Courses

Polymer Clay Bead Making

Polymer Clay Bead Making

About This Course

This course is provided in a self-guided course format. You can see the menu on the right on mobile or at the bottom of the page on mobile. You can skip through to read the various sections out of order, but I recommend starting with the Basic Bead Making section first and following along to learn the fundamentals. Learning the basics will give you the know-how to make neat, precise, and beautiful beads. Enjoy!

If you prefer to print this course and read from paper, you can download and print the course by pressing this button. Be aware that some of this course includes videos, which will require an internet connection. (The PDF version does include links to those videos.) The PDF version also does not have a resources section. You’ll need to refer to the online version to access the resources, links to suppliers, and discount coupons accompanying this course.

Download the PDF Version

Why a Bead Making Course?

Beads have been part of human culture for tens of thousands of years (or longer). They’re simple in concept, beautiful by nature, and useful for functional and decorative purposes. Many people in polymer clay began their journey searching for ways to make unique beads for their handmade jewelry creations. So polymer clay bead making has a rich history. There are tons of videos and books detailing how to make a variety of beads in innumerable styles.

But I noticed a gap in the available educational materials for helping people make polymer clay beads well. Much of the instruction merely restates the same classic bead styles and repeats outdated methods that work well for chunky macrame styles that were popular decades ago. Makers now want to make precise, refined, and finely crafted jewelry as polymer clay takes its rightful place as a fine craft and even an art medium.

I decided to undertake a 100 days project, making 100 days of beads. The many, many questions told me that a new bead making course was needed. So here it is. Here is Polymer Clay Bead Making.

polymer clay inventory sheets listing photo

Inventory Sheets

Download Your Inventory Sheets

Thank you for purchasing the Downloadable Inventory Sheets checklists. Click the button below to download the most recent version of these sheets. You can save them to your computer and then sprint them on your home printer.
 
The sheets will be updated as often as possible. You are always welcome to download a new version of the sheets at any time in the future. The most current version was uploaded July 22, 2022.
Download the Sheets
watercolor agate tutorial for polymer clay cover

Make Watercolor Agate with Polymer Clay

Learn to make a beautiful gemstone effect with polymer clay that I like to call Watercolor Agate. You can make this stone-like effect in any color to imitate real stones or to design your own fantastic colors and patterns. The tutorial includes instructions on how to make Watercolor Agate with the art materials that you already have on hand and how to achieve specific looks. While you can use your Watercolor Agate in any type of project, this tutorial includes step-by-step instructions for making modern, contemporary earrings.

Looking for a PDF download?

This course can be taken here, online, or you can download a PDF to read offline. The PDF will not have live product/source links (they’re impossible to keep updated) and the most current information will always be available here on the website. But if you’d like a PDF, you can download it from the Resources section.

How to Navigate This Course

To navigate this tutorial, you can use the navigation that you see below. There’s also a menu on the right if you’re viewing this on your computer. You can read the sections in order, or you can skip around to read the info as you need it. Either way, let’s get started. Click on Getting Started to go there now.

sanding and buffing polymer clay course cover

Sanding and Buffing Polymer Clay

Sanding and Buffing Polymer Clay

sanding and buffing polymer clay course coverWelcome the the “front page” of the Sanding and Buffing Course. I’m glad you’re here.

 I know that you want to learn how to sand and finish your polymer clay more effectively and with less frustration. Great! I will show you how to create a perfect finish on your polymer clay without wearing yourself out or having results that make you sad. You’ll learn how to sand better not harder.

This course is delivered here on my website in a standard step-by-step course format. But don’t worry, there are no tests or grades! Note: This course can also be downloaded in the form of a formatted,  120 page PDF. You can find the button for the PDF version in the Sanding Resources section. Be aware, though, that the PDF won’t be updated as often. The online course version will always have the most current information and resources.

The Sanding Resources section also includes sources and links for the materials mentioned in this course. In addition, I’ve listed trusted polymer-centric suppliers around the world, so you can find good suppliers near you.

There is also a User Gallery where you can upload your own photos of the sanded and/or buffed projects that you’re proud of. Let us see what you’ve made! If you have any questions, there is a private Questions and Discussions section where you can get help from me or other owners of this tutorial.

Course Navigation

Below is a directory with each of the sections and topics in this course listed. You’ll notice there are three main sections, each with a different type of information. You can navigate from here, or you can use the navigation panel at the right (or below if you’re on mobile). At the end of each topic and section will also be buttons to help you get around. Thanks for joining me here. Click on “Introduction to Sanding and Buffing” to get started.

rustic beads and components tutorial for polymer clay cover

Rustic Beads and Components

rustic beads and components tutorial for polymer clay coverWelcome! This is the “front page” of the Rustic Beads and Components Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself available in two ways.  You can download a PDF of the tutorial or you can view the tutorial in a step-wise online course format. Because a PDF can’t be updated after you download it, be aware that the most current updates will always be found in the online version. This is especially true for links to supplies and resources. The PDF version also lacks access to the Inspiration Gallery, “Share Your Photos” and the Questions and Discussions section.

Download the PDF

Access the Online Tutorial

Here’s how you access the online version of the tutorial. Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list of topics. Tap or click on each one to be taken to each page of the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Introduction”. Enjoy!

crackle compendium polymer clay tutorial cover

Polymer Clay Crackle Compendium

Because polymer clay is flexible, you can stretch it, and you can color it with a huge array of art materials, it’s a natural match for making crackle effects. While crackle in the natural world usually is connected with age or deterioration, you’ll find that crackle can also be refined, contemporary, or sophisticated. This tutorial takes you through the 7 major ways to create crackle effects and explains the materials and processes that you can use.

This is not, however, a step-by-step project tutorial. There are no finished items to create. I thought a long time about the best way to convey this information to you and I finally settled on the enclosed format. Most crackle processes are just variations on a theme, and to step-out dozens of variations would just be annoying and tedious to read. I didn’t want to limit this tutorial to just 8 or ten crackle recipes. As with all my tutorials, my goal is to teach you to understand the materials and the way they work so that you can apply the information and techniques to your own preferred type and style of project. I’ve tried to give enough information to serve as a jumping-off point for your explorations. Note there is a Crackle Gallery that gives a quick overview of how I made each crackle sheet or item.

There is also a user gallery where you can upload your crackle photos (and what you made with them). If you have any questions, there is a private Questions and Discussions section where you can get help from me or other owners of this tutorial.

Note: If you prefer a PDF download, you can find the button for that in the Crackle Resources section.

Below is a table with each of the sections and topics listed. You can navigate from here, or you can use the navigation panel at the right (or below if you’re on mobile). At the end of each topic and section will also be buttons to help you get around. Thanks for joining me here. Now let’s get cracking! (Sorry…Dad joke…I had to.)

contemporary polymer clay earrings tutorial cover

Polymer Clay Earrings

earrings and templates

This tutorial contains a PDF file that contains 25 pages of printable templates that can be used to make polymer clay earrings and matching jewelry. You’ll likely find these templates valuable in all of your polymer clay work, too, so keep that in mind as you look through the pages.

After the printable templates, you’ll also find a tutorial for making contemporary polymer clay earrings. While making the earrings is simple, the information included here will help you make a quality piece of jewelry that is a joy to wear (and gift or sell). You’ll learn how to make earrings using the printable templates and how to give them a professional and quality finish.

Finally, you’ll find a questions and answers section as well as a gallery for you to share photos of your work (and share your shop links). There you can find answers to any questions you might have and help others with theirs.

Are you ready? Let’s get started! Below, you’ll find a list of sections. Just click on the desired section to get the information you need. Enjoy!

Mica Shift in Polymer Clay

Using clearly illustrated steps, this class takes you though the process of making the intriguing Mica Shift technique. The unique qualities of metallic and pearlescent polymer clay allow this neat optical illusion to be created. You will create a patterned image with the clay that is perfectly smooth to the touch. Tips and tricks are included that will help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that beginners face when attempting the mica shift process.

powders guide in polymer clay course cover

Guide to Powders

powders guide in polymer clay course cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Guide to Using Powders eBook. I’m glad you’re here.

The eBook itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF eBook, get a quick look at the materials discussed in the eBook, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

Once you’re into the class pages, you can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your eBook”. Enjoy!

Faux lampwork in polymer clay tutorial cover

Faux Lampwork Tutorial

Faux lampwork in polymer clay tutorial cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Faux Lampwork Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF tutorial, get a quick look at the materials for the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

polymer clay essentials tutorial cover

Polymer Clay Essentials

polymer clay essentials tutorial cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Polymer Clay Essentials Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The eBook itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF eBook, get a list of resources, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your eBook”. Enjoy!

baking polymer clay tutorial cover

Baking Polymer Clay

baking polymer clay tutorial coverIn all crafting activities, the designing or creating side is only part of the process. You also have to deal with the technical side. In the case of polymer clay, the technical considerations of curing or baking the piece bring complexity to the material’s use and sometimes there are challenges to overcome. Creating successfully with polymer clay means that you will have to bake or cure the item. Here’s how to do that and how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of breakage and burning.

This course can be downloaded in a single printable PDF here.

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Baking Polymer Clay Class. I’m glad you’re here.

To get started, scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “What is Curing”. Enjoy!

mica leaf pendants tutorial for polymer clay cover

Mica Leaf Pendants

mica leaf pendants tutorial for polymer clay coverWelcome! This is the “front page” of the Mica Leaf Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF tutorial, get a quick look at the materials for the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

opulent tapestry on polymer clay tutorial cover

Opulent Tapestry Tutorial

opulent tapestry on polymer clay tutorial cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Opulent Tapestry Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF tutorial, get a quick look at the materials for the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

all about silkscreens polymer clay tutorial cover

All About Silkscreens with Polymer Clay

all about silkscreens polymer clay tutorial cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the All About Silkscreens eBook. I’m glad you’re here.

The eBook itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF eBook, see examples of these techniques, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your eBook”. Enjoy!

faux glass polymer clay cover image

Faux Glass Effects Tutorial

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Faux Glass Effects Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial is available in two formats. The online course version is here online. You are currently “in” the course already. There’s also a downloadable PDF tutorial if that’s a better format for you.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download the PDF, take the online course, and access the gallery and question features. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

organic beads in polymer clay tutorial cover

Organic Beads Tutorial

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Organic Beads Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF tutorial, get a quick look at the materials for the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

getting up to speed with polymer clay tutorial cover

Getting Up to Speed in Polymer Clay

getting up to speed with polymer clay tutorial cover

Welcome! This is the “front page” of the Getting Up to Speed Tutorial. I’m glad you’re here.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list of sections in this course. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page to view that topic. Once you’ve visited each page and marked it complete, its box will display a green checkmark.

Once you’re into the class pages, you can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Which Brand of Clay”. Enjoy!

If you need a printable PDF Download of this tutorial, you can get it here. It does not contain updated resources, however. Always check the online resources section of this tutorial for the most updated information.

holo effect in polymer clay tutorial cover

Holo Effect Tutorial

holo effect in polymer clay tutorial coverWelcome! This is the “front page” of the Holo Effect Tutorial Class. I’m glad you’re here.

The tutorial itself is a downloadable PDF, but that’s only part of the fun. There are more features included in your purchase and you can access them all in the pages below.

Scroll down a bit and you’ll see a list. Tap or click on each one to be taken to that page. That’s where you can download your PDF tutorial, get a quick look at the materials for the tutorial, see examples of this technique, upload a photo of your own, and get answers to your questions. Once you’ve visited each page, its box will display a green checkmark.

You can go to the next page by clicking on the “Next Section” button on the bottom. You can also find another list of the “Class Content” and a navigation menu on the right of your screen if you’re on desktop, or further down the page if you’re on mobile.

I know you’re eager to get started, so click or tap on the first block in the Class Content below, “Download Your Tutorial”. Enjoy!

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