Raku Style Crackle Beads Perfect For Chunky Jewelry Making Projects
The Deep Texture Of These Beads Begs To Be Touched:
Here is a close-up shot of one of my Crackled Faux Raku Beads. To me this particular bead looks a lot like a globe with its heavily textured 'continents' floating above a red sea. I am really liking this new technique. It has come through a series of experiments, originally inspired by some authentic raku art work my husband has in his office.
This faux raku technique is so organic and earthy looking which really appeals to the nature girl in me. And I have never seen anyone else do a faux raku quite like it!
Sure I've seen a crackle finish on polymer clay beads before, but those techniques have been done with metal leafs or paints and have no real surface dimension to them.
This faux raku is chunky and deeply textured… just begging you to run your fingers over its surface. In fact, every person I have shown these beads to so far, has done exactly that… ran their fingers over the beads to feel their rich bumpy texture.
These are tactile beads. They need to be experienced. To be touched and not just looked at.
For all of you out there that work with your hands, you'll understand exactly what I mean, when I say some materials just need to be touched.
And for you beaders who like to run your hands through a bowl full of beads just to feel them fall through your fingers, you are going to love getting your hands on these crackled faux raku beads!
Filed Under: 05: Techniques, 06: Bead Shapes by Comment. 
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Comments on Raku Style Crackle Beads Perfect For Chunky Jewelry Making Projects
10:02 am
I'm intrigued Cindy, these are beautiful. By the way, I thought I was the only one that loved to plunge my hand into a bowl of beads just to feel them. I do the same thing with buttons. Do you ever make polymer clay buttons? Take care, Susan
p.s. Thanks so much for stopping by my little spot, I really appreciate knowing that you do.
3:48 pm
Ever since I was a kid, I have loved running my fingers through a bowl of beads! I suspect you and I aren't the only ones!
I love to drop by your great site. I appreciate comments on my blog so I figure other people do too, therefor try to comment often when I visit someone's site!
4:38 am
Hi Cindy:
I'd love it if you could do a written tutorial on how you do these beads. I think that they are really yummy – like chunky cookies.
7:55 am
Beautiful beads Cindy! I just love the Faux Raku style beads especially the crackled ones. They would definitely make great buttons! And I agree they are earthy and organic looking. And I usually have to touch beads because I love the texture and the colors so these are fantastic!
Keep it coming!
6:14 pm
@Carol: Thanks, I'm glad you like them. I would most likely do a video tutorial over a written one since I personally am able to teach the technique much better that way.
@Lupe: I will! You're right they would probably make nice buttons, though more on something that didn't get washed often, since washing may be hard on the finish.
8:48 am
Hey Cindy,
Will you be doing the raku technique bead video tutorial any time soon? I have this design in my head and would love to learn how to do that bead!!!
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes and tutorials.
God Bless
Cheryl
2:45 pm
Yes Cheryl – I'm working on the faux raku tutorials as we speak. Sorry for the delay. I just wish there were more hours in the day to get everything done. I've had a ton of requests about that technique so I think it will be a popular one. Thanks for your interest.