This is such a lovely book, I’m always excited when I read it because the projects are so inspiring and useful. You can make beautiful jewelry with the ideas from this book! Me, I love to make colorful beads to match new outfits like dresses or tops.
It’s very inspiring to make your own custom made beads. The beads and pendants in “How To Make Polymer Clay Beads” are suitable for both both special occasions like parties as well as for every day clothing.
The chapter on how to make simulated gemstone beads is very good. You learn how to make faux gemstones like jade, amber and turquoise.
The projects are less complicated compared to some other polymer clay books, but you can make the most adorable beads in no time with these techniques. This will give you the time and opportunity you need to create all the polymer clay beads you want!

Polymer clay pendant simulating a gemstone
In this book you will learn all this:
- Simulating Stone effect
- Mokume’ Gane’ Technique
- Image Transfer Technique
- Faux Cloisonne Technique
- Sculpting Beads
- Millefiori Caning
- Skinner blend

Faux gemstone project from the book
When I began making beads the “How To Make Polymer Clay Beads” book helped me a lot to make my first skinner blend
That was so fun, couldn’t believe I actually did it, and I definitely recommend to get a pasta machine if you do polymer clay. Without a pasta machine, just mixing the clay is a struggle, also when you do skinner blends, a pasta machine is always required.
To design your own polymer clay beads is a true pleasure in life!

2 comments
Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor says:
May 13, 2010
Nice review Zarah! I agree that having a pasta machine is essential. It is probably the most used polymer clay tool of all the ones in my studio. (That and a clay blade.). There are so many techniques that would be very difficult to do without one. I am very grateful too the person who first thought to pull their pasta machine from the kitchen cupboard. Noodles are easier to buy than to make any way!
.-= Cindy Lietz, Polymer Clay Tutor´s last blog ..Resin Coated Polymer Clay – Butterfly Wing Pendant [Gallery] =-.
Zarah says:
May 18, 2010
Cindy, I know what you mean! I’m grateful to that person as well…