Make Big Hole Clay Beads

Joan Tayler explains her process for BFBs(big fat beads) in this useful step through. She uses grommets but all sorts of decorative eyelets work great for this as well and you can find them in the scrapbooking sections of craft stores and in hardware stores as grommets. This tutorial uses Sculpey Ultralight to make large, lightweight beads and these days you could use Sculpey’s Soufflé clay as well for the same effect.

I would probably do these all in one go – make the bead base, wrap it (or cover it in cane), core it with a straw or tube, pop the eyelets in and bake it. Pop the eyelets off, add a little glue, pop back in. I’m impatient though.

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DIY Homemade Clay with Cornstarch – The Best Recipe…

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying pottery but didn’t want to invest in a full-size wheel and studio setup, the ThaLan Pottery Kit for Beginners might just be your new favorite craft toy. I grabbed this for my teens (and myself, let’s be honest) as a rainy-day project, and we’ve had so much fun with it.

First things first—the wheel itself is adjustable and surprisingly sturdy for a tabletop kit. It’s not professional-grade (don’t expect to throw giant bowls or vases), but for small projects like little trinket dishes, mini planters, or decorative keepsakes, it works beautifully. The speed settings are easy to control, and it doesn’t wobble around like some of the cheaper kids’ pottery wheels I’ve seen.

The kit comes with tools, carving sticks, and shaping accessories that actually make a difference when you’re trying to smooth or decorate your clay. I loved that it included air-dry clay—no kiln needed—which makes it truly beginner-friendly. The clay is soft and easy to work with, though I’d recommend having extra on hand if you plan on making more than a couple of pieces.

One thing I really appreciate is how accessible it is. My daughter was able to use it right away without frustration, and I found it oddly therapeutic to sit and spin out little bowls while listening to a podcast. It’s a fantastic way to dip your toes into pottery without a big financial commitment.

Pros:

Adjustable speed wheel that feels stable
Comes with tools, brushes, and clay—ready to use right out of the box
Perfect for beginners, kids, and casual crafters
Great for stress relief and creativity

Cons:

Not strong enough for larger or heavier clay projects
You’ll want extra clay (the included amount is good for starters but goes quickly)

The ThaLan Pottery Kit is a fun, beginner-friendly set that makes pottery feel approachable. It’s not going to replace a studio setup, but it’s absolutely perfect for kids, families, or anyone who wants to explore pottery at home. Think of it as a gateway into the world of clay crafting—it sparks creativity without overwhelming you with technical skill.

If you’ve got crafty kids or you’re looking for a mindful hobby for yourself, I’d recommend giving this kit a try.

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