Let’s discuss clay bead bracelet ideas, often known as flat beads. This is arguably one of the simplest and least expensive DIY jewelry projects you can begin if you want to start crafting jewelry.
Additionally, there are a ton of various ways to make clay bead bracelets! A lot will be covered in this post, but there are a ton more you might think of.
Clay Beads: What Are They?
Small, round, disc-shaped beads with a flat profile are called clay beads. Although they come in a variety of sizes, they typically have a 6mm diameter and a 2mm hole. The most common substance used to make clay beads is polymer clay, which is a kind of PVC. They are fairly resilient and non-toxic. They’re waterproof, too! Heishi (pronounced hee-shee) beads are a type of flat, disc-shaped bead that you may see.
Types of Clay Bead Bracelet Ideas
Clay beads come in a myriad of varieties. The four kinds of clay beads you’re most likely to encounter are discussed in this article.
- Polymer Clay Disc Beads
- Polymer Clay Barrel Beads
- Polymer Clay Rondelle Beads
- Polymer Clay Shaped Beads
Polymer Clay Disc Beads
Heishi beads, also known as Polymer Clay Disc Beads, are thin, flat, round beads with a tiny stringing hole. For a confetti appearance, they can be worked in solid blocks, color-blocked, or a combination of colors. Additionally, disc beads are quite adaptable and look great combined with different beads, such as glass, novelty, or even seed beads.
Polymer Clay Barrel Beads
Polymer Clay Barrel Beads are longer, round clay beads that resemble clay tubes and include a little hole for stringing. They resemble miniature marshmallows for hot chocolate, but please don’t consume them. Beads made from clay barrels blend well with one another and with disc beads of like width.
Polymer Clay Rondelle Beads
Polymer Clay Rondelle Beads are round, hefty clay beads that resemble doughnuts; they resemble a plumper disc bead. The beads appear to be fashioned from vintage candy necklaces. Similar to disc beads, rondelles look fantastic both alone and combined with other beads.
Polymer Clay Shaped Beads
Using a number of procedures, different clay wedges are formed into enormous shapes to create Polymer Clay Shaped Beads. These clay canes, which resemble play-doh snakes, are then sliced to expose the shape. Shaped clay beads come in almost every form or shape you can think of, such as the strawberry beads in our Fruit Mix or the mushroom beads in our Groovy Mix.
Materials for Jewelry Made of Clay Beads
When creating clay bead jewelry, the following materials are essential to have on hand:
- Polymer Clay Beads or a Polymer Clay Bead Kit
- Strong Stretch String
- Bead Organizer
- Scissors
Additional materials for beaded jewelry that are optional but very convenient to have on hand:
- Bracelet or Necklace Bead Board
- Jewelry Glue
- Washi Tape or a binder clip
- Crimp covers and jewelry pliers
- Beading Needle
- Tape Measure or ruler
With a variety of clasps and closures, you may create a clay bead bracelet in a multitude of ways.
Clay Bead Bracelet Ideas
Bracelets made of clay beads are available in a range of sizes, forms, and colors. For more intriguing designs, you might include script, metallic, or other accent beads in addition to plain clay beads. The options are practically limitless!
For your next bracelet, consider these additional adorable and stylish clay bead designs.
- Shades of ombre
- Neutrals
- Brightly colored beads in an arbitrary design
- Simple design with beads of solid colors
- Spelling words with letter beads
- Including metallic or gold beads
How To Make Clay Beads
Step 1:
Assemble your materials. Get your glue, scissors, bead stopper, elastic cord, and beads.
Step 2:
Determine the length of your string and cut it.
Measure your wrist with a measuring tape. Cut a piece of string that is at least 8 inches longer than the length of your wrist. You’ll have enough string left over to tie the knots at the end.
A piece of too-long elastic is usually preferable to one that is too short; the extra cord can always be trimmed off later.
Step 3:
Stretch your string beforehand. Take modest steps down the string’s length, extending each one as you go.
In order to prevent your string from stretching out while you wear the bracelet, it is crucial that you prestretch it immediately.
Step 4:
Fasten the string’s end. Secure the end of your string with a little piece of tape, a binder clip, or a bead stopper. In this manner, you can work without worrying about the beads slipping off the end of the string.
Step 5:
Arrange the beads. Arrange your beads in a beading tray if you have a specific pattern in mind.
Step 6:
String the beads. Generally speaking, clay beads are big enough to string by hand. However, stringing can be made easier with a beading needle if the bead holes are smaller.
Continue stringing beads until you have enough to measure your wrist. You can measure the bracelet’s length by winding it around your wrist or using a ruler. Keep in mind that you want the bracelet to fit comfortably without being too tight.
Step 7:
Secure it with adhesive after tying a knot. It’s time to tie a knot once the bracelet is sufficiently long.
With the two free ends of the elastic cord, tie a square or surgeon’s knot after removing the bead stopper. For added security, advised to tie a triple knot and gluing it in place. Apply a tiny bit of jewelry glue while holding the beads away from the knot.
Optional: Hiding the Knot
There are a couple of ways to hide the knot so you don’t see it on your finished bracelet.
Hide the Knot Inside a Neighboring Bead
The easiest way to hide the knot is to slide it inside a bead. After you apply glue to the knot, slide an adjacent bead over the knot. Let the glue dry, and trim the excess cord.
Conclusion
Clay bead bracelet ideas are more than just a passing trend, clay bead bracelets are a colorful way to show one’s individuality, creativity, and community. Because of their countless color combinations and the ease with which charms, letters, and other patterns can be added, these inexpensive beads provide a genuinely accessible platform for artistic expression.
Making clay bead bracelets is a naturally fulfilling process, whether you’re making them for yourself, as thoughtful presents for loved ones, or even to launch a small business. They promote mindfulness, exude a sense of playfulness, and, in the end, let everyone don a work of art that expresses their individuality. So get your beads together, let your creativity run wild, and relish the straightforward, vibrant delight of working with clay.
FAQ
How many clay beads go on a bracelet?
How many clay beads make a bracelet? For an adult with small to medium hands, 125-150 clay beads will make a bracelet.
Are clay bead bracelets safe?
Wearing clay bead jewelry in the morning while getting ready is perfectly fine as long as the beads have been properly sealed.
What is the best thread for clay beads?
Elastic: Clear Stretch Magic. it is recommended to to opt for the thickest cord you can to work with your chosen beads to add security to your design
