I thought I would add a page that demonstrates the making of an Obama Bead. Many people think the beads are painted, in fact they're made with polymer clay, a clay that is available in a variety of colors and is hardened in a regular toaster oven at 265 degrees. If you check out my blog you'll find all kinds of information about polymer clay beads and beadmaking. You will also find links to my other beads, earrings, necklaces and bracelets that are made with polymer clay. Most but not all polymer clay beads are made using canes, these are a variation of the Italian glassmaking process called Millefiore. The best way to explain this process is through pictures. You see what is called a cane in final stages in these pictures. The first few are of the cane right after I've assembled it. I put all of the pieces together much like a puzzle, I build them to resemble the original picture of the Obama Logo, this process can take up to 4 hours depending on the pliability of the clay. It can sometimes be too hard or too soft and I have to adjust it accordingly. The last pictures show the cane as I have begun reducing it to it's final state. As it is reduced it becomes like a snake and then small enough to slice with a razor sharp blade. This then makes what you see on your jewelry, a small bead. It's not an easy process and it takes a long time, however, the cane can last for months and even years.
