Cheap Craft Supplies | Making Polymer Clay Beads On a Budget
Thrifty Options for Polymer Clay Tools and Supplies:
Something came up this week in the comments of the May 20 article about Hammered Copper Findings. It was to do with the costs involved with making polymer clay jewelry and beads. I wanted to expand on the topic today because I'm sure it something that is an issue for many of you.
The discussion began with this…
Isn't it funny how everyone always says that you don't need much in the way of materials and tools for polymer clay work and then, when you get further and further into it, you end up needing all kinds of stuff?
Specifically, the above comment was about getting a set of wire strippers to remove the outer plastic coating from copper wire purchased at the hardware store to make copper jewelry findings.
After some lively, fun and helpful input from so many of you, the conversation ended up at a work-around solution for stripping the wire without even having to purchase the wire stripper tool at all.
Thanks so much for the article on how to strip wire without a wire stripper. Sounds pretty easy. And, believe me, I do appreciate your cost-cutting tips. I agree that the supplies one needs for polymer clay projects probably cost a lot less than supplies for other crafts.
If you haven't seen the full conversation yet, it's worth a read. By the way, the wire stripper dialog is just one of several "mini-conversations" that happened in that thread: Hammered Copper Findings
Anyways… I'm extremely happy to see this blog turning into a resource for all of you to share your cost saving ideas. It's an approach to crafting that I've practiced for many years.
In fact, back in the mid 90's I even had my own TV show called the 'Sophisticated Scrounge'. It was all about using recycled and re purposed materials in creative ways. So this scrounging ability runs deep!
Of course, you will still need to purchase some tools for many of the techniques that I teach in my polymer clay tutorials. But you can always count on me to provide less expensive alternatives and options whenever possible.
So on that note, here are 5 thrifty / frugal ideas for making polymer clay beads and jewelry:
1) Alternative Bead Rack: Though I highly recommend purchasing the Amaco Bead Baking Rack, you can get by with a heat safe, ceramic bowl and a skewer like the setup pictured in today's photo above. Little supports made of polymer clay will keep your pierced beads from rolling around. And the ceramic will absorb heat and keep the temp more even in the oven. A longer ceramic dish will work better than the round bowl for supporting more beads at once.
2) Make Your Own Bead Wires: You can pierce and bake beads on bamboo skewers, knitting needles and copper wire. Put cornstarch on wood or bamboo before poking the hole in your bead. This will minimize sticking. File copper wire to as sharp a point as possible at one end for easy piercing.
3) Make Your Own Alcohol Ink: Although the concentration of homemade alcohol inks is not as high, you can make a useful substitute with commonly available supplies. See: Alcohol Ink Techniques and Recipes for Polymer Clay Artists
4) Powdered Color Pigments: You can use powdered eye shadow and bronzers instead of the specialty mica powders like Pearl Ex Powdered Pigments.
5) Jewelry Wire working Supplies: Buy copper and other metal wires in the electrical department of your local hardware store. See: Cheap Jewelry Making Supplies for Bead Artists
OK… your turn. What are some other cost effective ideas for polymer clay tools and polymer clay supplies that have worked for you?
Filed Under: 02: Tools, 03: Supplies by Comment. 
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Comments on Cheap Craft Supplies | Making Polymer Clay Beads On a Budget
8:41 am
I was disappointed that neither of our box home improvement stores had 14 or 16 gauge copper wire – only coated. Will have to check smaller hardware stores. I'm anxious to try it, it goes so good with the polymer clay pieces.
11:55 am
Depending on where you live, tools can be found at a number of locations for reasonable prices. Our Monday Aggie Auction and Market runs a booth that services everything from miniatures to hydraulic. The outdoor flea market behind is another fine source.
Advertised home clean outs can be a good source for tools, especially whole intact collections. Usually its someone moving, who doesn't want to lug tons of heavy stuff. My sister in law has an entire lapidary studio in her basement that she bought from the son of a jeweler who had passed away. She saw the ad, picked up the phone and now she has heaven in the basement.
A last suggestion, especially in the spirit of recycling, is to have a local art/craft get together for a tool and what-have-you swap. Makes a great nite, some potluck, good wine, and a tool fight, lol!
Guilt free way to get some of the impulse purchase stuff you know you will never use, or have used and don't care for it.
My personal favorite source was my Dad's workshop. He would loan me stuff, and show me how to use things, and so long as I was good about returning it in good shape, it was like having a library at your disposal.
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3:17 pm
Hi Cindy
When I make beads I use a foil baking pan (loaf size) to cure my beads in. Then I use turkey lacing needles you know the rigid metal ones with a loop on one and pointy on the other end. (both items found at the local dollar store) I use the needle to pierce my beads. I can usually fit several beads on each needle I also use the needle to make a hole in the foil baking pan and the loop on the other end of the needle hangs nicely on the opposite end of the baking pan. Now I have my own bead rack and it fits in my oven. I always tent my clay with foil when curing. The beads slip off the turkey lacing needle easily either when warm or cool.
11:12 pm
I do the exact same thing for my beads Vanessa. I have used the same pan and pins for years now and they work great every time. I have used the longer metal pins they make for shish kebobs too. They make nice holes for larger beads and most are shaped with a spiral edge almost like a screw, so you just turn them and they go in nice and clean. Thats a harder thing to achieve sometimes with larger beads or when you want a larger hole. I have also found that you can use the new soft silicone baking dishes that can be found in most dollar stores, to bake larger items that have to lay flat. They come in all sorts of shapes from cupcakes to small loaf shapes. And they dont leave a shiny spot on your baked pieces. XOXO Jamie
6:53 am
I love the idea of what you have swap. I check Craig's List for craft supplies and recently bough 12 clear craft/fishing tackle boxes full of glass beads and findings at a very reasonable price. This has really helped me because I love making beads but I never get them put together into anything because I didn't have spacer beads, filler beads, findings, clasps or ear wires. Going to Michael's beading area would be overwhelming because there were sooooo many choices. So now I can sit in the comfort of my own spots and miix and match to complete projects.
11:47 am
Cindy,
I have looked everywhere for Future Floor finish or wax without success. Is it now called "Pledge with Future Shine Floor Finish"? The label says "Same Acrylic Protection and Long Lasting Shine." It is made by Johnson. If not, can I still use it to finish my baked poly clay projects?
Thanks,
Joan Wallace
12:58 pm
Joan,
As far as I understand you are correct in that the new name of future is "Pledge with Future Shine Floor Finish" and that it can be used the same was as the older product. I had a friend tell me that she will put future in a jar and let it sit out over night or longer so that it can evaporate and become thicker. I have tried this and it does work. On the other hand if left too long the product will become rock hard.
7:07 am
I have found information online that says the two products are the same, and that there was a name-change in 2008. The company is the same. Thanks for all the help.
Joan
6:48 pm
Sorry I haven't popped in here yet… Getting so busy I can't keep up!
Love all the comments everyone. Glad to see you are helping each other out.
As far as Pledge with Future and Future Floor Finish they are indeed the same product, one of our readers (Marlowe Duncan) called the company in fact and got confirmation that is is exactly the same formula. Only the packaging and name have changed.