How to Add Crystals to Polymer Clay Beads

Crystals give clay beads sparkle and shine. You can add crystals to large clay pendants that attach to necklaces and bracelets, or put them in smaller beads. The process of applying the crystals is simple and quick.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crystals
• Jewlery poker or toothpick
• Jewelry adhesive

1. Create your clay bead or pendant design. Crystals work best on a clay design that is slightly large, such as a flower bead pendant or sunshine pendant. If the bead design is too small, the crystals can look tacky rather than elegant.

2. Pick crystals that have a pointy back rather than a flat crystal.

3. Design your crystal pattern with a toothpick or jewelry poker. Poke holes in the clay until you have the design you want.

4. Add the crystals by lightly touching the top of the crystal and putting it into the hole in the clay. Push firmly enough so that the crystal embeds into the clay, which creates a natural crater around the crystal when it bakes. This ensures that it won't come loose.

5. Place the clay beads into the oven and bake as usual. After removing the beads, check that all the crystals are secure. If any crystals are loose, remove them, apply a jewelry adhesive and replace the crystals.

Tips & Warnings

• Swarovski crystals are a favorite crystal for beaders and jewelry makers because of their shine and cut.