Polymer Clay Tutorial | Pillow Beads for Your Jewelry Projects

Vid #103: Beads that Look Like Fluffy Pillows, Complete with Premo Clay Stuffing!

For anyone who has been following this site for a while now, you probably already know that Friday (tomorrow) is the day that the weekly video tutorial is posted in the members library. And that at some point before each Friday rolls around, I post a preview clip… just like the one further down on this page.

Hi Cindy, Your videos are always so inspiring! I get up especially early on Fridays just to see what video you have sent and I sit down with my coffee and watch. Thanks so much. ~Charlene

Boy do I look forward to Fridays now thanks to you. I cant wait to see what you will post next. And I'm never disappointed! This week is no exception. Another finger dancin video I must say. Cause you know the minute I see your e-mail in the inbox my fingers start itchin for some clay. XOXO ~Jamie

I have gotten so much help from your tutorials and look forward each week to what you are going to share next. ~Diana

I always hope to see an email from you when I check my emails. Keep those videos acomin'. ~Lani

Hi Cindy, I have just watched your video clip, a fabulous result and how easy you make it look. I'm very new to working with Polymer Clay. Thanks so much for passing on your knowledge to this novice, I look forward to receiving your email as I know I will always learn another tip to assist me in my creativity. Toodles From the land down under: Australia. ~Maggie

I look forward to your weekly members video. I am so glad to be a member. My beads have become so much better and I have the confidence to experiment now, which is important in skill development. ~Cara

This week's tutorial video [Vol-011-3] is all about making beautiful pillow beads using the polymer clay fabric sheet we made in last week's tute [Vol-011-2 - Pattern Backgrounds].

These fun little beads look just like miniature pillows for fairies or dolls. In fact, you could use them as accessories for doll houses if you wanted to! Made using clay 'fabric' and clay 'stuffing', they are not only fun to make, but also fun to use in your jewelry projects too.

If you prefer, you can also make the pillow bead shape with slices from a square shaped polymer clay cane… instead of using patterned polymer clay sheets.

In this week's polymer clay tutorial video, I will show you tricks for making perfectly shaped pillow beads… as well as share some tips on avoiding problems that come up with this unique bead making technique. You won't want to miss it!

Further down on this page is a little sneak peak clip for you to watch right now if you like. The full version of the video will be available in the members library tomorrow (Friday, April 24, 2009).

Here's That "Link Below" Referred To at End of the Video
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<

The full version of the "Pillow Beads" preview video shown above, is available for purchase at my Polymer Clay Bead Making Videos Library in the Volume-011 Back Issue Package.

The following topics are covered in this "Pillow Beads Tutorial" video:

• Examples of various pillow beads made with both patterned sheets and cane slices.
• How to use a patterned background sheet or 'clay fabric' for your designs on your pillow beads.
• Why using a backing sheet of scrap clay is important.
• How to use a square metal cutter for making your pillow bead layers and stuffing.
• Mastering the squeeze and pinch technique for closing up your pillow seems.
• Using an acrylic roller for smoothing out the seams.
• Special sanding instructions.
• Discussion of what can happen when your cane slices or fabric is cut too thin… funny stretching, blocky ridges and collapsed corners.