Holes In Polymer Clay Beads
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Video #384: Tips to help you end up with nice straight and clean holes in your polymer beads. By Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor: www.beadsandbea...
Topics Covered In This Video:
- Let warm, freshly rolled beads rest to firm up.
- If necessary, chill beads in fridge or pop into a bowl of ice water to harden up.
- After resting, do a quick re-roll to remove any flat spots that may have appeared after sitting on a flat surface to cool.
- Wear gloves or coat fingertips in cornstarch to avoid putting fingerprints on your beads.
- Use a light touch when handling beads, to avoid distortion.
- Choose the straightest, cleanest and sharpest bead pins you have. Discard bent ones.
- Sand any rusted or dirty bead pins with 400g sandpaper and wipe down with rubbing alcohol.
- Twist bead pin while piercing the bead hole rather than pushing and causing distortion of your bead.
- Coating bead pin with water or cornstarch can help ease the pin into the clay.
- Check to make sure the bead pin is entering the bead as straight and as centered as possible.
- After completing the bead hole, give pin a gentle tug to center the clay that might have started protruding from the exit hole.
- Smooth out any fingerprints using cornstarch or water, and bake bead on bead rack.
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i tend to put the beads in the fridge, cools them down without getting all wet.i also use a firmer clay on the inside of the beads i like the sculpey colors but they are very squishy so a fimo core works well to help keep its shape.
Thank you so much! I just ordered a rack and pins. I've been using a pin and toothpicks. I was gently twisting the pin through and pulling it out and making little 'bead brochettes' on toothpicks for baking on parchment paper. I made sure to put the bead on the toothpick starting with opposite side that I pierced with the pin (to push in the pucker). It worked to make my first beads but now that I know I want to make more, I am sure that having the right tools will make a big difference! I love your tip about cooling the clay first... and wearing gloves or using corn starch.
More great tips as usual! Round beads are the only ones I pierce before baking - any other shape I drill later with a pin vice (slower but way more controllable than a power tool) ..... Thanks, love your vids!
That's funny you mentioned that Lesley. I actually filmed a follow up video for this one, and I use a pin vice to hand drill the holes larger. Stay tuned for that closer to the end of the month. Thank you for your nice comment!
You're welcome karmelidesigns! Glad you liked the video!
Hi Lulu Me, I haven't made push pins before but the would be pretty easy. You could either glue on or embed a metal push pin into the clay before baking. Push pins out of polymer clay would be very cute... I should think about making some too! If I do, I'll make sure to do a tute on it! Thanks for commenting!
Hi staylor9501, I show those drawer units in detail in my video called "Storing Polymer Clay in Small Plastic Drawers". Click my name to head to my channel (subscribe while you're there so you don't miss a thing) and then go to the "PcT Studio Tips (Simple and Quick, Ideas and Tricks)" Playlist. You'll find the video there. Thanks for commenting!
Don't be scared to make beads Weswy13. If you don't have a bead rack, you can make some great alternatives at home. If you go to my blog (link is in description) and type "bead rack" or "baking beads" into the search box, I have several posts on homemade bead racks and baking beads on cornstarch that you can do instead. Have fun! If you need help, just ask!
HI KrissD74, cornstarch will just wash right off. You can do it before or after baking, it doesn't matter.
I've done a few paid tutorials on sculpted beads. You'll need to go to my blog to check them out though. The link is in the description box. Thanks for commenting!
Wow. You are so careful in every way -- a real inspiration. Thank you!
That's a good plan! If you add a little Sculpey Bake and Bond or some Liquid Sculpey to your headpin before putting it in your charm, it can help keep it from sliding out later as well.
Hi Ashley Ramirez, I do not recommend you put polymer clay in the microwave, even for a minute. It could easy scorch or catch on fire. Just use a regular oven or a toaster oven to bake your polymer clay. Thanks for commenting!
Polymer clay is extremely combustible!!! I found that out the hard way once. Don't use it for incense holders, candle holders, etc., unless you cover it completely with a 2 part resin.
Hi fonda hughes I used the cornstarch on my fingers to fill the fingerprints to help avoid leaving prints on my raw bead. It will easily wash off after baking. Thanks for commenting!
I have been planning on doing a craft area tour, craftasticclay. I have done them before for my blog members but haven't yet here on CZcams. Expect to see one soon. If you are subscribed you won't miss it when it comes out.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Hi AriBon, I don't have a specific trick for cutting a round bead in half without distorting it, but you could try freezing it first or or making one half at a time instead by using a mold or something. If I think of anything better, I'll try and post it. Thanks for commenting!
Love the video, do you have one for making much bigger holes in the clay? I am making some rather large pendants with big holes. Thanks so much :)
Thank you so much for this tip! I am also going to use it for inserting headpins Into my clay charms. They always insert twisted and know they probably won't!
Are your head pins good quality and not small. I just did this and my head pins didn’t bend or twist. All headpins and jump rings are equal. I learned that the hard way. 😢
wow thanks so much! I had so much trouble doing this, my beads were always weird and stuff, but after watching ths video, It is all better! Thanks.
Thanks Cindy for this informative video :)... Along with the tips you mentioned,I also poke the bead from other end to let the extra clay go inside again and also hold the pin and roll it on the soft end of my palms softly so that its nicely rounded..can you give some tips for how to glaze beads using some household tools so that I don't have to hold it in my hands while glazing ?
Hi mrsbeckyboop! Polymer clay is essentially a plastic and is already waterproof. Buttons that are made of polymer clay have no problems being washed as long as they are made well and are properly cured. To learn more about making polymer clay buttons, go to my blog (link in description) and type "buttons" into the search box. You will find info as well as a tutorial on How to Make Polymer Clay Buttons. Good luck!
I just love all you shared knowledge and ease in teaching it! Thank you
Thank you very helpful
Thanks Victoria! You're right about my bead rack having more function than regular bead racks. I added a product called Sugru, which is a high heat silicone clay that dries to a rubber like material, which in this case keeps my bead pins from falling out. I did a video called "Sugru Hack For Your Amaco Polymer Clay Bead Rack". Make sure to check it out in my PolymerClayTutor Channel.
I use a stand and a drill after they are dry,,,works well
Hi eliana wylie, I don't actually sell any bead racks (not yet anyway). That is an Amaco Professional Bead Rack that you can get at Micheals. The red blobs are made with Sugru. Watch this video to learn more about that: Sugru Hack For Your Amaco Polymer Clay Bead Rack
Very helpful! Thanks Cindy!
Do you have a video on putting a hole through large flat beads! Can’t seem to find anything.
Hello dear friend!
About the holes in the beads can you tell us if there is a method to get them when they fill with aluminum foil on the inside?
Thank you very much and congratulations for your clear constructions!
Or just go ahead and bake them, then when they're cooled, just drill the hole. Small rotary tool like a Dremel works great.
Cindy thanks for your tutorials are really helpful your advice :)
Hi Jayalekshmi J J, no, terracotta clay and polymer clay are not the same thing. Terracotta is an earth based clay that needs to be fired at a very high temperature (1000's of degrees F). I think there are some air dry terracotta clays used in the craft market but they are as strong as the fired ones. Polymer clay is a plastic based clay that needs to be baked in an oven at a quite low temperature (200F-300F depending on brand) So although they both say clay in their name, they're not the same.
can I bake my bead first than drill a whole with drill bits small enough to get your ideal whole diameter?
Thanks very much today I'm going to make some beads :)
Hi Cindy, Thank you for all the helpful and inspiring tutorials!
I don't know if the question is mentioned before, but can you tell me for how long the beads have to lay in the ice water?
Hi 04294gbml, You're in luck! I filmed a video on drilling polymer clay beads after they are baked that will be perfect for you. It is set to come out this Thursday I believe, so stay tuned for that. Make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss the video or any of the other new ones that come out every week. Good luck!
How do you repair extra holes that show up after baking?
Thank you so much for your tips and videos, they are super useful! I have a question for you. there's any way I can cut a spherical bead in 2 exact equal parts without deforming it?
A big thank you from Sweden!
what do you do with the corn starch on the bead
Thank you very much for this tip of iced water. I think my beads will stay round instead of flat with this! The only remaining problem is to make a hole in the middle all along the bead. Do you have a tip for this, except make the hole carefully of course. Thank you.
Can I ask how you would make the hole big enough so that you could fit a 2mm chain through it with out distorting the shape of the bead?
Hi! Thanks so much for sharing and teaching about Polymer Clay. I recently bought a pasta machine for it at Goodwill for just $8.00!!! I was so excited! I wanted to ask where you bought the three or so, black/pullout drawers, along the wall in the video? I think they're awesome. Thanks again!
I went to micheals the other day and found these metal bead ring hole things which you are suppose to attach to each side if the bead, and then remove the clay still left in between the bead holes but when I tried to do that I ended disturting my beads
Thanks!!
My issue is when I put it through the bead it doesn’t come straight through the middle of the other side. Anything I can do? Thank you.
Hi :) information you have shared here really helped me a lot as a beginner. I have a question for you. Is this terracotta and polymer clay are same?
How do I make larger holes for beads that will be strung on leather cord without misshaping them?
Can u do a craft area tour
Thankq so much for your valuable reply :)
Hi Patrizia Mondoni, it can be tricky to get a hole in a bead with a foil core. One thing you can try is to make your foil core over a bead pin or wire before adding the clay. then you have a hole already, that will be easier to poke through. Or you can try a sharp but thin needle to push through the foil, but that can be harder to do. Good luck!
How do u get rid of the cornstarch on the bead? Before or after baking too ? Thanks
I love your bead making and tips. Could you please tell me if airdry clay can be used for making beads? Thank you so much.
You can but airdry clay is not as durable as oven cured clay and can be affected by water. It wouldn't be my first choice for jewelry.
@@PolymerClayTutor Thank you so much for your response and advice.
Thank you Archana for your tips! they are great ones! As far as glazing, I am guessing you mean dipping them in a glaze? I usually don't like to put thick glazes on my beads. I prefer to sand, buff and sometimes wax them. I will try and think of some handy tips for dipping though, since I know many of you like to add thick shiny coats to your charms.
What type or brand of wax do you use? Do you have a tutorial on that? Thanks!
After you put the needle through the bread what's the rack for? Also, do you take the needle out then put in oven or how does all that work? Thank you :-)
Hi MarthaG Manriquez Once you pierce the bead, you put it on the rack and put the rack in the oven to bake.
Oh ok thank you
Are there bead mandrels you recommend for making larger holes?
I can't believe they don't have a tool for that! They do for everything else it seems.
Hi Cindy, I have an issue with my beads and wondering how I can save them. I soaked them in ice water for a while and then used cornstarch on my fingers to avoid fingerprints. I baked all my beads and they all have a white dusty film on them that doesn't come off. I rinsed them well and then added some dish detergent. I don't know where it went wrong. I baked about 60 beads. :( Hope you can help. Thank you.
Thank you soooo much!! :D
Hi! I recently made a starfish on polymer clay but i forgot to make the holes on the sides because it was supposed to be a charm now its baked and i really need to make the holes but i dont know how to because im afraid i might break the piece. Please hep! Do you have any recommendation?
I have a question what happens if u put the clay in the microwave for a minute
um may I ask how do you make Polymer clay push pins?? its for my bulletin board!! please!!
I know this is off topic but couldn't find a place to message you. I was wondering if you know how to waterproof clay , I want to make some buttons but want them to be washable.
What do you do with the corn starch after you got it on the bread? Bake it then wash it off? Thanks for the tip!
Yes I do!
hi can u please tell me where i can buy the bead rack u have, do u sell them, thanks
Where do I find the bead pins and rack?
You can also just bake beads without holes, and drill holes afterwards. Avoids all distortion, perfectly straight hole, and any size you want. Based on the bit.
+artmakersworlds Yes you can but it is quite tricky to drill a nice perfectly centered hole in a baked round bead... especially if it is small... if you don't already have a pilot hole pierced with a wire when it was raw. Unless you use a jig.
I do it all the time, however, a simple "jig" would be place the bead into a smaller size round cookie cutter. (us clay nuts all have them.) Hold it with your fingers so it doesn't go spinning, aim straight down and viola. (I use a dremel for this, very high speed and tiny bits.) The advantage to this is no chance of squishing, finger prints, or any of that. Now I still haven't mastered doing this with lentil beads. I've seen better jigs but don't yet have a drill press. Aim has to be perfect or the hole does't come out where you want. And yea, for those you sure do need a starter hole. Or drill press. ah someday. After a lathe.
How would you make larger holes in the beads. I’m needing to be able to string 2 strings of para cord through my beads for making a beaded lanyard. I cam make the small holes but not sure of the best method for larger holes.
There are a couple of ways to do it. You can keep the small holes when you bake them and use that small hole as a pilot hole for drilling out with a larger drill bit. I have a video on my channel that shows you how to do that. Or you can make your bead on a larger mandrel, like a metal rod, bamboo skewer, small knitting needle or even a chopstick. Give your bead a little twist while it is still on the rod, before baking, especially on anything wooden, because sometimes they will stick. Sounds like you have some experimenting to do!
hi thanks for the tutorials, they're great. how long do you bake for and temp?
Maris Rios Follow package instructions.
what needles are these and where do I get them ?
Okay, will do and thanks for responding! By the way, have you ever ventured into creating characters/figurines with polymer clay? I'm thinking to try that soon, too. :o)
How do you make beads with bigger holes? Do they make larger diameter pins?
Hi FlickerFlee You can use bigger diameter pins (knitting needles etc) if you wish, but I most often prefer to make them small like these and drill them larger after baking if I need to.
What do you recommend to make larger holes for a lanyard?
I always start my holes the same way and then drill them larger after baking if I need a larger hole. I have a video on drilling beads in my channel if you want to check that out.
When did you begin creating polymer clay jewelry
Hi R Lin I have played with polymer clay off and on for many years but only got serious about it about 8 years ago.
Other than corn starch, can I use flour?
No, regular flour will get all gluey. Cornstarch doesn't effect the surface of the clay.
Hi art attacks, I have a great tutorial (paid) that teaches you how to use those metal bead cores that you are referring to. You need to go to my blog (link in description) and type 'pandora' beads into the search box. There you will see a blog post and a preview video of the tutorial. Hope that helps!
Hi. I'm new new subscriber on your channel. I'm very interested in making a big curved tube to make a necklace. Can you please do a video on it? Thanks so much!!!!
Rantaro: oh fu-
It's depressing to me how much stuff has to be purchased to even be a beginner in polymer clay. Have to have money to play the game, as usual.
Dont scream pls!
you