Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads

A comprehensive introduction to the materials, tools, equipment, and techniques used to make unique beads with a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. The straightforward instructions discuss topics that include conditioning raw clay and making simple shapes; producing more complex shapes, such as rounds, canes, and spirals; decorating the beads with foils, powders, and milléfiori; and creating faux effects like ivory, bone, turquoise, marble, and silver. A gallery of beads by internationally renowned artists, hundreds of step-by-step photographs of new beads designed by the author, and a clay gauge that allows one to estimate how much clay is necessary to make a specific quantity of beads are included, making this a comprehensive guide that will provide inspiration, demonstrate the range of effects that can be achieved in polymer clay, and teach beaders how to incorporate these beads into jewelry designs.

San Diego Polymer Clay Guild newsletter

This book is a real gift to the polymer clay world.

Carol Blackburn is a designer who works with polymer clay, beads, and tassels. She is a member of the British and American Polymer Clay Guilds.