How to Make Rondelle Beads
- 1). Choose a polymer clay color that best suits your feature beads. Work the clay in your hands by kneading it until it is soft and malleable.
- 2). Roll the clay out into a long tube. Make sure that the tube has the same diameter throughout its length. Your greatest challenge will be to get all of your rondelle beads the same size. If the ends of your tube taper, cut them off with the knife.
- 3). Use the knife to cut the beads into equally sized segments. This will greatly improve your chances of having beads of the same size.
- 4). Use the palm of your hand for large beads or the tip of you index finger for small beads. Roll the beads on your work surface in a circular motion. Try to get them as round as possible. When you are satisfied with their shape, push down gently to flatten them a little.
- 5). Use your toothpick or bead piercing tool to make a hole through the flat sides of the bead. Place the completed bead onto your cookie sheet. Repeat until all your beads are ready to be fired.
- 6). Preheat your oven to 275 degrees F and bake the beads for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the beads to cool in the oven. Remove the beads from the cookie sheet only when they are cool to the touch.
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