested in making them yourself. Here is the link: www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-02/vol-034/
Hi Awesomesun1 Those 'sprinkles' are actually flower petals. This clay is a batch I made in my Rose Petal Beads Tutorial. www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
Hi drawtacular No polymer clay beads won't break if they're made with a good brand like Premo and are baked properly for a full hour at the temp recommended for the brand.
Hi Susan Holloway Yes you can put crystals on polymer clay beads. You just have to either use Hot Fix Crystals with the glue on the back or glue them in after baking. Sometime I will do a demo video on using crystals, so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it!
I have found that rolling the ball in a figure 8 pattern on my hand seems to provide a perfect round bead EVERYTIME! !
I don't even have any polymer clay but I can't stop watching these videos...
me too, she is so inspiring.
Join ussss
I've been working with polymer clay for 15 years and find at times I need a refresher course on certain things. I haven't made round beads for a bracelet in ages - too many other things going on. Yesterday I may have wasted about 20 black beads. A lot of these beads weren't perfectly round and I drilled holes after baking - not a great idea. I used to make really nice and round beads. Anyway, thank you Cindy for the refresher!
Hi Linda Rogers - Thanks for your kinds words. Glad to hear you are enjoying the videos :-)
I agree Linda! Some tutorials are annoying and never seem to get to the actual tutorial part! ... These videos on the other hand are helpful, and interesting!
Clamp a 3/4" thick board to the table on a drill press. Use a 3/8" drill bit and make a dimple in the wood about half the thickness of the bead. Place bead in dimple. This will automatically center the bead under the drill bit you decide to make your hole. I use 1/16" drill bit. Choose the right size for your string or wire. You will need to hold on to the bead as you slowly drill the hole or it will spin.
Thanks Rochee! I haven't worked with air dry clay very much but the rules for rolling a round ball should be pretty much the same. I don't know if your brand of clay is really soft or not, but it may help if it were chilled in the fridge a bit before rolling to help keep it's shape. Of course the best advice is to try it. It's the only true way to get your answer. Happy claying!
Perfect! I've been "playing" with clay for a few months now, but honestly had no idea how to actually make a round bead (crazy, I know!). This was perfect. Thanks for your awesome vids. :-)
Me too!
Hi MarleyJuly, I am guessing you are using a sticky clay like Pardo Jewelry Clay or something similar? Try using a spritz of water on your mold before pushing it into it. This will help keep the clay from sticking.
Your personality is so cute! Love your videos!
Your videos are great, you have a wonderful way of describing things in detail.and you have a great voice you should narrate audiobooks!
Hi! Very instructive video. Where can I buy the rack it’s shown at a side to place them in the oven. ? It would be of great help.
I love your explanation of deformed beads as Wonky. :) Thank you for the great tips!
Thank you Cindy! Your tips were very helpful as I'm just getting started. You saved me a lot of time and frustration! Hugs, Aggie...
You are very welcome Charlie!
I'm so glad I found you! Now I feel like my clay projects will look nicer.
How did you make your rose petal clay??!! A recipe please. There is no discoloration it seems. I am looking for a tutorial on how to make rose petal "dough" to make rose petal beads for rosaries. Thank you!
Hi legoman10245, the rack is for baking the beads on. It is very handy!
What clay are you using, I really like the sheen
Hi!thank u!may u tell me what are your nice polymer clays?i obsessed with their colors and textures?
Thanks a ton! Your instructions were super helpful!
Thank you for doing these informative tutorials! These videos are easy to understand, and includes usable techniques! I have been crafting for a long time and just recently decided to do clay projects! Whatever techniques I use from your tutorials when making things I will come back to share them with you!
I'm trying to make a rosary from roses and this is very helpful
Worked perfectly! Thank you!
Hi delilah collings, I have used chalk pastels in several of my tutorials. If you go to my blog (link in description) and type 'chalk' into the search box you should be able to learn more there. A chalk pastel demo would be a good PcT Test Lab video though. I'll add it to the suggestion box! Thanks!
I enjoy ur tutorials more than anyone else that I have watched thank u so much I wish I could watch u without having to scroll thru other tutorials to find your
Joyce Bower If you click on the name Polymer Clay Tutor beside my face icon, you will go to our channel where you can watch our videos all in one place. Make sure to subscribe and you won't miss any new ones!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. This was so helpful, as I am a true beginner!
Same here
You're a life saver. I was trying to make blueberries but all I got were blue eggs. Thank you!
This was a wonderful tutorial. Thanks for sharing
Very nice, you explain things very clearly and have a great personality as a teacher. Thank you so much!
Thank you for this tutorial. I’m going to try.
Great tut, always never having them all the same size, great idea using a cutter
thanks again
Just getting into making beads so look for any good info like what do you use clay or well i see a few different mediums so what do you use
Wow, I really enjoyed watching you, Cindy. I've watched so many of these and been so annoyed at the person presenting it that I couldn't get through them. You are a delight! And thank you for the tips....roundness is surely a hard thing to achieve! And the cutter, what a good idea!
nice. do you have a video on how to do a transparent ball? can we use translucent liquid sculpey? any technique?
Thank u so much I have a terrible time making & putting straight holes in them & that tutorial helped a lot
u really did well ,well done I love ur explanation 🙋💋💖👊👌
Thank You!!! 💕🌻🌀
You are so welcome
Wow super video lots of great tips! Tysvm.
Fantastic video, thanks xx
Wonderful ExactNature... I can't wait to see some of your creations!
Do you put the beads on the metal rack for oven I see in background? Just trying to get started as a newbie. Thx
Thanks for the information. I'm learning to make beads myself and was getting frustrated by being able to roll all but round beads. Now that I know to leave the bed alone for a while, hopefully I can begin making rounds beads.
Hi, I'm loving your videos. I've now started making some simple beads etc. I have a question about baking. I'm following the instructions but some pieces are getting burnt or the clay is discoloured with browning. Then majority are fine . This would be in one batch of baking the clay. Would love your to help me out. Thankyou
Hi,Cindy I enjoyed watching about how to make clay flower
I love you necklaces too😍can u have a tutorial to show us how to made them?😊
Greetings Cindy, I have viewed a few of your videos and found them helpful. I have decided to make beads to match and complement my marbled leather jewelry. I was searching tutorials for a way to quickly and easily condition the clay before putting it in the pasta machine. So I wondered if putting the clay in a heating pad would soften it up, weeellllll I am not sure if I baked it or not. Should I try to soften it in the ways you suggested or should I just toss it and get some more? Thank you. Peace
Hi Evelyn Pinkard well you may have partially baked your clay alright. You have to be quite careful when using heat to warm your clay, it is quite easy to go too far... I have done it myself. I never like to throw out clay, so I would try adding it to some translucent clay and see it you can't make a cool stone effect with it! Next time, try the other clay softening techniques first before using heat. They will be a little more forgiving! :)
Great instruction as usual. You know something about everything! Love it! Happy New Year. Melodie
Thank you so much, that was really informative.
How did you get to be sooo smart? Never would have thought to do that. Thanks
Grazie mille, a me è stato molto utile,bravissima
My god she's magical. Football shape... close hand... then viola a round ball appears!!!
LOL *waves wand*
I would love to see the second tutorial on Jaspers pendants but can not find it. I saw the intro on Jaspers pendants but not the second one. I am very interested in seeing one on turquoise also. Please let me know where I can find them.i am subscribed to ur site on utube. Thank u very very much
Great tip, thank you!
Thanks, so much love this informatiom, it really was so helpful, you and Doug are so thoughtful.
Love the ball rolling technique. Curious about your baking rack
What did you do too it. I see all the little pink clay pieces on the edges. Why did you do that and how did you do that? Thank you
I love your tutorials, I'm new to polymer clay. What kind of clay would I used that bakes solid enough for me to sand and polish? Whenever I bake, the clay turns out rubbery; I want a solid hard pendant.
Try ceramics
That bead backing rack… I need one. Where is yours from?
Nice tutorial!
I cooked mine with tooth picks some came out fine but others got stuck. any tips? and can you show us different mixes of clay to make beads
I have the same bead rack as in your video mine lets those bead wires drop down while taking to the little oven or during placing in or taking out How do you get them to stay on the rack without dropping down Mine is all metal no colored things like yours has by where you rest the wires, please help I am so frustrated with that part of it. I have Cerebral Palsy Autism and ADHD and so it is challenging enough getting them straight on the wires this video was so helpful with that Thank you.
Hi Mary, I actually did a video on how to add that red silicone that you see in the slots of the bead rack. It's called: Sugru Hack For Your Amaco Polymer Clay Bead Rack ua-cam.com/video/tX3fQ9bfIZ0/v-deo.html
I love this video! Can you make a video that shows how to make a hollow round bead? Or any other shape, for that matter. . .
I am just starting out with this. Do I have to buy a special oven to bake my things in or can I use a small toaster oven? I am really hoping that I can just use my toaster oven with out having to buy one of those expensive ovens at the craft stores!
Oh that is good! Thank you so much! Yes that helps! Have a blessed day!
Do you bake it on the needle or wire ?
Could I ask, how do you then bake them without them getting a small flat surface when they are sitting on the tray to bake them? I am more asking for making miniatures as opposed to beads, but ... very similar.
If you don't have a bead rack you can try putting the wire with the bead over a ceramic cup so that the bead hangs over the open "mouth" of the cup. That way it isn't laying on any flat surfaces.
They were helpful tips. Thanks
Thanks!
Your videos are awesome!
i want to make 2'' flat back beads so do i bake them the same time as all the others or half time?
Looks faster than using a bead roller for rounds, thank you.
Hi Cindy, Related to this video, do you have one already made for applying cane slices to beads? Do you bake the beads first, then apply the slices? Or apply the raw cane slices to the raw bead and then bake? Love your series, and Thank You!
Chase
Hi CalicoEyez65 this is the type of question that is answered at my blog. www.polymerclaytutor.com Just use the search box and you will quickly find your answer!
How did you make the clay please?
Thanks!
Hi dear I loved ur video. Cud u let me know how long I need to keep them to dry and whether I need to bake the beads. What us polymer
Hi Bertha, the clay I am using is an oven cured polymer clay that doesn't dry out until it is baked. There are many brands of polymer clay available like Fimo, Premo, Souffle, Cernit, Cosclay, Pardo, Kato Polyclay and more.
I'm a newbie with cold porcelain clay so any tips help, so thank you for this. I couldn't get perfect beads n I'm OCD n a control freak so I was upset I couldn't make good beads.
God bless XoJaynaoX
This is a video making round beads from Dec 31, 2012. Is that a silicone mat you are using is that a good thing to use or not?
That mat is OK but I now use a glass mat as my worksurface. I did a review of of the We R Memory Keepers Glass Cutting Mat that you may want to check out: ua-cam.com/video/jCQ3p8X8wRU/v-deo.html I have been using that for years though I just recently upgraded to this Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat which is larger and a cool black color: amzn.to/2Dd6Ux1 Any glass cutting mat will do, but these two have a grid design that makes measuring and cutting straight lines easier when working with polymer clay.
How long do you bake them for ?
What brand of polymer clay do you use?
Where can I find the beadwire
May I ask what the average weight (in grams) a "typical" spherical bead would be for clay to make a bracelet for kids?
Thank yoooouuuuu!
In all the videos, the beads look really big. Can you make them to be 10 mm?
Hi, why is it that when I baked a round polymer clay, the other side (the one laid on the tray) flattened? :( What should I do to avoid it?
Polymerclaytutor I was wondering if you could do a video on how to correctly color your realistic charms with chalk pastels. Please answer even if you won't be able to!
what clay were you using in this video the effect of it looks really nice!
creativecrafterful That is a mixture of polymer clay and ground dried flowers. I have a tutorial on how to make Flower beads at my site. Here is the link: www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
thank you!
thanks now I know I can start and do not have to bake them the same day I roll them I thought I would have to do it all in one day thanks for the video
How can i roll an oblong shape bead, is it the same techinque shown but you roll larger circles in ur hand?
That is exactly right!
hi,What can you use to glaze polymere clay beads to give them a shine? Thanks alot
+Donna Ward You can use a few coats of clear nail polish.
No do not use polish!!!!!!
Boa noite, gostaria de saber como fazer esta argila de rosas pode ensinar por favor?
Thanks. I am currently obsessed with teething to make a mold so I can replicate a particular bad I am trying to make. The jewelry clay I got is so soft and when I make the bead in the tool I use it gets stuck. Even putting the clay in the fridge doesn't help :(
Thank you! Sorry for the late reply though.
Is the thing in the background what you use to bake all the beads to keep them round? If yes what is it made from, if no, how do you keep it from getting the flat spot when you bake?
Yes that is a bead baking rack. I have a couple of videos on the racks in my channel that you should check out.
Great thanks for the reply!
You mentioned rose petal beads. Have you added rose petals to the clay?
Hi ***** Yes, I have added rose petals to my polymer clay. If you want to learn how to do it too, I have a tutorial on it. Here's more info if you're interested: www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
yes cool tip, want to make 7mm ones for eyes, you know they sell from 4mm to 8mm but for some reason they left out the 7mm size, outta gemstone none only found one seller of plastic 7mm ones.
Yeah that's a cool thing about making your own beads... you can make them the exact size and color you want!
@@PolymerClayTutor : also TY for showing the ceramic tiles for the toaster oven I know its going to work well soone as they get here, ima copy just like you, LoL put 2 on the bottom inside oven, and top outside, and the tray, I also got one those inexpensive temps thermometer
How do u make a bead rack
Do you bake the beads after?
Yes you bake them.
Could you tell me what you put in the clay for texture on the opening picture?
Diane Erjavec Those were dried rose petals that were in that clay. I have a tutorial on it if you're interested in making them yourself. Here is the link: www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-02/vol-034/
Hi. How do you make the clay have like sprinkles?
Hi Awesomesun1 Those 'sprinkles' are actually flower petals. This clay is a batch I made in my Rose Petal Beads Tutorial. www.beadsandbeading.com/blog/rose-petal-beads-polymer-clay-tutorial-video/12689/
PolymerClayTutor
Do the beads break easily???
Hi drawtacular No polymer clay beads won't break if they're made with a good brand like Premo and are baked properly for a full hour at the temp recommended for the brand.
Can you put crystal on the beads?
Hi Susan Holloway Yes you can put crystals on polymer clay beads. You just have to either use Hot Fix Crystals with the glue on the back or glue them in after baking. Sometime I will do a demo video on using crystals, so make sure to subscribe so you don't miss it!
thanks Doug, going there now:)
Or you can get a plastic thingamajig at Michael’s that makes round beads plus other shapes. And make sure you don’t leave finger prints on the beads.