How to Make Polymer Clay Bead Cones

Use polymer clay to make jewelry, like beads and bead cones.

Polymer clay is a popular sculpting medium that's frequently used to make jewelry, figurines and sculptures. Polymer clay is not true clay, as it's actually made of a type of plastic called PVC. Bead cones are placed at the ends of a beaded necklace or bracelet. The strands of beads are affixed to an eyelet pin, that's inserted into the bead cone. The end of the pin extends out of the narrow portion of the cone and it's attached to the clasp mechanism.

Things You'll Need

• Polymer clay
• Small rolling pin or dowel
• Razor knife
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Tin foil
• Baking sheet
• Oven mitts
• Oven

Instructions

1. Break off a small piece of polymer clay and place it on a flat surface. Flatten the clay with a rolling pin to a consistent thickness of approximately 1/16 inch.

2. Cut out a piece of clay with a razor knife. It should be approximately 1 inch wide and 1 inch tall, in the shape of a quarter circle.

3. Roll the clay into a cone. The point that's positioned opposite of the curved edge will be the small side of the cone.

4. Cut off a 1/8-inch-wide piece of clay at the small end of the cone using the razor knife. This will open the small end of the cone to approximately 1/8 inch in diameter.

5. Refine the cone's shape, particularly at the seam. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and run it over the clay's surface to smooth and shine it. If desired, add carvings or clay accents to the cone.

6. Cover a cookie sheet with a piece of tin foil and place the bead cone on the foil. Bake it with other items of similar size and clay thickness. Do not allow clay items to contact each other during baking.

7. Pre-heat the oven. The baking temperature varies according to product, so consult the packaging.

8. Don a pair of oven mitts and place the cookie sheet inside the oven. Cook the clay for the prescribed amount of time. Consult the product packaging for cooking time.

9. Don a pair of oven mitts and remove the clay from the oven. Allow the clay to cool before handling.

Tips & Warnings

• If the clay is too warm and pliable, cool it in the refrigerator for a while to stiffen it.

• You'll need two bead cones per necklace.

• Adjust the size of your bead cone to suit your project.

• Do not over-cook polymer clay. This will release potentially toxic fumes. Always follow the directions on the product packaging for cooking time and temperature.

• Do not use tools and cookie sheets on food after they've been used for polymer clay.

Resources

• Fire Mountain Gems: Using Bead Cones