Having Trouble Making Evenly Shaped And Swirled Lentil Beads?
An extremely fun (and addictive) polymer clay bead to learn how to make, is the swirly lentil bead. The technique for rolling lentils is actually not that hard. However without proper instruction, you may run into a few problems.
In fact a very common bead making challenge for many, is how to keep lentil beads from bulging into an oval shape when you are rolling them out.
If you are interested in purchasing a tutorial video that will show you exactly how to solve this problem, then check out Volume-001 at the Polymer Clay Tutor Members Library. The specific title in the Volume-001 order form is referenced as:
Vid-001-1 Rolling Lentil Beads With Swirly Designs
In this 6 minute, look-over-my-shoulder presentation, I teach you how to roll perfect lentil beads every time, using just an empty CD case or a piece of acrylic plexiglas as your tool.
I also demonstrate how to hold the acrylic sheet so that your fingers circle slowly, keeping the shape of the lentil in a perfect circle. And how changing the pressure while rolling the lentil bead will change the ‘pointyness’ of the bead. Plus… how if you keep that pressure even, it will help to avoid creating ‘bulgy’ or oval-shaped beads.
So, if you have always loved the look of the swirly lentil bead and you want to learn how to make them; Or if you are struggling with how exactly to roll them perfectly; Then why waste time and clay trying to figure it out yourself, when you can learn everything you need to know in a 6 minute video?
If you would like to first see a short preview clip of this members video, click here: How To Roll Lentil Beads
Or if you have any specific questions about rolling swirly polymer clay lentil beads, you are welcome to ask away in the comments section below.
Here’s just a few comments I’ve received regarding the Vid-001-1 Rolling Lentil Beads With Swirly Designs, discussed in the article above.
“Thank you so much for showing us how to make these. I love these beads and they are my favorite as well.” ~Lori
“The lentil bead video was very simple and informative. You are a great help to the polymer clay beginners like myself.” ~Sherry
“AWESOME!!!!! THANKS SOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I’ve been wanting to know how to prevent the oval shape… this is perfect!!!!” ~Stephanie
“I LOVE this video Cindy!!! Thanks ever so much for posting it! Yes, they are VERY addictive!!!!” ~Steph
“It is a great video. I haven’t tried them yet, although I have made bicone beads with a bead roller. I love the way they swirl. I’ll have to try with the cd case. I have that laying around.” ~Nora
“Thank you Cindy! Now I understand why I was getting oval beads. This is truly an addicting technique! Two of my friends have placed orders for these necklaces. I didn’t make them yet because they were coming out lopsided because I was too impatient to let them cool before piercing them. Now I will wait.” ~Maria
“When I first saw this technique I thought, “What could be so addictive?” Then I realized, “Oh, that’s how you do the swirl.” Then I tried it. Ok, I admit it. I’m hooked! This has got to be one of the simplest techniques but the result looks so impressive. I lentil-ed a buncho fimo clay this weekend! Thanks Cindy.” ~Cynister
Cindy, I love your videos and look forward to receiving them every week. They have taught me so much. Right now I am trying to get “caught up” on all the back blog articles and videos. I learn something new every time. Keep up the great work.
**PHOTOS ADDED: Some project pictures have just been added to a Spotlight Feature showcasing Kimisen, a member who is very much appreciated here at this supportive polymer clay community. Click on the “Home Jewelry Business” link by my name above to have a look at her lentil bead work.
Dear Cindy, Your stuff is great and you have such a sweet spirit. Thank you. I also wanted to commend you on your business savvy. My husband and I own 2 businesses and love to see someone who has an entrepreneurial spirit with the skills to go with it. This is no small undertaking. Great job! Thank you, Lisa
Thank you so much for the kind words Lisa! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.