Homemade polymer clay beads look like they came from a boutique, and they cost pennies each. This guide follows the Mont Marte Art video, where the artist makes six different beads for one chunky necklace: plain, blended, striped, faceted, glittered and copper leafed. You only need a few blocks of clay, a knife, something pointy and a regular home oven.
What polymer clay is and which kind to buy
Polymer clay is a PVC based modeling clay that stays soft until you bake it. It does not dry out on the table, so you can take your time. Sculpey III and Fimo Soft are easy to knead and good for a first batch. Premo and Fimo Professional are firmer and hold sharp edges better, which helps with faceted beads.
Small blocks are fine. One 2 oz block makes about a dozen medium beads.
How to make polymer clay beads the same size
Uneven beads are the most common beginner complaint. Roll a log of clay to an even thickness, then cut it into equal pieces with a blade before you shape anything. Each piece turns into one bead, so they match. A ball about the size of a large marble gives the chunky rondelle shape from the video. Pea size works for bracelets.
Getting the hole right
Make the hole before baking, while the clay is soft. Push the needle in from one side until the tip shows, then finish from the other side. That stops the exit from tearing. Twist gently instead of stabbing. Check that your cord fits through the hole before the beads go in the oven.
Baking polymer clay safely
Always follow the temperature on your clay packet. Mont Marte clay bakes at 130 C (about 265 F) for 30 minutes. Most US brands say 275 F for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. Home ovens often run hot, so an oven thermometer is worth having. Too hot scorches light colors. Too cool leaves beads weak and crumbly.
- Bake on foil, card or a tray you keep for crafts only.
- Open a window while it bakes.
- Keep clay tools away from food tools.
Fixes for common problems
- Cracks after baking: the clay was not kneaded enough or was underbaked.
- Fingerprints: wipe the raw bead with a little baby oil or cornstarch on your fingertip.
- Leaf flaking off: brush a coat of clear water based varnish over it once the size is dry.
- Squashed hole: run the needle through again before baking.
Ideas for your beads
String them on suede for a necklace, on stretch cord for a bracelet, or hang a single bead on a key ring. This is a good afternoon project with grandkids. They shape and decorate the beads, and an adult handles the oven.
Keep going with polymer clay
Get more detail on oven times in how to bake polymer clay, and see how to soften polymer clay if your block is stiff. Ready for more? Try polymer clay earrings or put your beads to work in how to make a beaded bracelet.
