Large Round Beads for Jewelry Making Projects - Polymer Clay Tips

Best way to get large beads with an organic, natural and even exotic look… make them yourself with Fimo or Sculpey clay:

This whole blog thing has introduced me to all kinds of new people and friends. I love it how the questions and comments come in from all around the world. In order to help me understand who all of you are a bit better, I've been asking a few questions of my own.

Today's post includes a back and forth email chat I had with Carolyn Reeves. So grab a cup of coffee if you like, and 'listen' in.

Carolyn: Desperately need instrux for forming large beads max. 20mm, shaping by hand (I like the "organic look" in beads)–see XO Gallery-Ruby Lane for reference; and color mixing. Thks, Carolyn

Cindy: Hi Carolyn, I don't know what your "XO Gallery-Ruby Lane" reference is. Can you provide me with a URL?

Carolyn: Dear Cindy: So Sorry…Please try rubylane.com/shops/xogallery. I love her beads (not so much the "ethnic style" but the beads themselves. Thank you for your speedy reply.

Cindy: Those are beautiful beads from Ruby Lane [See photo above]. I like them too! So that I can best help you, please tell me at what stage of the learning process you are at.

Would you say that you already know about the basic principles of bead making with polymer clay?

What is your level of experience with jewelry making in general?

Is it that the large 20mm beads you have tried to shape by hand, did not turn out as planned?

What is it about your beads that you feel is not working out so well?

How will you be using the beads once you come up with a design that you like?

I ask these questions because I don't want to make any assumptions about where you are at in the learning curve.

Carolyn: Dear Cindy: Well…I have 2 pkgs of Studio by Sculpey, an ink pad with "Vivid" colors by Clearsnap (which by the way I may give to my husband so I can purchase re-inker bottles to dye the clay instead; and a book: "Clay Techniques to 'Dye' for. The pkgs are not opened yet! Also, i purchased "Polymer Clay Treasures with Lisa Pavelka".

I have 8 years beading experience and have sold many pieces: pearls, semi precious, sterling silver, etc. So actually, I am a complete newbie to polymer clay.

The problem I have always encountered has been that I can't find great looking large (20mm beads). So I am hoping I can create them from polymer clay. My plan is to create semi matte beads with lots of vibrant and deep colors..very HOT and tropical for use in necklaces, bracelets and earrings. I plan to accent the large beads with ceramic spacers dipped in silver OR eventually make my own from PMC…a very modern Carmen Miranda-look.

Hope this gives you more information.
Thank you again, Carolyn

Cindy: What you are trying to do is very doable and sounds exciting! Making your own beads out of polymer clay is the perfect solution to getting exactly what you want.

Since you are able to create your own designer colors by mixing the clays as well as adding inks like you mentioned, you can make the beads to fit the jewelry you are creating. You can also make the beads any size or shape, with any sized holes that you wish. This gives you way more flexibility and creativity as a jewelry designer.

The large beads you pointed out on Ruby Lane can be created in polymer clay through a variety of different techniques. The Studio by Sculpey clay you have purchased has a more suede like finish than the Premo Sculpey clay I usually recommend. It may or may not get the look that you are craving, so you'll probably have to experiment a little with the different brands as well.

As far as getting that organic look with round beads, you are right in thinking they should be rolled by hand. Practice rolling round beads, by placing a chunk of clay in your non-dominant hand. Keep that hand flat and still. Then use your dominant hand to move the ball of clay in small circles. First one way than the other. A video in my course shows you exactly how to roll a perfectly round bead by hand, if you don't get what I mean.

To give the beads more texture and an organic feel, roll the shaped bead over very coarse sandpaper, bark or a rock. Painting and or antiquing the bead after it is baked will help accentuate the texture and make it look like stone, ceramic, metal or wood depending on the techniques used.

For a smooth but matte finish, you will need to properly sand your beads and only buff by hand. Using a power buffer will bring the beads to a high shine, but hand buffing will bring a rich low sheen that I think gives a professional and quality look and feel.

In order to save yourself a ton of time and money, I really would recommend that you purchase my Polymer Clay Basics Course for Bead Making (shameless self plug :).

The 39 videos demonstrate everything from choosing the right clay, which tools to purchase, baking instructions, sanding techniques, buffing and professional finishing. This multimedia course will help you get to making those Carmen Miranda beads *much* quicker than if you try to learn on your own with just books.

It was a pleasure chatting with you Carolyn. I hope these sculpey tips will be helpful in your quest to learn how to make large polymer clay beads.

Are there any others out there just like Carolyn who have already been making jewelry… and now would like to learn how to make your own beads too?

Can you see how great it would be to have the exact bead you need, when and where you want it? Large beads, organic, natural, exotic, colorful, vibrant. What kind of beads would you like to have, but are having trouble finding? Please do tell me your stories below in the comments section.