Video #214: “The Troll or Pandora beads… are so amazingly popular and I would love to learn how to make them.” ~Cheryl-V
Well it’s finally here… the tutorial that many of you have been patiently waiting for!
Pandora Beads and others of this style (Caspia, Troll, Chamilia, Trinkets), are very popular today because of their collectibility and interchangeable features. Basically, the way this type of jewelry works, is that you buy the large holed, metal lined beads individually, and then slide them onto the specially designed bracelet, necklace or earring blanks, to get different looks. Sort of the modern version of a charm bracelet.
Real Pandora beads/charms range from simple silver lined glass beads at $40 a piece, to 14K lined Art Glass Beads at $270 each. At that price, it is no surprise that jewelry makers are making their own versions of this popular bead style, using various materials, including polymer clay!
It took some experimenting, but I eventually figured out a fool proof way to add Sterling Silver Cores (plus other types of grommets as well), to your polymer clay beads… with perfectly aligned holes and a professional finish. It’s super simple too! You are going to love how easy this is!
Hi Cindy, last year we (our clay family) talked some in the blog about learning how to make the “Troll” or “Pandora” beads. Do you have any plans in the near future to do a tutorial on those beads? They are so amazingly popular and I would love to learn how to make them while they are still a hot ticket item. Thank you! ~Cheryl-V
I have been thinking about Pandora beads too… have no idea how these are finished cleanly. Any chance Cindy of a tut in the near future? ~DJ
I’d like to see Pandora-style (metal-lined, big-hole) beads. I haven’t actually made any, and while I can think of two specific approaches I’d try if I did, it would be great to see how Cindy would tackle them. ~Sue-F
Hey Sue! I’m with you… learning to make that Pandora style beads would be very interesting. ~Aims
I only just started making jewelry over the winter because I wanted to try to duplicate those expensive “Troll” and “Pandora” bracelets that are getting so popular now. I discovered polymer clay when I was having trouble finding “just the right bead” for my projects. I dove right into the clay and love working with it. ~Cathy-M
I just signed up for the membership and I am so very excited. I am very new to working with the clay, but I am very artistic and creative and am very excited to get started. I did not see a video for beads with the cores, do you have something like that? What I would like to do is make beads like the Pandora beads that have the cores in them instead of just a hole. Do you have anything like that? Thanks so much for the effort that you put forth for all of us! ~Kim-G
Welcome Kim, hope you enjoy the family here, and I do mean family. Most of us have said at one time or another we would like a pandora type bead tutorial, we hope that it is coming up soon, but Cindy’s list for producing the videos must be a mile long by now. So once again welcome to the family, you’ll see very soon it is the best money that you’ll ever spend. ~Ken-H
I love the Pandora-style beads! I’ve noticed lots of people showing interest. Makes me wonder if Cindy has been busy experimenting on these; it would be cool if she had a video tut coming up. ~Phaedrakat
So without further ado… coming up tomorrow (Friday August 5th 2011) in the Vol-039-1 members video at the Polymer Clay Tutor Library, I’ll show you all how to make your own beautiful Pandora Style Beads that you can be sold, gifted or added to your own collection.
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Please Note: A general prerequisite for all of my weekly tutorials is that you have a good understanding of the polymer clay basics, including: conditioning clay, using a pasta machine, clay blade and other simple tools, making Skinner Blends or Teardrop Blends, baking clay, as well as sanding and finishing. If you need help in these areas, my Polymer Clay Beginners Course will get you up to speed quickly. There is also plenty of free information on this blog. Use the search box at the top of the page to find articles on specific topics.
Supplies & Tools: Video-039-1 Pandora Style Beads:
- Grommets. In the video I show examples of 4mm and 5mm Sterling Silver Grommets I purchased from Rings ‘n Things online, as well as base metal grommets found in the Scrapbooking section at Walmart. Grommets or Eyelets found in the scrapbook department often do not state the size of the opening, so a great tool to have handy for measuring is a caliper. You can often find digital calipers in jewelry tool supply stores.
- Sculpey Pearl and Etch Tool Set. If you can’t find these tools, a properly sized knitting needle may work for you. See tutorial for choosing the right tool for the job.
- Polymer clay.
- Polymer clay canes (optional).
- Acrylic block or alternative flat surface.
- Pasta Machine or acrylic roller.
- Clay blade (optional).
- Clay cutters (optional).
- Bead baking rack and piercing pins.
- Tweezers (optional).
- Sanding and buffing supplies (optional but highly recommended).
- Polymer clay compatible finish such as Sculpey Glossy Glaze (optional).
- Polymer clay compatible glue such as Weldbond.
- Paper towel and tooth picks (optional).
The full version of the Vol-039-1 Pandora Style Beads video will be posted in the Polymer Clay Members Library on Friday Aug 5, 2011. But if you would like to see a sneak peek intro clip right now, scroll down the page a bit to the video player below.
The full version of the “Pandora Style Beads” preview video shown above, is now available for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Volume-039 Back Issue Package.
Customer Feedback About Membership Value:
Hi Cindy. I’m new to polymer clay, but your style of teaching has made me almost an instant expert. You should have a show on HGTV. You are great! ~Jill-V
I just became a member even though I really can’t afford to spend much money since I am on a small Social Security check each month. I think that your videos are great and easily understood. There is so much to absorb on your site, I don’t know if I am really getting to every area. Thank you for your help and for this valuable service. ~Dorothy-H
First of all, I want to thank you Cindy again for all the help you gave me and how patient you were when I had some trouble with my username and password. Well I’m all squared away now and very happy with my membership. I occasionally feel like I need some inspiration and these videos and color recipes are definitely useful. I encourage everyone who hasn’t signed up yet to do so – it really is a great deal. Plus Cindy is very prompt at answering one’s questions / concerns about this addictive medium. ~Maria-C
The following topics are included in this week’s Polymer Clay Tutor Library, Pandora Style Beads video tutorial:
- See several examples of large hole, Pandora Style beads, and jewelry, using a variety of polymer clay techniques and different types and sizes of metal grommet cores.
- Discussion of the tools, materials and techniques needed to create these gorgeous, collectible and interchangeable beads.
- Learn the tricks to making the right sized and shaped beads with precisely lined up holes that turn out perfect every time… even if this is the first time you ever made a Pandora Styled Bead!
- Plus, with some creativity and ingenuity, there are many ways to come up with your own unique large hole bead and jewelry designs.
The full version of the “Pandora Style Beads” preview video shown above, is now avail for purchase at the Polymer Clay Library in the Vol-039 Back Issue Pckg.
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Now you know I hate to do anything “trendy” or “popular” because I have a fear of looking like I’m jumping on the bandwagon, but I’ll make an exception for these beads I think!
I’ll keep a lookout for the grommets in my local craft shop.
Oh boy, what an adventure this is going to be when I get back to my clay play. It might be just around the corner. Life is good but busy and though I watch each tutorial I have a list of clay “to dos”. This goes right to the top tomorrow.
Must get the supplies, so looking forward to this, thanks at least a million Cindy.
This is the absolute best timing I’ve seen yet with Cindy’s tutorials, I get a catalog from a beading company I buy supplies from and mom usually looks through the catalog before I get home from work, well she’s seen the pandora type beads sold in there and has just started taking a liking to them, she even brought a bracelet throght one of the collector gallery catalogs we get, it is a bracelet with beads and charms themed on the Philadelphia Eagles (american football for those who call soccer “football”). I really REALLY can’t wait until tomorrow.
This looks like another great tutorial, Cindy. Can’t wait!
oh, boy!!! Why do fridays seem to be a month apart?
G-wizz sometimes I’m SO dingey — last week’s hint “starts with..ends with” all I could think of was blue people lol!!
I have a ton of grommets all sizes and colors! I like using them because it gives a nice finished look to the beads. Looking forward to seeing how you do it! :)
Jeanne
Do you just use the smaller gourmets that come in the packages …usually there is a front and a back…I find that using the back requires a thicker bead
Natalie
The beads are gorgeous! Isn’t it amazing how polymer can look like glass?
Oh, neat! Yesterday, I was just looking at the “plastic” straw-type things that you can string bali beads on to create a custom bead and wouldn’t they be perfect with this technique to go along with them? Wow. Really can’t wait. BTW, those plastic things were in Fire Mountain’s catalog.
Do you know what they are called in the Fire Mountain cat.
Also has anyone found a good price place for necklaces with the clasps that you would be able interchange pendants on. Think it can’t be wider than 2 mm?
All suggestions welcome
Grommits, grommits, grommits. I love this word! I was marching round the house chanting “grommits, grommits, grommits,yea!(Good job the neighbours are away)
I have a “pandora” type bracelet and necklace and they are beautiful.Have wanted to make my own beads to add to it for ages. Now thanks to us all “nagging” Cindy, I get to learn how. Great!!!! Grommits, grommits, grommits yea.
Yes, this will be a fun one! Can’t wait! The peacock beads came out really cool!
When I grow up I will learn how to spell, so
Grommets, grommets grommets, yea. All together now…
Grommets, grommets, grommets yea….
Yea! Have grommets, have clay, have a weekend. Can’t wait.
Cindy I loved the beads you showed in the sneak peek. Guess I must get busy tomorrow and take a break from my hundreds of leaves Project I am mired in. I also have grommets and clay… Looking forward to tomorrow. For today – back to my leaves!
Aw shucks, your tutes are usually available around 4:00 am here in Atlantic Canada, and I usually don’t get up until about 5:45. I have just enough time to watch your tute, have a shower and off to work I go. I have other commitments tomorrow night, and a craft market to attend on Saturday morning………….. geez it will be at least Saturday afternoon B4 I can play with these. Well there are 2 solutions, get up around 4:00 am or “cough, cough, cough; sorry it seems like I am coming down with a bit of the flu. Call in sick you say, what a wonderful idea. Seriously though, I can’t wait to try these. My mom-in-law has a Pandora bracelet and we have purchased her some beads in the past, however she would be absolutely thrilled to have a one of a kind made especially for her. Bring it on Cindy:)
Yes Pandora !!, This will be great tute, can’t wait for Friday!. Thanks.
Amazing video and the beads are just gorgeous. They look like glass and the colors are stunning! With everything that’s been going on, I haven’t had a chance to try anything . Tomorrow is my last music class (exams on Saturday) and we’re off to Florida but I’m going to be trying these beads when i return.
Wow, these shapes are really new. Is there a way to make them more three dimensional, like a pumpkin, too? Different then the round approach?
Could someone explain how the “troll” bead got invented. Anything more on the other historical stuff behind these beads would be greatly appreciated.
Is there a way to resin coat these beads? Are there clear transparent gromments that could be used in plastic to disappear into the design?
Wonder what a super pendent would look like made from sewing machine bobbin grommets in metal and plastic. With transparent designs, you could get a lot of light to shine through. A lentil shape?
LOL.
@Jocelyn: I looked up some pandora beads…now I know why I wasn’t interested….almost choked on the prices. But, I did notice there were lots of styles and colors. You might get a few ideas from the pandora web site. Beautiful but costly, though I will probably make a few of my own now since I know how to work the grommets.
what a neat technique to get the holes lined up. I tried to make pandora style beads with a different tutorial, but couldn’t do it, i think this is going to be a winner. looking forward to trying it out.
Oh, I can’t wait…these will be awesome…can’t wait. May just not go to sleep at all :)
Thank you so much Cindy, this is brilliant! You not only come up with an amazing range of projects and techniques plus the materials needed to create them, but you also take away any concern that it might not turn out right! We are so very blessed to have you as our tutor.
Well, just finished a “midnight viewing” of this lesson and WOW! As usual so clear and simple, and it makes me wish I’d thought of that. This is a versatile technique and your beautiful beads are so inspiring Cindy, can’t wait to come up with some of my own. My mother-in-law has a Pandora bracelet, and she’s looking for something unique…this is perfect. Thank you for working out all the kinks on this one! Now to find those grommets…
Ingenious!
You made that so easy, Cindy. Never would have thought of adding grommets that way. A very simple and effective way of doing this! I love it that your beads shown look so much like glass and like the “real thing.”
Wonderful tut! Thanks again Cindy! When you were in school as a kid, did you drive your teachers crazy coming up with different ways to do things?
Thanks everyone for your supportive comments! I am really happy to make things simpler for you. Believe it or not, it often takes longer to figure out how to make something ‘brain dead’ simple, than it is to do it the complicated way. And then when you see it, it is like ‘duh’… why didn’t I think of that? And it isn’t even hard at all! :-)
@Jocelyn: Hopefully others will pop in with the history stuff you’re looking for. Don’t have time today to research that for you. After seeing the video, can you see how easy it would be to make any type of shape you want? Just make your bead, do the little trick I show with the grommets and poof! You’ve got a Pandora style bead in any design you want! With the resin, I haven’t yet figured out how to get a thin resin coating on a round bead without getting drips. I am sure there would be a way. I just haven’t figured that out yet. As for the rest of your question, I am having a hard time understanding what you are talking about. Maybe you could clarify things in another comment?
@sarahwww: You know Sarah, to tell you the truth, I didn’t always get support from my teachers for the way I think.
Sure they thought I was cute and sweet, but many thought that I was lazy for always wanting to do things an easier way. In my report cards there were a lot of comments along the lines of, “Cindy is a kind girl and nice to have in our class but she really needs to focus and putting her nose to the grindstone.” …and… “Cindy would be a better student if she would spend more time working, and less time chatting.” Honestly, most of the time I was bored with the stuff they were teaching and found the other students more interesting.
Every once in awhile I would get a teacher who loved me and let my creative side shine. Or in the case of one Algebra teacher who saw my logical side, she got me to tutor some of the boys who were struggling with the concepts.
Those were the times I was most happy and didn’t feel like I was disappointing people by not quite living up to their expectations. I would like to think that attitude has changed in schools, but sadly it hasn’t too much.
Man if more teachers and parents would just see the magic that a child has inside, rather than always trying to fix their flaws, then it wouldn’t take them until their 40’s to really come into themselves. I hope that I’ve helped my own kids to recognize their authentic selves, now while they’re young, so they don’t have to struggle as hard as I did with my identity. I keep crossing my fingers!
@Cindy Lietz from Discovering Your Unique Artistic Self: How true your statements are, Cindy, and I might not be a 54-year-old just now discovering her artistic side. This is where I should have always been, but unfortunately our society seems to push the logical and concrete, rather than the creative. How sad. I believe that children should be encouraged to use the artistic sides of their brain as well!
It is so relaxing, somehow, and so satisfying to create something from practically nothing with polymer clay, and for it to be beautiful 99% of the time, well, what a kick!
Lol, also, I think the human brain is geared sometimes toward making a concept out to be more difficult than it really is, as per this lovingly simple Pandora-style bead design!!!
Wow…that was SO worth the wait! Fantastic tutorial…I’ve tried to figure this out myself, but never could quite “get it”. Your process is amazing…although you’ve made it look so easy, I feel like slapping my head & saying, “duh!” I should’ve been able to come up with SOMEthing, right? Then again, I don’t have a Cindy-brain…
Thank you so much for perfecting this technique for us — your students are going to be busy little “Pandora-esque” bead makers for weeks to come! I must say, I enjoyed this video even more than usual…probably ’cause I can picture YOU, my dear tutor (since I saw you “in person” in your 5th Friday video.) You’re no longer just “the voice!” :D
Unbelievable soooooo simple and easy. Thank you for working this out. Guess I know what I’m making mom for Christmas! :)
Excellent tut! This is definitely something that I can see using. Thank you so much for always figuring out the easy way of doing things.
Well done, Cindy! I’ve had oodles of grommets but hadn’t worked out “exactly how” to do these beads so you did the work for me. They look very professional and I’m anxious to give them a try. Thanks so much.
just joined, have been wondering how to make these…you are AWESOME! can’t wait to some now:)
Yay!!! I’m at work. Can’t wait to get home and play!! You’re the best Cindy.
I wasn’t that interested in pandoras until now. Those were so beautiful and easy peasy. hmmmm the mind reels……thanks again!
What a neat trick! So simple, yet effective. Thanks yet again …
I love your pandora beads. I wonder why the real thing is so expensive? Oh well, I would rather make my own anyway.
Does anyone live in TX? Has anyone made key chains? I would like to make key chains but with heat that reaches 110 at ,it makes me scared to make any for the fear of mushy clay. You know how you leave your keys in the car on accident? Well at least I do….
@Paige F: Paige, if the beads on your keychain are already baked, they won’t get mushy in the hot car. In fact, if they weren’t baked yet, they’d begin to cure and harden in that kind of heat.
Thank you Linda K. I was worried because one time I made a pen for my grandpa. He had it in his pocket and the polymer clay fell off the metal pen barrel. Before I baked it I put Liquid Clay on the barrel to act as the glue. When I pulled it out of the oven to cool it seemed like the polymer clay was stuck on the barrel, and it stayed on for 3 weeks. That was why I thought maybe it was the body heat that made the Liquid Clay soften back up to where the polymer clay could slip off the barrel.
@Tantesherry: Funny! Don’t worry, I had to go back to look at the hint when you mentioned “blue people!” (Been awhile since I saw the movie.) If Cindy ever does teach us how to make blue people, I’m going to photograph my work to use as my Gravatar (Avatar!) OK…Sorry — bad pun, huh?)
@Elaine Faulks: LOL! I was giggling during your original chant, trying to mentally send the “et” vs. “it”… Now I can join you in song, LOL!
“Grommets, grommets — uh-huh;
Grommets, grommets — oh, yeah!
Grommets, yeah, grommets, UH-huh;
Grommets? Yeah. Grommets? OOH, yeeaaah…….” ;D
@Jocelyn: I found some interesting information about Trollbeads on Squidoo (just Google “Trollbeads history”.)
@Dia H: Hi Dia, Cindy doesn’t show in this video, but explains how she added her cane slices…check out the video around minute 7…
@Paige F: Hi Paige! :D Sorry that happened to your pen. Although clay seems like it’s sticking really well to metal after baking, it doesn’t really form a permanent bond. (As shown by what happens when your “hot” grandpa comes along, LOL!) Liquid clay only works as a glue for itself (raw clay to a cured piece, for example.) To keep your clay pieces from coming apart later, it’s best to separate the clay from the metal after baking. Sand/buff, etc., then add a clay-safe adhesive (see Cindy’s Craft Glues post for types & brands) to put them back together…
Thank you Phaedrakat! LOL! -“hot” grandpa-
@Paige F: Paige I might be totally wrong here (and if I am, someone is bound to let us know), but I’m pretty sure that Liquid Clay can only be used as a “glue” when you’re trying to glue layers of polymer clay together. I don’t think it can glue a layer of polymer clay to a smooth, non-clay object. That’s probably why your clay slipped off the barrel.
You mentioned that you covered a metal pen barrel. Was it a pen blank that’s made specifically to be covered with polymer clay? Most of the tutorials I’ve seen use the BIC Stick Pens, which are very inexpensive. Also, the clay should slightly cover the plastic part of the tip, where it begins to get narrower (but obviously not the metal part where the ink comes out). That keeps the clay from falling off, so you don’t need to glue it on.
That said, if you need to use glue on polymer clay, Weldbond works very well on clay. Maybe you can repair your grandpa’s pen with it. If
@Linda K.: Thanks again Linda K. For the metal pen barrels I went to this website polymerclayprojects.com/ their store is called Boston Craft works. I just love this website, I just have to be very careful or I will spend all my money!
Hi Cindy,
Again..great tutorial. I will try as soon as I get the grommets, but I have a question. How did you put the flower cane on the bead?. did you bake the bead first ? or did you put the cane when you round the clay ? .
Thanks.
I think that was awesome.
BTW, does anyone live in the Topeka, KS area. So far I haven’t found any polyclay group around here and would just love together with people to clay around.
Hi Cindy,
It’s past midnight here but just had to watch the “Troll/Pandora” tute again, it’s brilliant. I bet the “real” ones take a lot longer to make than your clever version.
I ordered my grommets but it will take nearly a week before I get my sticky hands on them. My “Pandora” beads are called “Truth” a beautiful brand. Bought by my ever -loving better half! He also got me a little red enamelled telephone bead (cause I’m always on it, two hours tonight to number one daughter in France)
Yes they ARE expensive but so beautiful and really well made.
I searched for the little booklet that came with them that had all the history, but couldn’t find it. Will pop into the jewelry store to see if he has a spare one as you will be surprised at how when and where, as I know Jocelyn, especially will be interested.
Might even get my dearest to buy me another one as their range is awesome
I think I deserve it, slaving away in a hot kitchen to tempt him every night with tasty dinners, as the last thing he bought me was a pack of assorted grit wet/dry (how very romantic)
FAB tutorial-thank you
Cindy, I have one word for this tut: BRILLIANT!
Hey Cindy. you continue to be amazing. I have made about 20 troll beads today. I had to laugh when you commented on how hard it is to make things “brain dead simple”
Amen to that! In the Occupational Therapy world that is called Activity Analysis. The ability to have a perfect understanding of every step of an activity, every skill it takes to complete it and how to “adapt” it for someone with a particular problem.
Darned if I know how you break these activities down so that the whole wide world can do them successfully.
Beautiful job. Thank You. Cassie
LOVED this one!! thank you!!
Cindy, the timing was perfect on this one. I had just been contemplating how to make these as I just used my last glass bead and the particular design is no longer offered. Of course, GROMMETS!! Off to Michaels to get some. You made this so easy! Thank you for taking the time to teach us the easy way.
Wow, this opens yet another new Cindy world for me. Wish I could figure out another way to express my appreciation besides the usual “Thanks, Cindy and Doug”. The tute is wonderful!!
@Paige F I live in Houston area, I had a dragon that turned out not to sweet so I sat him outside on a rock in my front yard and he is holding up really well to the Texas heat….. I am using the dragon as a way to test how my clay stands up for the summer.
@Cindy — another wonderful tutorial, I had made some Pandora Beads before, but your way is much cooler!
Take care all
Tina
I am new, so I was really thrilled to see something as nice as the Pandora-like bead tutorial as my first one to watch. I haven’t even baked anything yet – I could probably just put it outdoors in this Texas heat. Of course, I will follow the directions.
Beverly
Hi cindy
just loved this tutorial. those real Pandora beads are so expensive, up to hundreds here, cheapest about $80 I think.
Ha Ha, so we will be fooling everyone with our Pandora Creations. Thanks .
Off to get some Stering Silver Grommets, as I didnot realise they are around, as have just used the Scrapbooking ones. Thats just great,. Thank you again for an informative tut.
love to all,XXXX
Elizabeth K.
I am sooooo excited to make these. I have been wanting to make some jewelry with the large hole beads, but they are so expensive. This is just what I have been waiting to learn to do, in fact I was going to e mail soon to see if we could learn how to make these! The ones in the demonstration are just as pretty if noit more so than the ones in the craft and department stores. Just an FYI- The Walmart craft department now carries the bracelets for these beads in a pkg of 2 for $5 and the necklaces one for $5. So with making these, we can make some really trendy high end looking pieces. YAY!!!!!!!- Thank you soo much Cindy!!!!!!
Loving my troll beads. May not go back to work tomorrow. Just keep making troll beads!!
Oh Cindy – this is better than Christmas morning when I was a kid!! Thank you so much for this amazing tut! Your timing is awesome too. I have one week left of my summer vacation and I sure know what I will be doing with it. I wonder how my boss would react if I called in sick on the first day of school. Probably not a good plan so I will make the most of the week I have and spend as many hours as possible making these lovely beads. I’m not sure how you figure these things out and make them so easy for us but I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, I thank God that I found you and our wonderful clay family on the Internet. You really know how to inspire me (us) and I am so thankful that you let your light shine and allow all of us to light our candles from your flame. God Bless You and your family.
Saturday evening I popped into my fav. jewellery shop. The little white -haired guy who runs it wears a hearing-aid but I think it needed new batteries! It took a lot of shouting and explaining to get him to understand me. I gave up in the end and resorted to sign language.
He had four silver “Truth” charms in the window, reduced by 25% so I treated myself to the cheapest,(bread and water for a week) knowing he would give me the leaflet with all the gen!
His wife bustled in and sent him out the back. She put the tiny bead on a white pad then popped it into a box then put in a “Truth” bag that was big enough to hold all the worlds “Truth” beads. When I got home I had been given a “new” leaflet with no history, only the new collection, so will have to have another search for the original leaflet but thought I deserved a new bead anyway:}
Phaedrakat: Glad I made you giggle but you must never say never (again). I am sure after watching the TV shows you could make a fab wedding cake, judging by your brilliant PC work. (But don’t desert us)
My amazing cousin is off on a cruise, (mainly funded by her wedding cakes) so I’m only getting postcards, but you can guess I’m steaming off all the exotic postage stamps. Not sure if she would ever have the time to learn how to use a computer as she is 24/7 carer for her husband who suffers from M.S.. In her spare time (whenever that is) she knits wonderful character dolls for sick kids and also does fantastic cross-stitch pictures.
Jocelyn: If you google charmsguide.net/troll-beads and scroll down till you see the silver elephant charm with howdah on top you will find the legend of the Nielsen family.
Soren Neilson a silversmith started making “Troll” charms in 1976. His father, Svend, sold the first six of Soren’s charms in his shop based in Copenhagen. The line was so popular that other members of this artistic family joined the company and the rest so they say is history. It makes really interesting reading.
Now will be waiting for the postman with my (you know what)so I can make some of these fab beads. Think I will start with a cube shaped bead using Cindy’s mitered corner cane technique as love this one and the colours zing. Roll on Monday………………….x
As you know, I am new to this. But I need to know: if I make buttons in polymer, can they be used on garments? And what about laundering?
Thanks
Wow guys, there are so many great conversations going on here, I am impressed! Too bad it is impossible now for me to respond to each and every one of you, because I would sure like to. With all the activity happening here at the blog now, if I did comment on each one, I would never get the chance to do any tutorials… and I’m sure no wants that to happen? Thank goodness that many of you are stepping up to the plate to answer questions for me. It really is your community and it only becomes a better one, if you participate and help each other. So thank you all for making this a great claying community! I really appreciate it!
@Paige F: Looks like everyone came to your rescue Paige. If you need any more help, do ask!
@Dia H: As Phaedrakat pointed out, I did mention in the video when to add the cane slices if you want to do that. You should also know that I did do a tutorial a ways back that was specific to adding cane slices to beads. It is Vol-006-4 in the Back Issues. Click the link by my name for more info on that.
@Beverly J Dunahoo: Yes you can use polymer clay buttons on washable garments. You do want to make them right though, so they are durable enough for your washer and dryer. If you have not already done so, there is a tutorial on making buttons that will help tremendously on making durable buttons. Use the search box at the top of the page and type in ‘buttons’ to find more info on that.
Hi Everyone, just wanted to let you all know that Michaels has Reflections brand eyelets/grommets on sale this week for 40% off. I went there today and bought 100 grommets and used a 40% off coupon for the “Etch n Pearl” tools and my total was only $13.59. Pandora style beads, here I come! WOOHOO!
Hi Cheryl
I did the dame thing and went to Michaels and got the Etch n Peral for 50% off. I went back later and also bought the eyelet and gromments.. just on pkg to try it out since the gromments and eyelets are a little different…I used on ofmy aroroa plugs for the pandora bead..jsut have to bake and sand..and polish it but it looks great already. I also noticed that Michaels has some eyelet and gromments with flowers on one side..I may try them next time. My only problem is I make all these beads but have not figures out how to market my results. Anyone have some suggestions.. all are welcome.
Also I used the Arora beads in the Katidids..the circle with the opening in the middle..I inserted a round Arorar bead in the middle of the hole..baked it ..nothing fell out and it looks great..I just coated it with future shine..I did by the resin by Lisa P but have not yet bought a UVLamp..Lisa says that you can use a Black light. Has anyone tried that?
Sounds like you’ve been trying some cool things Natalie. That is great!
There has been talk on the blog in the past about using a black light to cure UV Resin. Just type ‘black light uv resin’ into the search box at the top of the page and you should be able to find the info you need. It may take a bit of looking through the list to find, but it is a good process to do. You’ll be surprised how many questions have already been answered on this ever growing blog. Have fun!
Sorry – correction- the brand of eyelets/grommets is “Recollections” not Reflections. I found them in the scrapbooking section
Hi Cindy’s peeps!
Isn’t the parrot tulip pendant spectacular? Also the great pics by Willow. It is so good to know that Mr. & Mrs. L are so supportive of their artistic offspring.How lovely…
I was just reading the question about buttons posted by Beverly JD….
Hi Beverly, welcome to the Clan. If you look for the search button at the top L/H corner and type in “buttons” I am sure you will find heaps of info. Also Cindy has done a tute on this, it is in her back Library so if you make buttons it is well worth purchasing.Also look at the question and comments that others post, there is always masses of tips n tricks. (I must read the button ones!)
But to put in washing machine is a bit risky, probably better to carefully hand-wash and dry naturally. Also if you make them with a shank I’m sure I read somewhere there is a little removable clip that you can attach to the back that is easily removed before washing the garment.
Does anybody know what these are called and who sells them? Or have I just dreamed about it and if so why doesn’t somebody invent them??????
Oh, ok then I will, I should think a large size sterling silver jump ring would do the trick but make sure you have a pair of pliers handy at wash time.
Years ago my beloved carved a set of buttons from slices of an old broom handle for a chunky cardigan I had made. I loved them, used to cut them off before washing it and sewed them back on when dry. Seemed to have had the time to do crazy things like that. Now I use “velcro” dots, so I suppose you could stick one half on back of flat buttons and the other half on garment. Problem solved. Always think outside the box ha ha……xx
Does anyone have a reliable way of making sure the hole in the Pandora style bead is always exactly centered? I keep making them and taking them apart because they are off-center. When I eye it, it looks perfect but then when I set the grommets they are off every time. Help!! Anybody have any ideas?? Thank you in advance.
@Cheryl V.:
Cheryl, I have been waiting for this answer too. I am in love with making these beads. It seems that 85% of the time I can almost center them by looking…but I would like a surfefire method.
I know a while back we had talked about a bead/project swap. Cindy thought it would be a great idea and mentioned that perhaps one or two of us could put our heads together. I would be willing to do it…with
@Elaine Faulks: Great points and cool ideas Elaine! Many buttons can do well in the washer and dryer, though you’re right about hand washing being more gentle. Some of my buttons have spent more than an hour in the oven and many hours in a rock tumbler with beach pebbles, so a trip through the washer and dryer is nothing for them. But there are many factors that will make a button strong enough, like thickness, hole size proper baking and no finishes. The best way to test whether or not your buttons will survive the abuse of machine washing is to sew a few to a scrap of fabric and toss them in along with your other washing. Maybe put a mark on the fabric, each time it goes through, just to see how durable they really are.
@Cheryl V. and Sam: I have found with practice you can get a nice straight hole in your bead every time. Looking straight down on the bead can help. (I used to practice on a scrap piece of clay… Poke a hole in the bead, see if it was centered, ball it up, and try again. But the idea of a fail safe way has me thinking… Maybe I could design a template or tool or something that would help people easily find the center of their bead? Let me put some thought into it.
FYI> I wrote an article with 7 tips on piercing holes in your polymer clay beads, way back that should help you all until I can come up with something. Click the link by my name to read it.
@Laura reed: That would be very fun to see you guys organize a bead swap!
@Cindy Lietz from 7 Tips for Piercing Holes in Unbaked Beads: If you have one of those bead rollers some of them have a pin path to center the hole through the bead, why couldn’t you roll your bead, peirce it with the pin and then enlarge it with the tool?
@Ken Hamilton: Thank you so much Ken! I’m going to try that. Awesome idea!
@Cindy Lietz from 7 Tips for Piercing Holes in Unbaked Beads: Sorry Cindy. I’m not being impatient, only unobservant. I saw Ken’s reply but didn’t look above it to see your. I will go read your article now. Sorry about that.
@Cindy Lietz from 7 Tips for Piercing Holes in Unbaked Beads:
RE: a bead swap
I am soooooooo hooked on these pandora style beads, I have not stopped, because they are so much fun to make. Afraid I will have a whole box full long after they go out of style!!!
So would be willing to organize a bead swap (of this type or anything you want to share with someone).
Here are my ideas:
1) choose an amount of smaller (say 4-6) beads, or 1 or 2 of larger ones, you are willing to part with.
2) reply to this post, with your name. (Now here it gets a little tricky, and hope Cindy can help with it) I know we can not post email addresses in this blog, and wouldn’t want anyone to become subject to spammers, so will need a way to get back to you.
3) I will keep a listing, and when it gets to a certain amount (say 5 or 10). I will contact, at random, each person with information on whom to send their beads. Then, when that person receives their “gift”, they would send off to their “giftee” (new word???).
4) The reason I limit it to 5 or 10 per swap, is so some won’t have to wait weeks (Do any of us have that kind of patience when it comes to beads?) for their turn. As the list grows over 5 or 10, can start a second swap going with additional names.
5) Let me know what you think. Already have my “gift” set aside.
@Marlene C: There is a group on FB that might fit the need for communication.
@Marlene C:count me in and thanks so much for being willing to set this up…and follow through. I am still slllooowwwly recovering from rotator cuff surgery and did not follow through on my bright idea for a bead swap. ;)
@Marlene C: Marlene it is so sweet of you to offer to set up a bead swap. I don’t know if you have started it but there might be a way to not involve Cindy since she is so strapped for time. If you are on facebook let everyone know how to reach you there and they can send a private message after you friend them with a request to join the bead swap and there address information. This way it is still private and you won’t have to bother Cindy. If you don’t belong to facebook maybe someone who does will offer to help and anyone wanted to get involved not on facebook could go through Cindy as a last resort.
Love and Uuuggs, Peggy
@Peggy Barnes: Thanks Peggy, I am on FB but don’t use the messaging option much and hadn’t thought about it, but it should work. I didn’t get too many responses from the post here, so it has not started as yet. Am assuming you want in, NO? Yes? Absolutely Yes?
@Marlene C: Marlene will talk to some of my friends from the blog and see if they are interested in swap. Thanks again for doing this.
RE: Bead Swap
Here are the details of how I am conducting it:
1) Choose an amount of smaller (say 4-6) beads, or 1 or 2 of larger ones, you are willing to part with.
2) Go to Private Message option on Facebook, and send one to me, Marlene Cupo, so that I have a way to get back to you. You will have to do a friend request, before you can send a message to me.
3) I will keep a listing, and when it gets to a certain amount (say 5 or 10). I will contact, at random, each person with information on whom to send their beads. Then, when that person receives their “gift”, they would send off to their “giftee” (new word???).
4) The reason I limit it to 5 or 10 per swap, is so some won’t have to wait weeks (Do any of us have that kind of patience when it comes to beads?) for their turn. As the list grows over 5 or 10, I can start a second swap going with additional names.
5) Hope everyone joins in and we have a ball(a bead ball). Have already sent out my “gift” to the first name on the list.
Part two of my message: I would love too start up a bead/clay project swap. We also need Cindy’s ok. And blessing on this. ;). I think it would perfect! Has anyone ever belonged to a swap before. Any thoughts on this ? Good or bad.
Ok, I can’t try the bead roller after all because I only have the tri-bead roller and our Michaels doesn’t have the round bead roller. Does anyone know what else I could try so that I get the holes dead center every time? Thank you
Cheryl
I am also having some trouble making the holes exactly centered. What I have tried is placing the bead ,once slightly flattened, along the side of a ruler. Then if the bead measures 1 inch, I mark the center at 1/2 inch by piercing it with ether a knitting needle or the sculpey etch and pearl tool..that seems to work.. at least so far.
also , I agree that Micheals only carries the Tri roller, but you can check Amaco for their bead rollers .. most of the other packs do have something that will center the hole..I have not bought it yet but looking for someone who has and find out their results.
I enjoy the swaps I have been in and would be willing to be part of one, just let me know !
RE: Bead Swap
Here are the details of how I am conducting it:
1) Choose an amount of smaller (say 4-6) beads, or 1 or 2 of larger ones, you are willing to part with.
2) Go to Private Message option on Facebook, and send one to me, Marlene Cupo, so that I have a way to get back to you. You will have to do a friend request, before you can send a message to me.
3) I will keep a listing, and when it gets to a certain amount (say 5 or 10). I will contact, at random, each person with information on whom to send their beads. Then, when that person receives their “gift”, they would send off to their “giftee” (new word???).
4) The reason I limit it to 5 or 10 per swap, is so some won’t have to wait weeks (Do any of us have that kind of patience when it comes to beads?) for their turn. As the list grows over 5 or 10, I can start a second swap going with additional names.
5) Hope everyone joins in and we have a ball(a bead ball). Have already sent out my “gift” to the first name on the list.
Hi Cindy and all,
Wow the crackle effect is great, so Sculpey glossy glaze is on my shopping list as have the pearl pigments and just love mixing stirring and experimenting.
Bubble bubble boil and trouble (must be the witch in me.)
Hee hee, cackle cackle I will make some of Cindy’s crackle.
Here is a neat trick that might help Cheryl V to get the holes centred in her troll beads.
Draw the shape of the bead on a piece of tracing paper, twice and cut both out.Fold paper in half and then in quarters. Open up and where the folds intersect that is dead centre. Mark with sharpie.
Because these “Troll” beads have flat bottoms just press paper circles to top and bottom of bead and pierce through paper into bead about half way at both ends alternately till they meet in the middle using the sharpest and thinnest tool you have in your box.
Take paper circles off (you can reuse for this size bead) and use your etch n pearl tool to enlarge the hole to Troll size. If you are making cube shapes, draw a square, same size as your bead and use same method. It’s an idea to cool un-holed beads in fridge to firm up first. Hope this works for you. It won’t work with round beads, but I’m working on another method for these!!!!!
@Elaine Faulks: Thank you so much Elaine! What a great idea. I’m off to try it now and will let you know how I do with it. I really appreciate your help!
Hi Cindy, back again,
Just to say thanks for button advice. Now I can be confident they will stand up to rough handling.
I am joining a craft community in a couple of months and they already have three jewelry stalls but with your teaching and amazing ideas my mind is buzzing on alternative PC items..
Copper bookmarks(hookmarks) hand-made buttons, key rings,(where are the purse holders sold? please x) Covered tools and boxes, using some of the methods that Cindy teaches it should be a real alternative to jewelry.
Oops nearly forgot the reason I sneaked back!
If you haven’t got calipers, make same size bead from scrap clay or sacrifice one you have made, cut in half,horizontally, ink cut surface and stamp onto your paper, measure across middle, this will give you the diameter of bead, stamp again to get your two paper circles for the piercing, Saves drawing, which can be tricky……and is quicker too:}xx enjoy!!
Another option for making centered holes – I used the Makin’s extruder disk with just the one center hole to flatten my beads. It works quite well – and I like the size of bead it makes. There are probably other disks out there in different sizes that have a center hole that could be used to make larger beads.
@fran: Thanks Fran, I think this will be the best way for me to try this out. Great idea!
@fran:
Hi Fran
that is a craker idea, to use the Makins Extruder disc, which I happen to have so will be trying that one.
Also Like Elaines ideas too, can use that idea for other things. Making a paper pattern is good.
Bye
XXX
Elizabeth
Hi Cindy and Cindy’s peeps.
Rushed to make some buttons using an old mod-cane in pretty shades of white purple and violet. Just had enough to make 12 little heart buttons and six hex shaped ones. Using Cindy’s trick of using plastic wrap to get smooth edges. The “cling film” here in UK is so thin my cutters welded it to the beads so spent ages picking off the little bits. My oven must have been running extra hot as although I tented them they had changed colour after the baking time. Now look really funky in shades of caramel, brown and brick red.
Oh well, lessons learnt. Sanded and buffed them and sewed onto cards. (Still in the design stage) So think I will have a basket with “Seconds” and sell at a reduced price as even if I do not like them somebody might and I will write “Ideal for card makers and scrapbookers” as I tested one to destruction and decided I hadn’t made them strong enough for throwing in washing machine (but I did use a mixture of old clay) and lump of cane wasn’t in the best condition.
Cindy I felt you leaning over my shoulder saying tut, tut, this is NOT the way I have taught you. Go sit on the naughty step for being impatient and rushing things!!
Now the tricky part, what price to put on these? What do other Cindy PC peeps sell their buttons for? I will be making tiny baby ones in sets of 6. Med ones in sets of 4 5 or 6 and large chunky ones with perhaps 2 or three per card.The prices in Canada and US seem so different so any UK clayers who sell buttons and can give me pricing tips, I would really appreciate them……Cheers, happy claying xx
@Elaine Faulks: Wow Elaine, thanks for all the bead hole tips!! Those are really neat ways of going about it. I will have to try them out.
As far as where to get the purse holders, the only place I know of that has them is Michaels. They have been around for awhile though, so you will probably just have to do a Google search to see where to get them in your area.
NOTE TO EVERYONE: If you find locations for products that I have featured in tutorials or in my blog posts, in your local area, please share with everyone here. It will help to make this site a better resource for you to come to. Thank you! :-)
Well I’ve come off the naughty step, looked again at Cindy’s button video, read all advice about old canes, so tomorrow will have my second attempt and make some fantastic zebra cane buttons. Been thinking about centering holes in round beads and think this could work….??
Cut a narrow strip of tracing paper and wrap round centre of round bead. Mark with sharpie where they overlap. If the overlap is too long trim it to a few mm or about half inch. Lay paper out straight and fold the longer piece (which is actually the diameter of bead) to meet the sharpie mark and fold that piece in half. On the fold, mark again with sharpie. Re-wrap round bead and use sharp pin to pierce both ends like you did with Troll bead. This is only my theory as haven’t had time to put it into practice but if the Troll/tracing paper worked for you I should think this will too. No need for complications…keep it simple. Hope some brave soul will get back to me to say that it works for them. If not, back to the drawing board :( I’ll be good from now on and learn Cindy’s lessons……xx.. Toodles ..
Oops! sorry folks just re-read and realized that the longer strip of paper is the circumference (not diameter) Was never any good at maths or spelling at school!!!
WOW! WOW! WOW! Just watched the tute and I am drooling. What a wonderful gift God has blessed you with. Love the beads and can’t wait to make some. You won the world series with this one Cindy. Once again Doug aces the filming and waa-la total perfection. Beautiful team work. Now to go watch the crackles paint and be me. Hats off to the Lietz team once again!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU both…
Elizabeth K – I think you’ll find the extruder disc works really well. I’ve made about 50 beads with it and it just takes seconds to use. I just sit it on top of the round bead, press down on it with my finger and the center hole on the disc ends up right in the middle of the bead. Poke your needle tool straight down thru the hole until it hits the counter top and the hole on the other side of the bead is also in the center. Then just remove the disc and enlarge the hole. These beads are so fun to make !
@fran: Great tip, Fran…thank you! Also, I would be interested in a bead swap, if possible!
Great tutorial ! Thank you !
I’ve already made a few beads but had some hard time applying the glaze.
I’m used to putting beads on toothpicks when doing this but it doesn’t work with pandora beads big holes ! And I just couldn’t find something else that fits.
Does anyone have a tip for me ?
Thank you in advance.
@Flo H: A great tip for adding glaze on the large hole beads is to slide them onto your Pearl and Etch tool to the tapered end so it doesn’t spin around when you coat it with the glaze. Let dry a minute or so, and then transfer it to a bead wire to dry the rest of the way.
Thank you Cindy !
You said in a previous comment : “And then when you see it, it is like ‘duh’… why didn’t I think of that? And it isn’t even hard at all!”
That’s it ! ;o)
I bought an actual Pandora sterling silver necklace to give as a gift and was putting my beads on it. I discovered that I should have made the holes slightly larger because some of them were very difficult to get over the end of the necklace and the raised piece that’s part way down the necklace. I’m using 5mm grommets – some are sterling and some are silver plated. I was able to push the beads onto the necklace but in doing so it dislodged some of the grommets which I had glued in. I’ve enlarged the holes and put the grommets back in. I know some of you sell your beads and jewelry so it may be worth your time to make sure your beads will fit easily over the Pandora necklace. Even though it seems like the grommets are fitting well – the hole could still be just that little bit too small.
Flo – I use those long wooden skewers to put my beads on for glazing. The type you get a whole bunch of for about a dollar.l I put the bead over the pointed end – if it fits too loose you can always put a piece of tape on the skewer where you want it to stop.Leave enough space at the pointed end so you can grab it there – turn the skewer upside down and you can glaze the top of the bead. Then just turn the pointed end up and hold the skewer below the bead and you can easily glaze the rest of it. Since you get so many skewers in the package – you can do a lot of beads without removing them – I just stick mine in a glass and let them stick out in all directions to dry.
Great tip ! Thank you so much fran, I’ll try that !
Marlene…I sent a friend request and will pm you with my email and whatnot for the swap once you accept my friend request! Thanks so much!
@Laura reed: Laura would love to become a friend of yours on facebook but there are so many Laura Reeds I don’t know which one to refer to. Would you send a friend request to me Eager to visit with you on facebok.
Many Uuuggs
Which one are you Peggy? I am trying….I am the one from Missoula, Mt…..I tried to figure out how to find you on the Polymer Zclay Tutor page but must have missed the boat……
LOVE the tips about the extruder disk and drying the beads on those easy to find and cheap skewers..thanks to all for the great advice here.
I am interested in the bead swap- I’ll be sending a friend request to Laura.
@JoAnna Griffin: Bead Swap
Several people on this Blog have mentioned wanting to do a bead swap. I think it’s a GREAT idea and have offered to co-ordinate it.
Here are the details of how I will conduct it:
1) Choose an amount of smaller (say 4-6) beads, or 1 or 2 of larger ones, you are willing to part with.
2) Go to Private Message option on Facebook, and send one to me, Marlene Cupo, so that I have a way to get back to you. You will have to do a friend request, before you can send a message to me.
3) I will keep a listing, and when it gets to a certain amount (say 5 or 10). I will contact, at random, each person with information on whom to send their beads. Then, when that person receives their “gift”, they would send off to their “giftee” (new word???).
4) The reason I limit it to 5 or 10 per swap, is so some won’t have to wait weeks (Do any of us have that kind of patience when it comes to beads?) for their turn. As the list grows over 5 or 10, I can start a second swap going with additional names.
5) Hope everyone joins.
@Marlene C: The first round has already started, need more people to join to get the next one started.
Hey, Marlene,
Thanks for all the info. I am heading over to facebook now to friend request you.
Marlene did you ever make a list of who is in the first round and how the swap will go through the names. For instance who starts the swap and where the beads go from there. Just thought it would be nice to know who is getting beads from each participant and so on. I hope I wrote this so you understand what I mean. Thanks again for all your work and time.
Many Uuuuggs
Yes, Peggy I have a list, and the first swap started with me. I sent them to Karen Cowger, who will then be sending them on to you. Did you get my message as to who you are to send them to? It wil continue on from there. And the second round swap will be starting next week. So for anyone else who would like to join in. Send me a message through FB.
Hey Marlene, we are neighbors!
Hi Cindy
I am tryinbg to catch up on the tuts…Yesterday I decided to make pandora style beads. I did not have the corrrect tools..so today I went to Micheals with my 50% off coupon and purchased the Sculpey Pearl and Etch tool and Dritz Sewing Basket Eyelets- its a set of 25 3/16inc which is 4.8 mm. The only thing with the eyelets is that the front and back are slightly different. I figured I would use to fronts for some beads and two backs for others. The good thing about these eyelets is that they had some that had a flower design on the front..Thought that might make the beads a little more interesting if I used them in the future. What do you think. The price was good esp. since I had another 40% off coupon. Aren’t coupons great. I don’t think I have ever bought anything at full price..at least not that I can remember..
Is there a difference between the Sculpey Studio Pearl and Etch tool and the regular Sculpey Pearl and Etch tool..the UPS codes are different.. the regular ones look like they have a pointer end…ACMoore was selling their Sculpey Studio one for $3and Micheal’s I got for $4.49( ACMoore was discontinuing ther Studio line. Not sure if I am going to keep the pointer ones…will I have more use from them?
This would be something that you would need to try out yourself Natalie, to see what you prefer. Do let us know how the flower grommets turn out. Bet they will look great!
Natalie – I found some flower grommets in my scrapbooking stash and made a couple beads with them. Worked fine, but I think I should have used more clay to make a bigger bead and used a different color or shade of polymer clay than the flower. Next time!
I made some Pandora style beads with JoAnn’s large grommets from the sewing department. I don’t know what size they are and ordered some 5.5 mm silver plated ones on Ebay. They are teeny tiny. Wondering if they are listed as the wrong size. I have some from the scrapbooking section that are the same size. How do you know what size to get?
Also, the ones I made, I couldn’t get the grommets out and there was polymer clay oozing out from between the two grommets. I tried to get it out before baking but it misshaped the bead and after baking, I couldn’t budge it.
Any help?
Hi Freda, I did not have a knitting needle or dowel that was the exact size of the grommets I was using, as Cindy mentions, when I did the Pandora beads and had the same problem as you with some clay “oozing” between the grommets. My solution was to use a very fine thin blade (happen to have a scapel blade that worked wonderfully-friendly with any dentist or doctor to ask for one?) to cut out the excess first. That seemed to loosen up the grommets, so I carefully removed them with the same blade, and smoothed the hole in the clay, and replaced the grommets and baked. One or two still had bits of clay after baking, which easily were popped off. Hope this helps.
Marlene, did you take the grommets out before baking or just after baking?
Hi Freda, I took the grommets out after reaming the hole, to finish smoothing it out, but then replaced them before I baked them.
Freda
Are you using the Sculpey tools that Cindy recommended . I found the same trouble with the grommets if I did not go to down to the very end of the tool- were it starts to get wider.. when you do go to the end . the hole is big enough to prevent that extra clay in the hole when you place the grommet on and the put the bead back on and the second grommet. Good luck
I think the problem is that I got the grommets from JoAnn’s sewing dept. and they have a jagged edge. The clay is oozing out from them. I’ll get some better grommets and try.
Thanks for the help.
OK, I can’t seem to find this information out ( I’ve probably missed it somewhere ), the 5mm dimension, is that an inside diameter or an outside diameter? Finally have some spare time to try this and I’m not sure which ones to buy.
The mm indicated the inside demension. I have gotten 5mm, 4.75mm and 3mm grommets at different times and have found the larger diameter make a much larger bead, which can be used on suede cording, solid bangle bracelets or necklaces. The smaller the diameter are more suited to thin wire/s or fine snake chains. Just make sure you get grommets without a rough inner edge (the kind that need a punch to connect) as they can leave a rough edge within the whole in the bead.
Cindy, I wanted to let you know that I found the Beginners course extremely helpful. Even though some of the tips seem so simple, they were things that would have taken me years to figure out. You gave me confidence to try other lessons that you offer like how to make beads for these Pandora style cable bracelets. After making one for myself, two folks admired it and ordered them from me! Your courses are definitely worth the money. – susan
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write those very kind words. Sharing feedback like this really gives others great insight about what they can expect from the video tutorials. I truly appreciate your help.
And congratulations on your sales. I’m very excited to hear that you are able to turn the skills you are learning here, into actual profits. Keep it up :-)
Hi Cindy,
I recently learned how to make “Pandora” style beads using a two-part bead core. Do you have any tips on how to make them using a sterling silver (one-part) core? I’m stumped!
Thank you,
Kathy
Hi Kathy, I probably should do a tutorial on those sometime… there are a couple of ways to go about it. You can make the hole large enough to slip the core in and then squeeze the unbaked clay back down around the core to fit. Or you can run a strip of clay around the core then add the surface treatment or cane slices after that. You’ll have to just play around until you get something that works for you .. or wait until I do a tutorial :-)
Thank you for the response. I have found your website to be one of the best online polymer clay resources!
I am unable to find Premo Candy Pink (5523 Premo) anywhere. I want to make the recipe for pink rose. Any ideas what other color I can use if this is not available?
Hi Cindy, I’m sorry I didn’t answer you quicker. I had to go look up the replacement recipe for Candy Pink (they discontinued it) and I had so many things going on I hadn’t got to it yet. According to Sculpey’s Premo Color Mixing Chart [PDF Download Link] – the recipe for Candy pink is: 2 parts Fluorescent Pink (5503) + 1 part White (5001) Premo Hope that helps!
Hi Cindy–loved your pandora bead tutorial. I have a few questions I hope you will have time to answer. First, do the grommets have to touch; that is, can you allow there to be a space between the grommets (a few millimeters or more) so that the bead can have a greater width? Second, what do you have to do to ensure that the beads are all the same size width (from grommet to grommet)? Thirdly, I’ve seen glass beads that are quite large around the center circumference; can this be done with PC using this method of making a pandora bead? Thanks for your help.
Hi Petrina, no the grommets don’t have to touch. To make sure your beads are the same width press them all flat at the same time. And for the last question I am not totally sure what you mean, but if you’re saying you would like to make them bigger… you can… or if you’re saying you’d like to make the hole bigger you can… you’d just need to use a bigger grommet. Good luck!