A piece of tile or glass works well for the hard, flat surface. Instead of the toothpick, you can also use an electric drill with a one-eighth-inch drill bit to drill holes in the beads.
If you want beads that are different sizes, you can either use cutters in varying sizes, or simply cut chunks of clay from the block using your eye to measure. The great thing about homemade beads is that you can make them any size, shape, or design you like!
Always wash your hands before rolling white clay to avoid transferring dyes or colors to it. [3] X Research source
Always shape beads on a hard, flat surface.
Screw the toothpick into the bead by rolling it between your fingers as you apply gentle pressure. Once you’ve worked the toothpick all the way through, pull it out and reinsert it through the other side to clean up the hole. [5] X Research source If you are going to use a drill to create holes after baking, skip this step and move on to baking.
Choose three different clay colors and cut off a half-inch (12 mm) slice from each block. Roll them all into individual cylinders of the same width and length. [7] X Research source Place the three cylinders together in a triangular log and twist the colors together. The more you twist, the more variation there will be in the cane. Roll the log back into a cylinder, and use your knife to slice off discs. Use the discs to create your beads.
Cut slices from the cane that are about the thickness of a nickel. The number of slices you need for each bead will depend on the size of the bead and the design you’re going for. Warm the slices in your hand and arrange them around the bead mold. Gently roll the wrapped bead around in your hand to seal the seams together. You can also use a knitting needle to roll the seams and seal the cane joints. When you have sealed the seams, shape your bead and poke the holes. [8] X Research source If you used a wooden bead as the mold, poke small holes in the cane to access the hole that’s already in the wooden bead.
Once the clay has firmed up, remove it from the parchment paper and use your toothpick to poke a hole in each disc. [9] X Research source
Then, decorate that slab with slices from your desired cane designs, just as you did when you were decorating your bead mold. [10] X Research source Use your hands to apply even pressure and press the cane into the clay beneath. Use a roller or knitting needle to join the seams of the cane together. Use a cutter to punch out your desired shape. You can also use a sharp knife to cut out a custom design. When you have your shape, punch a hole in the pendant.
Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the beads on a length of firm, straight wire. Then, suspend the wire from an oven-safe baking dish and bake the beads like that. [11] X Research source Once your baking time is up, remove the beads from the oven and allow them to cool completely before handling them.
