Jewelry makers love beads and the supply budget for your hobby can quickly be used up in a well-stocked bead or craft store. Add another dimension to your jewelry-making hobby and save money by making your own beads using Fimo polymer clay. Creating your own beads is incredibly easy and rewarding. Fimo polymer clay truly allows you to design a piece of jewelry from beginning to end and ensures a one-of-a kind creation.
Instructions
1. Work the Fimo clay into a more pliable condition. Knead, roll and work the clay in your hands to soften and warm it. Place each prepared clay color in a small zip-close bag to keep it from drying out while working with alternate colors.
2. Pinch off enough Fimo polymer clay to create a 1/2-inch-diameter base for each bead. Roll the clay into a ball-shaped bead.
3. Pinch off small pieces of clay to create 1/8-inch-diameter--or smaller--polka dots for each bead. Use a variety of colors for beads with multicolored polka dots. Roll the small pieces of clay into BB-sized shapes.
4. Place a small polka dot ball on the bead base and press. This will flatten and adhere the polka dot to the bead. Apply more polka dots, as desired, to the bead base. Repeat for all your Fimo polymer bead bases.
5. Insert a toothpick through the beads to create the hole for stringing. Twist and agitate the toothpick to drill through the hole. This will prevent too much pressure on the beads that may misshapen them. Remove the toothpick.
6. Place a small amount of quilt batting on an old cookie sheet. This will prevent the beads from rolling and acquiring shiny spots. Place the cookie sheet in your oven and bake according to the manufacturer's directions on the Fimo polymer clay package.
