How to Make Faux Amber Polymer Clay Beads
Polymer clay is a polymer plastic compound used in much the same way as traditional clays. Substitute polymer clay as an inexpensive and lighter alternative to gemstones in beaded jewelry. With the wide range of polymer clay products available in craft stores, you can create realistic faux amber beads for your next project.
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Things You'll Need
- Latex gloves
- Translucent polymer clay
- Pasta roller
- Craft knife
- Pinata inks in brown, yellow, tangerine, red and orange
- Shape cutter
- Bulb syringe
- Needle tool
- Bead stand
- Oven
- Ice water
- 600-grit sandpaper
- Microfiber cloth
- Glaze
Instructions
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1
Condition the translucent clay by running it through your pasta roller several times. Decrease the size setting each time. Knead the clay in your hands until you can shape it easily.
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2
Run the conditioned clay through the pasta roller at the #1 setting. Cut the clay into 3-inch squares with the craft knife.
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3
Apply the ink colors (approximately 8 drops yellow, 2 drops each of remaining colors) to the surface of each rectangle. Spread the ink across the entire surface of the rectangles and wipe away any excess ink. Let dry at room temperature.
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4
Roll each rectangle into a ball and run through the pasta machine to even the coloring. Roll out the clay on the #1 setting and use a small cookie cutter to cut even amounts of clay to form your beads. Shape your beads as needed.
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5
Mix a few drops each of brown, red and tangerine inks. Cut random, jagged crevices into the surface of your beads. Carefully pipe the ink mixture into these areas with a bulb syringe. Let dry, turning the beads occasionally.
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6
Drill holes into the beads using a needle tool, and set beads on a bead stand. Set the beads in a 275 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour depending on the size of your beads (30 minutes per 1/4 of thickness). Remove the beads from the oven and immerse them in a bowl of ice water to preserve the translucency.
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7
Sand the beads under running water and buff with a microfiber cloth. Apply a polymer clay glaze for extra shine.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different amounts of ink to vary the shade of your faux amber.
Shape the clay irregularly and unevenly to imitate natural chunks of amber.
Use a pasta roller dedicated only to your clay, as toxins in the clay are harmful if consumed.
Cure the clay in a well-ventilated room.
Keep all clay and tools out of reach of children.
