Big Beads – A Popular Trend In Polymer Clay Jewelry Designs
Large Polymer Clay Beads… Easier To Make… And More Profitable:
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Large beads are all the rage now in fashion jewelry design. I love it… primarily because there are lots of advantages to making big beads as compared to small beads.
First of all, large polymer clay beads are easier to grip, which make them easier to sand and buff.
And because they are large, they are considered focal beads or art beads. Therefore, they command higher prices in the marketplace. Yet they usually don’t take any longer to make than small beads. And since the polymer clay is relatively inexpensive in comparison to labor costs, larger beads tend to be more profitable.
Another benefit to making large beads with polymer clay is that they are quite a bit lighter to wear than comparably sized beads made from other materials.
Just consider the weight difference between a large faux turquoise bead, like the one pictured in the photo above, as compared to a real turquoise nugget of that size. If you were to have an entire turquoise bracelet made using large real stones, it may become too heavy to wear for any length of time.
Have you seen some of the Wilma Flintstone boulder-sized necklaces on the catwalks lately? They would be impossible to wear unless they were made using polymer clay faux techniques!
So next time you are fussing around trying to sand tiny beads, think about making some big beads. You’ll be right on trend if you do!
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Thanks for the compliments Kiwi! The really lightweight beads are made with a special clay called Sculpey Ultra Light as the core. I wrote about this clay the other day which you should read too, if your are interested in making large beads with it. There are some things you need to know in regards to covering it with other clays. Make sure to read the comments as well, because they will help. Click the link by my name to take you to that article.
I have been seeing rather large (and small) polymer beads that are really light weight. Do you know what base could be used to give beads this light airy feeling? Viva is one of these company’s that make awesome designs and light weight beads. Do you know if the air drying clay can be covered and baked? It is very light. Thank you for sharing your ideas and for a great site!
Excellent question Jennifer! One thing you can do to ‘set’ and harden future floor finish, is to put it in the oven at a low temp 100F – 200F for 10 minutes or so. It works really well. I wouldn’t bake it at much higher temp than that (though others do) because in my experience it can cause bubbles. Hope that helps!
I recently read one of your reviews about the future floor finish I have been using it for about a month and i love it but now the weather is getting warmer and more humid. I’m having a hard time getting the finish to dry without feeling a little sticky i tried sitting them in front of a fan for a day it helps but only a little I often sell my beads and really don’t want my customers buying beads that feel sticky. Do you have any advice for me. Thanks.
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LOL! Although I like small beads too, I would have to agree with you about big beads being easier!
Sand? Ha! Big beads all the way!