Bead&Button forums are FREE. If you wish to participate you must LOGIN | REGISTER.

Polymer Clay

question about making beads by hand
Last post 05-29-2008 9:57 AM by jilla. 1 replies.
Sort Posts:
Page 1 of 1 (2 items)
  • 05-17-2008 10:23 PM

    question about making beads by hand

     

    Howdy all! 

    I like working with polymer clay.  I make beads by hand, mixing colors as I go.  Since I roll a lot of clay into little balls, I find that I get a lot of clay stuck to my hands.  Is there a way besides wearing latex gloves, to keep the clay from sticking to my hands?

    Second question:  my mother doesn't like the fact that all my beads are a little different in size and shape since I am making them one at a time by hand.  Is there a way to make perfectly round beads?

    Misha

  • 05-29-2008 9:57 AM In reply to

    Re: question about making beads by hand

    Sticking:  Sounds like you have "hot hands" or are using soft clay.  If you use firm clays such as Kato you will get less sticking on your hands.  Fimo Classic and Fimo Soft might also be good choices for you.  To clean your hands real well, use something containing petroleum distillate and it's a one-wipe process.  I use WD40 or Orange Glo Wood Furniture Cleaner and Polish.  You can also try dusting the palms of your hands with corn starch or baby powder.

    Even sizes of beads:  There are many methods. 

    One is to roll out a sheet of clay using the pasta machine so it's evenly thick throughout.  Then use a cutter, it doesn't matter what shape, to cut out pieces of clay.  They will all roll to the same size bead.

    Another is to make a snake of even diameter and then use a Marxit or a ruler to cut same-size slices.  When I roll out the snake, I put it through a hole template to make sure it's the same diameter from end to end.  

    And there are plastic bead rollers which come with little measuring tools and/or direction on how to get the right amount of clay to make beads of consistent sizes so the roller works best.

    And if you are having trouble getting them perfectly round, try rolling them in a figure 8 pattern between the palms of your hands.  You will be able to feel them even out - don't use a lot of pressure.  Let the shape and softeness of the palms of your hands do the work.

    Last but not least, feel free to come join us at the Art Jewelry forum where we have a pretty active clay group of all levels of expertise.  You'll get answers pretty fast and one of the things we do best is collaborate for trouble-shooting.  Hope this all helps.

    Signature
    http://www.jkollmann.etsy.com
Page 1 of 1 (2 items)

Become a Member

Register online for access to more valuable resource information on BeadAndButton.com!
Don't miss your connection to the reader forum, free projects, beading technique videos, and more.

Not a Member?
Register  |  Why Join?

Secure Login Subscriber & Member Log In
E-mail Address:
Password:
Remember me

My Profile

Copyright © 2008 Kalmbach Publishing Co.
Powered by Community Server (Commercial Edition), by Telligent Systems