How to Make Fimo Beads

One of the most popular types of beads is known as the Fimo bead. Fimo beads are made from polymer clay; sculpt able material that consists of PVC and liquid plasticizer.  The clay which actually has no clay minerals comes in a translucent base that can be pigmented with a variety of colors.  This makes it a wonderful tool for arts and craft projects especially with its versatile texture.  Polymer clay has become popular in the art of jewelry making and Fimo bead making is the trendsetter.  Here are basic instructions to Fimo bead making.

Tools Required

• Acrylic or glass rolling pin
• Skewer or drill
• Oven or convection oven
• Sharp cutting blade (craft knife)
• Smooth plastic cutting surface
• Plexiglass

Materials Required

• Fimo polymer clay – can be found in major craft stores
• Jewelry wire for stringing beads
• Varnish

Instructions to Making Fimo Beads

1. Cut off 8^th of a block of clay or use one ounce of clay.
2. Roll the clay under the plexiglass until it is long and thin – use the rolling pin to take out any air bubbles.
3. Shape clay into balls, cylinders, squares or any other desired shape and place into oven.
4. Set oven temperate and time according to directions on the clay package.  Most will take 30 minutes.
5. Holes can be placed in clay before or after baking.  If you are creating the holes before, use a skewer by twisting it back and forth into the beads (fill the skewer with beads but do not let them touch).
6. If you opt to wait after the clay has baked, use a drill to create the holes.  This actually gives the beads a more professional finish.
7. Again ensure the beads do not touch each other, that they are suspended when baking or they are placed between two sheets of cardboard.  Suspension can be done with skewers or steel weaving needles placed over a metal pan.
8. Remove beads from oven, cool, sand and varnish if desired.

Tips and Warnings

• Use an exhaust fan when baking as the fumes can be hazardous.
• If you plan to do a lot of clay baking, consider getting a second hand oven.
• If the clay begins to stick when rolling sprinkle powder or flour on the surface.
• Ensure clay is stored away from direct sunlight, do not store in any form of plastic.  Instead wrap in wax paper and place in an airtight non-plastic container.
• Try not to distort the beads when creating the holes.
• Clay must be baked within the appropriate time for good fusion.
• Malleable clay is recommended for Fimo bead making.
• Mix Fimo clays to create more colors.

For more information on How to Make Fimo Beads read:

How to Make Fimo Beads

How to Make Fimo Beads

How to Make Fimo Beads