
This detailed master class contains techniques for working with polymer clay and will teach how to create beads from polymer clay.
To create beads from polymer clay usingthe author's technique for working with polymer clay will require: – Polymer clay in four matching colors (for example: yellow, green, emerald and white) – Rolling pin or pasta machine – Blade or utility knife – Toothpicks – Foil – Waste plastic (remnants of multi-colored unnecessary plastic) – Any mold (cutter) – Gloves optional
We knead the yellow and emerald plastic, form them into triangles, and fold them as shown in the picture.
Using a blade, we cut the resulting layer across soin such a way that there are pieces of pure color at the edges, and in the center there are pieces with different proportions of yellow and emerald. This is a preparatory stage for creating a gradient (smooth) color transition.
Carefully mix all the two-color pieces and put them back in the same order as they lay. The result was a unique palette with a transition from emerald to green.
Press the pieces tightly against each other and begin rolling out with a rolling pin.
As it rolls out, a multi-colored layer with a sharp transition of colors is formed.
Fold the layer in half lengthwise, observing the direction of the stripes, and continue rolling, repeat folding lengthwise and rolling until the color transition becomes smooth.
After 8-10 folds, the layer acquires a gradient color transition.
Knead the white plastic and roll it into a thin layer, the same in size as the gradient one.
Place the colored layer of polymer clay on the white layer and roll it out again so that the layers stick together. If necessary, remove air bubbles between the layers, otherwise they will spoil the design.
Knead and roll out a green piece of polymer clay. The size of the layer should match the rest.
Place the green plastic under the white sidecolored layer. Thus, a three-layer “pie” is obtained: a green layer on the bottom, a white “filling” in the middle, and a gradient plastic on top.
Roll out the layers lengthwise as thin as possible.Remove excess air between layers. To do this, pierce the air bubbles (if any) with a toothpick and roll out again with a rolling pin. The longer the layer, the better.
Cut the layer lengthwise into thin strips.
Roll out a layer of weed plastic.
To ensure that the beads are the same size, you need to use a cutter. Use a cutter to cut out many identical pieces.
Roll these pieces into balls. They all come out the same size. These are the basics for beads and the most effective way to recycle mixed up unwanted plastic.
We take a thin strip in our hands and beginwrap each bead in a “spiral”. Each layer of the spiral should cover the previous one. The cut of the strip should be visible; it is this that forms the future pattern.
When the strip ends, we apply the next strip to its edge, observing the color scheme.
When the entire bead is wrapped, cut off the remaining strips with a blade.
Roll the ball in your palms until the seams are smoothed out and you get a smooth bead.
We repeat the process as many times as there are enough strips and bases.
Now we make holes in the beads.Holding the bead with your fingers, carefully “drill” it through. make a hole in it with a toothpick. To avoid fingerprints, the bead can be pre-chilled in the refrigerator or you can use gloves.
After the toothpick goes right through the bead, do not take it out, but insert it directly onto the toothpick into a tight wad of foil. The beads must be baked in this form.
The beads are baked at the same temperaturewhich is indicated on the plastic packaging. I have plastic Artifact (it molds well, but gets very dirty). It is baked for 30 minutes at a temperature of 130 degrees Celsius. After baking, take it out, cool it and use the beads for polymer decoration as intended.