Tips & Techniques
Get tips and techniques to become a better beader at Lima Beads.
Chatter
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“I use a household power drill. Just insert the wire(s) into the tip and tighten.…” read »
on “Make a Transparent Resin Frame”:“super cool and simple! endless possibilities with this technique if using shapes created with heavier gauge…” read »
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“Interesting tool,but I find my power drill works fast and you can put multi wires in…” read »
on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:“Looks great, KRode!…” read »
on “Vintaj Metallic Patina effects”:“I plan to buy these products. I love the way the Patina looks and these videos…” read »
- on “Wire Wrapped Cover on a Teardrop”:
“I like the messy version and the regular one depending on the look of the piece.…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“k ty…” read »
- on “How to use McLees Multi Strand Clasp”:
“I'm interested in getting the paper bead making kit and one of the brass or bronze…” read »
on “Using the Wire Twister Tool”:“I love the tool and it's a great video! Thanks for all the helpful videos! Wire gauges…” read »
on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:“Just checked into the larger sheets. It doesn't appear that we'll be able to get 6x6,…” read »
- on “Make a Wire Wrapped Bead Link”:
“Thank you. E.W.…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“if you're looking for a quick easy glue option, the hypo cement or LimaStudios tends to…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“Dutchy-- My favorites are the hypo cement or our very own LimaStudios epoxy: http://www.limabeads.com/Adhesives-C3769…” read »
- on “Making a Memory Wire bracelet”:
“I'm new to jewelry making and have so much to learn. You mentioned using glue at…” read »
- on “Tying a Lark's Head Knot”:
“Thanks so much! My Mom picked up some beautiful donut pendants for me and I…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I recently made 2 necklaces w/matching earrings with my first paper beads.sold both sets within a…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I,too, would like to know when you have these kits back in stock. Thanks!!…” read »
on “Decorivets!”:“This is a great tutorial; to the point and simply put.…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I want to try making the paper beads.When will the kit be back in stock?Can you…” read »
- on “Stamping Blanks”:
“Want to start doing this.Really like this.Only site that I have found the supplies.Thanks Lima Beads!…” read »
- on “Non-Identical Twins”:
“I love this idea!…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I can't wait to try this, I just need to get the right supplies. I have…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Also I found awesome buttons for ten cent each at a local thrift shop…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“This is really cute! love the frog. I'm going to try this for the first time…” read »
on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:“I made a second bracelet using purple fishing line and no needle. I had started…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“nice n easy,thanks for that vedeo…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“I would like to try making paper beads.…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“i really like the video but cannot stand the music in the background. i find it…” read »
- on “Using Lillypilly Metal Sheets & Discs”:
“how about larger sheets?…” read »
- on “Making a Fish Tail Braid”:
“Very instructive. Very pretty…” read »
- on “Melting Pot Basics”:
“where are all the eggs i'v been on here alday today and havent found not evon…” read »
on “Stamping Blanks”:“I am new to this as well, I am using a hammer from the hardware store…” read »
- on “Using Paint Dabbers”:
“LOVE LOVE LOVE this site. Being a rookie metal stamper this site has provided me with…” read »
- on “Make a Birthstone Pendant”:
“This is such a great idea to "personalize" for craft fairs. I could make these up…” read »
- on “Using the Sliding Square Knot”:
“I'm excited to see this demo! I bought a bracelet that was finished this way and…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Carola, We do offer a couple of thread conditioners: http://www.limabeads.com/Thread-Conditioners-C4791 TOHO or C-lon thread is great for seed…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Also, do you need to separate the plys, as one would do in an embroidery skein,…” read »
- on “Learning the Ladder Stitch”:
“Could you just include in the written instructions, under the video, the list for the suggestions…” read »
- on “Setting Rivets with Anvil & Setter Tools”:
“I am just now starting to work with leather. Can't wait to learn these ideas.…” read »
- on “How to make a paper bead”:
“do you have patterns for other shape beads? Or where can I find that?…” read »
About this Tip:
Crystal Clay is a two-part epoxy clay that cures without heat. It's super mold-able and will adhere to nearly anything. This is the same sort of idea behind the beloved Pave beads-- lots of lightweight sparkle! Because we can mold it into anything we choose, it allows us to take sparkle to the next level. Check it out.
Let your creativity guide you! You can choose from a huge selection of bezels, channel beads, crystal chatons, and crystal clay colors!
Components:
The products featured in this tip are listed below.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Each Crystal Clay package comes with the color clay, a hardening agent, an applicator stick (bee's wax on the tip, for easy crystal grabbing!), and a pair of vinyl gloves. The assortment of crystal chatons are sold separately. To illustrate this technique, I found a little oval bezel ring and I'm going to fill the bezel with the Crystal Clay and apply the little crystal chatons to make a super sparkly ring. |
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Step 2: To get started, put on your vinyl gloves and unpack both A (color) and B (hardener) clays. The gloves are a protective barrier against the supreme stick of this epoxy clay. Now mix equal parts of both A & B (make sure you've got the right amount of clay-- I just held up my little ring here and eyeballed it). To assure you've got equal parts, I like to roll each part separately into a little ball and compare sizes. Then mush 'em together. *They've absolutely got to be equal parts or else your piece will not harden correctly! They've also got to be mixed well, leaving no marbling, else it won't set! *You can also mix different color clays (different "Part A") and an equal measure of hardener to make "custom" colors! |
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Step 3: Once the clay is mixed, gently massage the clay into the bezel (or whatever shape you're molding). Now with the bee's wax applicator, grab a crystal and set it into the clay. This is where the gloves come off-- they're just a little too bulky for this detail work. Press the crystal into the clay so that the edge sits JUST below the clay edge. (You'll miss sparkle if you press it in too deep!) If you have trouble "releasing" the crystal from the applicator into the clay in the exact place you desire, try "rolling" the applicator off of the crystal. This will keep the crystal in its intended place, instead of nudging it one way or another to unstick it from the bee's wax. |
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Step 4: When you've got your crystals all placed the way you want, do one quick pat down of all the crystals with your finger. One or two may have shifted around as you placed others nearby. This due diligence will ensure that your crystals are all at the right level and placement. Your crystal clay creation will set and be totally cured in 12-24 hours. Be sure to leave your creation undisturbed in an "upright" position (whatever direction that might be for whatever you've made!) |
Buy Products from this Technique
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| Package | $24.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| Package | $26.40 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| Package | $24.70 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
| Package | $9.79 |
| 5 Gram Tube | $8.70 |
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On Nov 29, 2012 at 3:00 pm #
Cathy H Chocolate Chick says:Very pretty! Can’t wait to try this.
On Nov 29, 2012 at 3:41 pm #
Elizabeth K says:Looks interesting – here are my questions ….
How is it fumes wise – will it bother folks with chemical allergies or birds?
Are the gloves big enough for a large man’s hand?
Can you make color a and color b and then combine them into swirls?
What size are the rhinestones?
Can other brands (Swarovski for example) be used?
What is the life expectancy & are there any warnings to give customers
are they toxic to children and dogs after cured, both who tend to eat things they ought not to eat? Sorry for the list of questions – just seemed to take on a life of its own
Thanks,
Betsy
On Nov 29, 2012 at 5:15 pm #
Ali says:Wow questions! Here are some quick answers:
The Crystal Clay is non-toxic, but it can be a skin irritant, that’s why there are gloves included. (You could use any gloves, I imagine, just as long as they are powder-free. I think the ones in this kit are maybe a M-L? You’ll probably want to replace them after a while anyway).
You can mix colors! All the “Part A” are colors, the “Part B” is the hardener and should not be treated as a color. If you wanted to do a swirl, mix 1 Part A color with the Part B hardener, then mix a different Part A color with Part B hardener, then swirl those together. Seems like that should work.
You can use just about anything as an inset. As long as it has a backing on it like these chatons I’ve used– they are made to keep their hold in there, as opposed to placing a flat-backed crystal in there. But you could experiment with other crystals, wood, other glass…
The shelf life of this product is approximately 4 years. I hope you use it sooner than that cause it’s so much fun!
Once the Crystal Clay is set/cured, it should last as long as any of your jewelry under normal wear and tear.
Although it is non-toxic, I wouldn’t recommend eating it… particularly with the raw materials, I’d keep that out of my kids hands!
On Nov 30, 2012 at 8:27 am #
Elizabeth K says:Thank you for the FAST reply now it looks neeter! it is in my official stocking stuffer request list. I have loads of gemstones that have been ‘rescued’ from pieces going to the scrapper so I think I’ll test with those.
My main concern was about them being unsafe after cured if swallowed. Husband taught dog to catch peanuts so any little bead I drop she catches and eats. Plus, she just plain likes eating pearls. Non-toxic after cured is a major plus!
Thanks again for the spedy reply,
Betsy
On Nov 30, 2012 at 10:08 am #
L Barrett says:This stuff sounds like fun! On the color mixing question, can you take two Part A colors of different color and mix them to create a third colors (I’m also a painter so you know how we are!) Like could I use some white to make a lighter hue, or mix red and blue to get purple?
Thanks!
Linda
On Nov 30, 2012 at 12:50 pm #
H s says:Does the clay cure to a matte finish?
If so, do you know what type of sealer can be used to make it glossy? Maybe one you paint on with a brush to avoid the crystals?
Thank you!
HS
On Dec 05, 2012 at 10:54 am #
Kate says:You can totally mix the colors to create new colors or combinations. I don’t know if it’ll work exactly like watercolors, though… For that channel bead (talked about at the end of the video), Ali mixed the green crystal clay with some of the metallic gold to get a little of that metallic flavor. But we haven’t experimented yet on a straight blue + red = purple forumla. Also, make sure you’re NOT considering the white Part B hardener a “color” it will not change the color of your piece, it is only meant to serve as hardener.
The crystal clay does cure to a matte finish. I’m sure you could dab on a glossy finish like the Claudine Hellmuth: http://www.limabeads.com/Claud.....8ml-P17040
On Dec 06, 2012 at 5:42 pm #
Maggie G says:Is the silver color clay in the primary multi-pack the same as in the metallic multi-pack?
On Dec 07, 2012 at 8:26 pm #
Evangelina says:I’m excited to try this technique. I’ve never made jewelry before, except friendship bracelets a couple years ago. I’m only 12
On Dec 07, 2012 at 9:12 pm #
Evangelina says:Hopefully I can make this…
On Dec 07, 2012 at 9:13 pm #
Evangelina says:I’ll try, anyway
On Dec 07, 2012 at 9:16 pm #
Evangelina says:The time is wrong. It says I wrote my comments at nine, but it’s only eight.
On Dec 09, 2012 at 1:11 am #
ksstormy70 says:i”ts the cat’meow
On Dec 09, 2012 at 8:21 pm #
Roberta d says:Hi Ali,
You are an excellent instructor! The video was
easy to understand. Thank You.
Can you use Gemstones, like Amethyst or a Quartz
Crystal with the Crystal Clay?
On Dec 10, 2012 at 4:47 pm #
Evangelina says:I have a question……What lasts longer? Resin or crystal clay? Which one would be the better choice?
On Dec 10, 2012 at 5:00 pm #
Evangelina says:I had to change my profile picture because someone else had the same one. Just letting everyone know. Not that it really matters, I guess.
On Dec 11, 2012 at 11:19 am #
Ali says:There is no silver color clay included in the Primary colors multipack. Each multipack comes with the neutral-looking hardening agent (not a coloring agent).
On Dec 21, 2012 at 1:09 pm #
KatBlue60 says:For those of you that use cream white epoxy clay, it can be colored (once cured) using a small brush and gilder’s paste. For a metallic look, use silver, gold or brass for example.
On Jan 02, 2013 at 6:48 pm #
Evangelina says:Yay!!!! I just made my first ring with crystal clay. Am I supposed to reuse the gloves?
On Jan 02, 2013 at 7:28 pm #
Evangelina says:pasted-image.jpg
On Jan 02, 2013 at 7:29 pm #
Evangelina says:Oops, that was supposed to be a picture, but it won’t paste on.
On Jan 02, 2013 at 7:44 pm #
Evangelina says:But seriously do I reuse the gloves?
On Jan 08, 2013 at 3:50 pm #
Ali says:If you want to reuse them and clean them off really well, I don’t see why the gloves couldn’t be reused. It is very important that your gloves and/or hands are super clean when working with the Crystal Clay. Whatever you have on your hands/gloves will stick the the clay and harden in it.
On Jan 11, 2013 at 10:20 am #
Evangelina says:Thank you, Ali
On Jan 11, 2013 at 10:25 am #
Evangelina says:I was also wondering if I can stick the chatons in backwards, so the gold pointy part was sticking out. I think that would make a pretty cool ring, but I’m not sure if it would work or not.
On Jan 12, 2013 at 7:02 pm #
Evangelina says:Yeah the video was very clear and easy to understand.
On Jan 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm #
Ali says:The chatons work best when sticking into the clay using the pointy side. It’d probably look pretty cool the other way, I’m just not sure how well it will bond.
Also, for those of you who saw the Melting Pot go up this week, we had added Perfect Pearls to go along with it. In addition to begin able to accent your melted piece, Perfect Pearls would be beautiful if brushed onto your clay once everything is set. Just an thought
On Feb 06, 2013 at 2:19 am #
angel tears says:how is this clay colored? I mean can I take white clay and add a color/colors to develope my own palett? If so, what coloring agent would I use?
On Mar 25, 2013 at 5:32 am #
C lorenger says:There is so much information just on this site. I need not go anywhere else. Wow, Limabeaders sure cover alot of technics in such a simple way i maybe inspirered to try the crystal clay in the near future. sure looks easy. Favorit last words!