Polymer Clay

Fimo and clay tips and tutorials

Polymer Clay Beadmaking Tips

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15-cd-case-lentil-bead-rolling-90055.jpgIf you haven’t already, check out Cindy Lietz Beadmaking Tips.  She has a great blog filled with little tid-bits to make beadmaking easier.  Love her clear photographs and easy to understand directions. 

I had a tri-bead roller that sat on my shelf since last year, thanks to Cindy, I’ve actually started using it!

I loved this week’s tip of using old cd cases if you don’t have plexi-glass to roll lentil beads, so clever.

[tags]polymer clay, arts & crafts, beadmaking[/tags]

Comments

  1. Thanks very much for this post Heather! Glad you found the bead roller info useful. I found the tri-bead roller a big pain until I figured out how to measure the clay right. Isn’t it always the way? Something that looks easy is often hard and something that looks hard is often easy!

    The CD case is something I figured out being lazy! Rather than look for my acrylic sheet, I just grabbed a CD case laying near by. This is a great way to get started with rolling lentil beads, even if you don’t have all the “proper” tools yet. BTW, for anyone that wants to know more about making lentil beads, I’ll be emailing out a free video tutorial later this week to everyone on my guest list.

    Oh and… if you have not seen it yet, the first link in your post above is going to 404 error page.

    Thanks again for thinking of me Heather. Much appreciated!

  2. I am new to beading, don’t have much money for lots of new contraptions so any homemade tools is always a wonderful thing. It’s either new tools or food for the kids. hmmm?

Have you read?

DIY Clay Flower Frog Tutorial – A Handmade Tool for Arranging Blooms

If you’ve ever struggled to get your flowers to stand just right in a vase, let me introduce you to one of the most charming old-fashioned tools around: the flower frog. Traditionally made from metal or glass, a flower frog is simply a base with holes that keeps stems in place so you can create balanced, natural arrangements without fussing. Today, we’re giving this vintage idea a modern twist by making a clay flower frog with our own hands.

This project is wonderfully simple, yet it creates something you’ll use again and again – especially if you love bringing fresh blooms inside from the garden. It’s also a fantastic beginner-friendly clay project that gives you a chance to practice shaping and smoothing without needing advanced pottery skills.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Pottery clay (stoneware or earthenware works well; you can also use air-dry clay for a decorative-only version)

  • A rolling pin or clay roller

  • A needle tool or skewer

  • A small round cookie cutter or cup for shaping

  • Sponge and water for smoothing

  • Optional: glaze in your favorite color (if kiln-firing) or acrylic paint/sealer for air-dry clay

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Prepare Your Clay

Wedge your clay (fancy potter’s word for kneading out the air bubbles) until smooth. Roll it out to about 1 inch thick – thick enough that your holes won’t weaken the structure.

Step 2: Cut the Base Shape

Using a cookie cutter, cup, or template, cut out a circle or oval about 3–4 inches across. This will form the base of your flower frog. Smooth the edges with a damp sponge.

Step 3: Add the Holes

Use a skewer, chopstick, or needle tool to pierce holes across the surface. Space them evenly but not too close to the edges. Aim for around 6–10 holes, depending on the size of your frog. Make sure the holes go all the way through so stems can slide in easily.

Step 4: Refine and Smooth

Dip your tool in water and smooth around each hole to prevent cracking later. Take your time here—neat holes are what make your frog functional and pretty.

Step 5: Let It Dry

  • For kiln clay: Allow to dry until bone dry, then bisque fire. Apply glaze of choice and fire again.

  • For air-dry clay: Let it cure completely according to the package instructions, usually 24–48 hours.

Step 6: Finish and Seal

  • If you’re kiln-firing, this is where you’ll add that glossy glaze – think celadon green, soft blue, or speckled neutrals.

  • If you’re using air-dry clay, paint with acrylics and add a clear sealer to protect it from water.

Using Your Clay Flower Frog

Place your finished frog at the bottom of a shallow bowl or vase, add water, and start threading flower stems through the holes. The frog will hold them upright and let you create that lush, organic look without fuss. For a more rustic style, leave the clay unglazed (just make sure it’s still sealed if you’ll be adding water).

Variations to Try

  • Mini Frogs: Make smaller versions for teacups or bud vases.

  • Square or Oval Shapes: Who says flower frogs have to be round?

  • Decorative Impressions: Press lace, leaves, or stamps into the clay before making the holes for a bit of texture.

  • Stacked Frogs: Make two thinner discs and stack them together for a taller look.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Not only do you get a handmade, functional tool, but you’re also keeping alive a vintage floral tradition. These little clay flower frogs make beautiful gifts, especially paired with a thrifted vase and a bunch of fresh-picked blooms.