How to - Origami

Beads are the most significant materials when creating hand-crafted beaded jewelry and obviously they function to make your Polymer Clay Jewelry more beautiful.  As we all know, there are wide types of beads of differing kinds.  One of the most well liked types of bead is the Fimo bead.  How to make a fimo bead is easy, and I am going to teach you the best way to do it. 

Fimo is formed from polymer clay, and just like other modeling clay, Fimo is manmade.  Using this clay, you can create different types of beads.  Polymer clay is a synthetic product made from polyvinyl chloride and mixed with color pigment and plastic.  You can warm the clay with your hands to get it malleable, before toughening it through the baking process.  One good thing when baking is it doesn’t change the size and color of the clay.  When baking, it is advisable to use a convection oven.  You do not need to use your usual oven if you are going to be baking clay often , you’ll find ones that will be available at your local thrift store for a cheaper cost.  When using ovens and other heat tools it is best to research Safety Tips in Jewelry Making. 

Malleability, I discussed this word earlier, this is the most important aspect you have to consider when making handmade clay beads before baking.  Another crucial facet of the clay is its flexibility and strength when it is already finished.  They are available in rainbow colors, so you have plenty of color option to select from, just let you creativity and imagination run wild when creating Fimo beads. 

The first step in making Fimo beads is to take approximately one once of clay.  Squeeze the clay and gently warm them by your hands, and roll it into a long thin snake, continuously repeat this process until the clay stretches out, without breaking in to pieces when pulled apart.  Try and manage the clay long enough to help you remove some air that is trap in the clay.  Cut your block of clay into slabs just a little thicker of the widest setting of your oven.  Put the cut slab thru the oven, fold it in half and send thru again. 

In the baking process, most brands bake between 250 - 275F so just be certain to check the directions.  Cook the clay for no less than thirty mins, exact time of baking is crucial to keep the clay fully fused.  However if you do not bake the clay correctly, you may end up with weak finished product.  A very important reminder, don’t breathe in the fumes of the clay while baking, it is necessary to use an exhaust fan, breathing in the fumes can be hazardous.  The clay will keep its workability if they are stored properly, so keep them away from direct sunlight ; don’t put them near heat, in plastic bags or plastic containers. 

After that, get your clay; roll it into sheets, in your chosen thickness.  You may use a sheet of wax paper for easy cleaning up after working.  You will need a sharp cutting blade and you need to keep it separately with your other materials for safety.  Use steel weaving needles to suspend your Fimo beads while baking, this will help prevent forming a flat surface and keeps the shape intact.  You can choose whether you will drill holes in your beads after baking or you will make holes in your unbaked clay.

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