Q&A for How to Make Clay Beads

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  • Question
    What if I need to take a break and work the next day?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you are working with air dry clay, place the beads on a tray, spritz a sheet of plastic wrap with water, then cover the tray with it. Th plastic wrap will try moisture and keep the clay from drying out. If you are working with polymer clay, simply cover it with some plastic wrap, a bowl, a cup, or anything else to keep it dust free.
  • Question
    Do I need a kiln for polymer clay?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. You can use your home oven.
  • Question
    Will polymer clay ever harden like air dry clay?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. Polymer clay does not harden until you bake it. It may become brittle if you do not use it for several years, however.
  • Question
    Can I add color to air dry clay before it dries?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you mean mixing color into the clay to make a solid-colored bead, you can--but it will be very messy and the paint may not mix evenly into the clay itself.
  • Question
    My clay beads are drying up as I work with them. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Keep a bowl of water next to you, and dampen the clay once you see/feel it becoming dry. You can also keep a spray bottle of water near by and spritz the clay every so often.
  • Question
    My clay bead got a huge crack in it once it dried. How to I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Take some more clay, and fill the crack in. Dip your finger in some water, and smooth over the bead to smooth down any seam lines. This is common with many air dry clays.
  • Question
    Do I need to paint polymer clay?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. Polymer clay already comes colored. If you want to add designs onto it, wait until after you bake it. Once the beads cool down, you can paint designs on them using acrylic paint.
  • Question
    Can you make clay beads out of modeling magic clay?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, because modeling magic clay is air dry clay. Just make sure to read the packaging though, in case it isn't air dry. If it isn't, the packaging will have the baking time on it.
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