How to Make Scoring Beads for Billiards
Billiard scoring beads are a string of 200 beads used to count points while playing billiards. The string of beads is divided into 100 black beads and 100 white beads. The colored beads are separated by numbered paddle beads. Hang the string on the end of the billiard table, on the wall next to the billiard table, or above the billiard table on the light. Make a set of scoring beads for billiards yourself from polymer clay.
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Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay
- Toothpick
- Cookie sheet
- Oven
- Potholder
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- 30 to 50 lb. fishing line
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Roll a 1/2-inch, marble-size ball with the polymer clay. Pinch the ball between your thumbs and index fingers to create a saucer-shaped bead. The shape is similar to a round-edged, squashed diamond.
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2
Use a toothpick and puncture a hole through the center of the bead. The center of the bead runs through the semi-pointed ends of the bead and the rounded squashed outer ring is the edge of the bead. Repeat for a total of 100 beads.
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3
Roll a 3/8-inch, worm-shaped piece of clay 3/4 inches long.
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4
Place a 3/8-inch piece of the clay roll in-between the thumb and index finger. Squeeze gently to make an oval-shaped paddle. Keep the thickness of the clay at least 1/8 inch.
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5
Lay the paddle on the table. Use a toothpick and poke a hole through the top of the clay roll 1/8 inch above the paddle. Place the toothpick parallel to the table surface. Make a total of 10 number beads in the same manner.
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6
Place the beads on a cookie sheet and bake for the time recommended on the clay package. Remove the beads from the oven and let cool before continuing.
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7
Paint 100 beads black and 100 beads white. Paint 10 paddle beads black and 10 paddle beads white.
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8
Number each paddle in increments of 10 from starting with 10 and ending with 50. Paint the numbers in white paint on the five black paddle beads and in white on the five white paddle beads.
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9
String the beads on fishing line. The stringing pattern is four black beads, one white bead, four black beads, then a number paddle. Repeat the process until five sets have been completed.
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10
Switch and string four white beads, one black bead, four white beads then a number paddle. Repeat the process until five sets have been completed. Tie off the fishing line.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the same process to create small, medium or large billiard scoring beads.
Use a colored polymer clay to create the beads or simply paint them after they are baked.
References
- Photo Credit billiard image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
