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
can 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 you
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 depending on how
much you use it.
