How to Make a Bracelet Out of Your Handmade Polymer Clay Beads

If you read a previous article I wrote "How to Make Beautiful Beads out of Polymer Clay," you will be interested in this article. I have become better at submitting articles and this includes photographs of the entire process. It will show you step by step how to make the beads. It will also show you step by step photographs of making the beads.

The biggest problem with making the beads is that it is addictive!

Step one is choosing your colors. You will want to get at least 5 colors that you like. It is interesting to see the different color combinations. You may want to make a bracelet or necklace to go with a certain outfit. This is great way to get started. You can make jewelry that matches what you already have. I like firmer clay such as Fimo Clay because it is easier to work with if it is not too soft. You will be surprised how much weather temperature affects the softness or firmness of the clay. If it is really hot outside and your hands are warm the clay can become almost too soft. When this happens you can let it rest. This means exactly what it says. Let it sit for a little while. I have put it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes sometimes when I am impatient and it really works.

This is the other equipment that you will need.

A pasta machine is very helpful. I got mine at Michael's Craft and Hobby Store with a 40% off coupon. It cost approximately $15.00 and has proven invaluable for my bead making. If you can't afford this or don't want to invest the money until you know if you are addicted or not, you can roll it out with a small rolling pin. Those are very inexpensive in children's toys. You aren't supposed to use the same equipment for the clay as you use in cooking.

You will need a piece of floor tile or glass that you have protected with tape around the edges. I got a piece for about a dollar at Lowe's, a local home and garden store.

A clay blade or an exacto knife blade or slicing the beads.

Floral wire or thin bamboo skewers. I like the floral wire if it is stiff. I have had a hard time getting the wire that is firm enough so as not to bend. I don't like the beads to be too thick and strong thin wire is hard to find.