Tut created and submitted by
Michelle Hynek-Deschamps (sparklingtwi)
Supplies and Tools:
polymer clay in a colour of your choice
A jar of clear glass micro-beads
A bottle of Sculpey glaze
cookie cutter
pasta machine
piercing needle
paintbrush
I thought I would share a tutorial on how to make polymer clay sugar beads.
Hope you enjoy creating your very own sugar beads.
Step 1
Select your colour choice. I used Sculpey rose with some Sculpey Red.
Condition your clay by squeezing and passing it several times through the pasta machine.
Roll your clay out on the thickest setting of your pasta machine..
Step 2
I like to use a square cutter to cut my pieces. I can be sure each of my beads are the same size.
Take your choice of cutter and cut out pieces from your clay sheet.
I double up my pieces by combining two squares together.
Step 3
Take your cut out pieces and roll them in the palms of your hands into a nice round form.
Place them onto a plate and set them in your freezer to harden for about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Place your beads on your work surface and take something smooth
and gently press down to flatten your bead into a rondelle shape.
I like to use a piece of Plexiglas glass to gently flatten my beads.
Step 5
Take your piercing tool and pierce in the center of your bead.
Remember to pierce on the other side to get a clean hole for your bead.
Step 6
Now comes the time to sugar coat your beads. You will want to place your beads
back into the freezer for about ten minutes to cool them back down again.
It's really hard to work with softer beads. I like to take a few out of the freezer and go back for the rest
when I'm done sugar coating the first few.
Step 7
Put your bead on your piercing tool. Take your paint brush and apply a coat of glaze all over your bead.
Place the bead into the jar of micro-beads and swirl around,
careful not to touch the inside of the jar. Make sure you coat the entire bead.
You can touch lightly with your finger to press the beads down evenly.
Step 8
When all your beads have been coated with the glass micro-beads it's time to bake.
I like to bake my beads on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
Step 9
Pre-heat your oven to 225F Bake your beads for approximately thirty minutes.
Take your beads out and let them cool completely before handling them.
Step 10
Time to glaze. Use a toothpick to apply some glaze. I used Sculpey glaze.
Put the other end of the toothpick in a piece of Styrofoam. Let dry for about an hour.
Apply another coat or two and allow your beads to dry over night.
There you have it your very own set of polymer clay sugar beads. Please be sure to share your sugar bead creations with us.
We would all love to see what you make. Have Fun =)
