Vol-009-2 Cane Slice Mobius Beads PcT Tutorial (Intro)
Video #094: A Complicated Bead Shape that’s Surprisingly Easy to Make:
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** This post is an introduction to one of our paid tutorials.
When your handmade jewelry making projects call for something a bit more intricate or fancy, then a fun polymer clay bead to make is the Möbius Bead.
Unlike the simple cube beads I showed you the other day, this Möbius bead is anything but simple in design! However, they really aren’t that difficult to make if you know the right tips and tricks.
Made using a slice from almost any round, square or diamond shaped polymer clay cane, the Möbius bead twists and turns and amazes all those who do not know the secrets of making them.
For this reason they are great for necklaces, earring sets and any beading projects where you need a focal piece to really pop!
When I first saw and read about how to make the Möbius bead, I was amazed by how simple the technique appeared to be. But after trying my hand at it, I fairly quickly discovered several things that did not work.
It’s actually fairly common for instructional materials to leave out these “what-not-to-do” details. And that’s unfortunate, especially for beginners, because it can lead to frustration when things don’t work out exactly as described.
For example, with Möbius beads if the cane you start out with is not soft enough, the sides crack and split as you try to fold them. And if your cane slice is too thin, the fold collapses and doesn’t look right. Or if it is too thick, the stretching and folding of your Möbius shape becomes near impossible.
Fingerprints can also be a problem when making the Möbius bead… since the deep cavities in the finished bead are very difficult to get at for sanding.
All these problems are easily solved though. And once you know the tricks, a Möbius bead is quick to make, with all the pizzazz and flair you could ever want in a polymer clay bead.
Seeing the Möbius bead instructions on video is probably the most effective way to learn how to make it. That is why I have created a video tutorial (Vid-009-2).
ADDENDUM: Unfortunately, this Vol-009-2 tutorial is no longer available for purchase. However, the button below, will take you to our Polymer Clay Tutor Store, where there is a wide variety of other premium tutorials that you can choose from...
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**PHOTOS ADDED: Some project pictures of jewelry beads made with the mobius technique, have just been added to a Spotlight Feature showcasing Ileana Buhan. She is a member from the Netherlands, who is very much appreciated here at this supportive polymer clay community. Click on the “Polymer Clay Jewelry” link by my name to have a look.
**PHOTOS ADDED:Project pictures of some Mobius beads have been added to a Spotlight Feature showcasing Kriss Johnson, a member who is very much appreciated here at this supportive polymer clay community. Click on the “Polymer Clay Techniques” link by my name to have a look.
Just call me Speedo :) — Ever since last year when Cindy Erickson called me a Polymer Clay Superwoman (see link by my name above), I’ve had a reputation to uphold… LOL!
But you did figure out one of my secrets… a dear and supportive husband without whom this site would absolutely not be possible. To him I am very grateful.
Anywho… the email error has been corrected for you. THANK YOU so much for your VERY kind words. You’re the greatest!
Hi Cindy….Wow you’re fast like lightning!!!! You answered my problem email almost immediately. How do you do all this? Your husband must really be a great help to you. I have been all over the internet but your site is the very, very, best!!!Your reply was a right on the button. I entered and played all videos with no problem. Only one part of the reply was incorrect. Where it says you made my account into one, the e mail address is incorrect. It should be 170 and you show 179@ aol.com. I’ve seen this on other forms, too. You are the greatest!!! But even more than that. I could listen to your voice all day but my husband won’t let me. I have two rooms for crafts but cant get either one organized. The clay room is in the sun room but I think its too hot for clay. The front room is for sewing and everything else. I just lost about 20 African Violets because i can’t keep up with everything. I’m 62 years old and have had chronic back pain for years, fibromyalgia, and cronic depression. Clay is the only thing that takes my mind off of everything. ENOUGH!!!! Please continue the exciting way you teach.-Honey
It does make it easier to string Lynn, plus since the wire rubs on the bugle bead instead of the polymer clay bead, there is less wear to the bead.
I LIKE THE MOBIUS BEAD WITH THE SPINDLE. I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO PUT THAT IN.THAT WOULD MAKE IT ALOT EASIER TO STRING INTO WIRE OR BEADING THREAD. LYNN WATTS
You’re welcome Cindy! Glad to be of assistance. Hugs back!
Thanks Cindy, this is a great video. I really learn much better visually, and now I completely understand how to make the mobius bead. Your written instructions are always wonderful, but for me, it is the videos that teach me the most :)
Enjoy your Sunday.
As always, hugs to you, Cindy E.
Hi Lupe! Yeah it is always easier to figure out how to do a polymer clay technique when you see it done in video. It also must be nice for you to be able to go back to your video library whenever you want if you have forgotten!
Thanks for all your great comments!
Thanks for the video on the mobius bead. Now I can try it! I was given an explanation on how to make them not too long ago, but I forgot. They do make beautiful beads.
That is excellent Sue! Let me know how it goes!
I’ve really admired these beads and am looking forward to this. I just got my extruder and plan to make the mod cane this weekend. Can’t wait to try this out!
Using a rectangular shaped cane slice will not work with the Mobius bead making technique I demonstrate in the tutorial video above. This is because the opposite corners need to be drawn together, and with a rectangular shape, this just won’t work. This will be come clear to you when when you see the full video tutorial in the members library.