How to Make My Own Bead Roller
A jewelry bead roller is a set of curved tools that together allow the bead maker to shape beads to a specific curve. These tools are easy to make with some of the modern polymer clays that are available and once crafted, the jewelry bead roller can be used over and over to create series of beads that have the same shape. Because these tools can be made quickly, it is easy for a bead maker to develop new bead shapes fast.
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Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Cylindrical vases
- Cylindrical pipes
- Cans
- Clay tools
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Instructions
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1
Select a good polymer clay that is available on sale since this project needs a lot of the clay and color doesn't matter. Polymer clays come in a variety of brands and the properties of each clay varies slightly but for this project any of them will do.
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2
Soften the clay in your hands by kneading the clay between your fingers and hands until it is pliable.
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3
Form 3-by-5 inch rectangles that are 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick.
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4
Press the clay lengthwise along cylindrical objects like vases, pipes, dowels, or cans. The clay will take to the curved shape easily. Turn the clay and the object so that the clay is flat to your work surface. Press the sides and ends of the clay so that the bottom of the clay becomes flat and the side get thicker as they cup the sides of the object.
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5
Smooth the sides and edges using your fingers or other clay tools. Make a pair for each size cylindrical object. Once the bead roller is properly shaped and smoothed, place it flat side down on an aluminum lined baking sheet.
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6
Bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 30 minutes, from 215 to 175 degrees. Each variety of polymer will recommend the temperature and time for their product so read the label carefully prior to baking. Air cool your clay and it's ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Add handles to smaller bead rollers. Place your bead material between your rollers and move the rollers back and forth to shape the bead. Smaller rollers may require handles to hold comfortably.
