Video #702: There is more than one way to pierce a lentil bead. In this video I show you how to do it properly.
In this video I will show you the tips and tricks for piercing holes in your polymer clay lentil beads.
In a previous video I showed you how to roll the Swirly Lentil Bead shape, using leftover pieces of a Mod Cane made of Sculpey Souffle Clay. I have also done a video on piercing holes in round polymer clay beads, but the lentil bead has it’s own unique challenges.
I like to pierce the raw lentil bead after it has had a chance to firm up either by resting, or by putting into an ice water bath.
Wearing gloves… using a light touch and a sharp fine bead piercing wire with a gentle twisting motion… start on one edge and go 99% of the way to the other side. Then pierce from the other side to meet up. You can get a perfect hole centered right on the edge. This will make WAY more sense when you watch the video.
The biggest tips I can share, are to work on a cool, firm bead… use the sharpest, straightest and finest piercing wire you can fine… go slow… be gentle… use a twisting motion… and try to keep the needle as straight as possible. Then practice, practice, practice!
In this video I also show you some neat tricks and tips for baking your wonderful lentil shaped beads… Have fun!
- Related Video: Rolling Perfect Swirly Lentil Beads
- Related Video: Making An Extruder Mod Cane Using Premo Souffle Clay
- Related Video: Sculpey Clay Bead Baking Rack
- Related Video: Baking Polymer Clay on Corn Starch or Baking Soda
Do you have any suggestions for videos on tips, techniques or products you would like to learn more about? Let me know in the comments section below!
My goal is to help you to learn quicker and easier ways to bring up the professionalism in your polymer clay art.
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Looking forward to hearing from you!
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I cannot thank you enough for these two videos on spiral lentils, your instructions work like a charm! Have about 20 done so far using scrap clay bases and old canes, and they are gorgeous. Going to Michigan for a Halloween party and 8 day stay (finally out of this apartment)!
I am blessed with gracious friends there who will put me up and feed me fresh caught wild salmon. To show my thanks, I am making dozens of spiral lentil bracelet holders (3 or 4 beads per holder) using those fabulous alligator clips from Radio Shack. Some with be the smaller copper and some the larger silver metal clips.
Hopefully, the lentils will spin on the brass rod, so that folks can adjust their fingers to fit what works for them. I will also make some longer holders to assist those with back zippers.
Cannot wait to see their reaction to these beautiful spirals.
Thanks for the perfect hostess gifts!!!
That is a really neat idea Jocelyn! Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the company with your friends!
Hi Jocelyn,
I am intrigued by your projects. I cannot quite understand what a bracelet holder is and how Radio Shack clips work with it. Would you be able to post a photo of one your creations?
Thank you,
Maria
Maria, I am touched by your interest.
Here’s a pic of several types:
Folks call it a bracelet aid, assistant, helper, etc.
I make mine using a brass rod clipped to the length I need. Bracelet holders are usually 6-8 inches long including the alligator clip. Zipper helpers are usually good at 12 to 18 inches. You can make the whole clip holder out of clay, but, I prefer to string beads on it. I use Wellbond to secure the alligator clip to the rod, then imbed it in clay, then use a wire wrap to further secure the gap.
Using the lentil beads allows them to spin, so that you can find the best grip for you. Out of all the things I make as gifts, these by far, have proven the most popular.
For someone with bad hands, you can hold one end of the clasp while you secure it. The zipper pull does the same thing, just secure the clip on the zipper handles and pull up. They are popular with men and women.
Let me know if I failed to explain it properly…..
All best!
Thanks for the great tips Cindy. Hopefully with a little more practice my days of wonky lentils will be over!
Jocelyn, what a great idea for hostess gifts. I hope you will post a pic of your finished project.