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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.
