This method will work for stone clay, natural clay, and paper clay.
Most air-dry clays will come wrapped in plastic. If yours came in a tub, simply put the lid back on. Is it better to cut off less clay than you think you might need. A little bit goes a long way, and you can always cut more clay off later.
Make the clay cubes between the size of a pea and a blueberry. Larger, grape-sized beads may take too long to dry. If your clay is difficult to work with, dip your fingers into a cup of water and smooth them over the clay. The water will help soften it.
For discs, try to make them about ¼ inch (0. 64 centimeters) thick. For tubes, try to make them between ½ and one inch (1. 27 and 2. 54 centimeters) thick. You can leave the cut edges as they are or taper them using your fingers.
If you made tube-shaped beads, poke the hole from top to bottom—the flat parts, not the curved. If you made disk-shaped beads, poke the hole from the side—the narrow edge part. This way, when you string the beads, they will look like circles.
Dots Stripes Simple flowers Swirls
If your clay is too hard to work with, consider working in some clay conditioner or clay softener. You can usually buy it in the same aisle that sells polymer clay.
To create a sphere: roll a small amount of clay between your palms until it is smooth and round. To create discs: roll your clay into a thin cylinder or tube shape, about the thickness of a pencil. Use a sharp blade to cut the cane into discs. To create tapered tubes: roll your clay into a thin cylinder, about the thickness of a pencil. Cut the cane into ½ to one inch (1. 27 to 2. 54 centimeters) pieces. Use your fingers to pinch the ends of each mini-tube. Consider making a little animal shaped bead. Keep the design simple.
