Mosaic Tube Bead Made With Polymer Clay Using A Faux Raku Technique
Another Bead Creation From My Raku Inspired Series:
I know I've been talking a lot lately about faux raku polymer clay techniques… but when I get excited about something, it's hard not to talk about it… bet you're the same way. Today's photo is a close up shot of a tube bead that goes with the collection of other raku style beads I've been showing over the last week or so. Here's links to those photos in case you missed them:
For today's bead I made a much thicker and chunkier version of the raku technique and wrapped a sheet of it around a tube bead base. What I like about this version is the deep crevices and the almost mosaic look that it has. These beads have a lot of design potential don't you think?
I'd be curious to hear your ideas about how you would use a bead like this. What style of jewelry do think a bead like this would look good in? What other beads would you pair up with it? Looking forward to your comments.
Filed Under: 05: Techniques, 06: Bead Shapes by Comment. 
Leave a Comment
Comments on Mosaic Tube Bead Made With Polymer Clay Using A Faux Raku Technique
6:46 am
Hi Cindy;
I love this Raku idea. I use lots of raku in my ethnic style jewelry. I pair it with chunky corals, turquoise and amber. I use old brass and copper beads for accents.
I will also use raku with seed pods and wood beads with metal Heshi for a different look.
7:33 am
I am not quite sure what I would put with this bead but I defiantly want to lean how to make one. Last week you asked if we would like a video show how to make the Raku Technique. I really would like that and hope others will chime in.
12:32 pm
@Illaya: Very nice ideas for bead pairing! The combinations sound lovely!
@Anna: Thanks for your interest in the technique! I'm glad you like these beads. As far as other chiming in, I hope so too!
7:31 am
This technique is so cool, I really like the round and lentil beads in previous lessons. I could never figure out how to do this on my own and need a visual. The nice thing about these beads is they are different that what most other people are making. With 12000 polymer clay listings on Etsy, these would really stand out. I have not yet listed on Etsy and my concern in is how do you get noticed. I know a good photo is the key but originality is also very important. I hope others will realize the great opportunity to learn this Raku Technique and will hound Cindy to make a video lesson.
11:36 am
Thanks Anna! You are so right about the need to stand out! I am so glad you see these beads as unique and want to learn how to make them. Feels great!
1:59 am
Hi Cindy, this technique would be a great addition to my list of "things I would like to learn to do" So I am chiming in too!! :)
5:50 pm
That's good to hear Adrienne!
10:00 am
I love the bead. I would use it with ethnic jewellery. I'd probably combine it with brass or copper, maybe use it on a cord necklace.
1:11 pm
Thanks Cheryl! I think this style of bead would look excellent with brass, copper and cord. There is something rustic about it that would blend very well with an ethnic style jewelry piece! Great comment!
9:21 pm
I THINK THEY WOULD LOOK GOOD WITH THE FAUX BONE, SHAPED INTO A HORN/CLAW. THE FAUX CERAMIC LOOKING BEADS. THE OTHER FAUX SEMI-PRECIOUS STONE BEADS WOULD LOOK EQUALLY AS GOOD. LYNN WATTS
8:52 am
There are some great glass beads out there now and it would be fun to try and combine colors.
4:35 pm
@Lynn: Those are some very nice suggestions! Earthy beads would make good compliments to the faux raku beads!
@Cheryl: You're right! Some chunky glass beads in rich colors would look great with this style of beads!