That's a good one to put on my list. Thanks for the suggestion Patricia! In the meantime, I did do a paid tutorial a while back on how to securely embed links in your polymer clay that I think would be very helpful for you. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description) and type 'Embedded Wire Links' into the search box at the top of the page, you will learn more about it. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Jenny, there are lots of ways to great a great shine on your polymer clay beads. If you look through my RUclips channel you'll find several videos on the subject. And if you go to my blog (the link is in the description) you'll find even more articles, posts, tutorials and videos if you type 'finishing' into the search box at the top of the page. You'll also want to sign up to be on the Guest List aka Newsletter so you don't miss more cool information on polymer clay. Thanks for commenting!
There is a tool out there I believe is called a pearl drilling vice, that holds round beads so that you can drill a straight hole in it. Something like that should work very well for you. I have been meaning to hunt one down so I can do a demo on it for everyone. I think there are a lot of people who would appreciate a tool like this.
Hi Cindy! I absolutely love your videos they have helped me out so much! I just ventured into pendents and beads. (Still lots to learn) I have Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hand drilling worked just fine but when doing a lot at one time my hands could not take it. I completely understand the safety issues of using a high powered drill while doing this but I suddenly had an idea and it works GREAT! I have a little hand held electric screw driver that plugs directly into the wall to charge. (It's a little pink Black & Decker brand I got from Wal-Mart for roughly $15.00) My fiances drill bits just so happen to fit in it perfectly! It's low power and no more aching hands. Some drill bits are made differently so this may not work for everyone but I wanted to share it anyways :)
Nadia Serrano that sounds great but for me, the problem is that it moves too fast and makes it hard to get the hole in the right place. I am also drilling into resin, which is much more solid.
Have you ever tried a small spiral hand drill? I have a tiny one, about 4" long, and it's a nice balance between your pin vise and a motorized solution like a Dremel tool. It's a really simple tool. You just line up your bit and push down on the handle. I use my palm, others hold it more like a pen The "spiral" part of the shank turns the drill bit. A little spring pushes the handle back up and you just push it down again. I've had carpal tunnel and suffer from arthritis from time to time, but, I find this little tool very comfortable and easy to use - no twisting motion like you have with the pin vise. It's also very affordable. I got mine, with an assortment of bits, for about six dollars about a decade ago. I can't add a link, but, if you plug "spiral hand drill" into Amazon, you'l find lots of them. A bit more than six dollars now, but still pretty cheap.
Yes bryancmcguire, adding the finish first, then drill the hole bigger after the finish dries would give your beads a cleaner and more professional look.
Hi, what is the tapered drill bit called? I know you said it was a dremel piece. Is there a size or anything. Trying to find one online (after several drilling disasters) and overwhelmed by choice. Btw I love your videos.
hi cindy! could you make a video about how to secure eyepins and stuff so they will not fall out is really a big problem for me i'll really appreciate it if you made a tutorial on that, tnks a lot
Cindy I love your videos I have learned a lot watching you. My question is do you have a way of holding a bead steady for drilling holes in beads? There are some micro vices out there do you have one you like best?
Thank you Alice! I have used the JoolTool Bead Vise but there are lots of options out there: Here is a link to some Bead Vises on Amazon: amzn.to/2xv2Ub0 (**Affiliate Link)
Hi Suguna Srinivas I don't remember the brand of pin vise I have 9there are no brand markings on it either) . Any pin vise should do just fine. As far as bits go, just get a cheap set of small bits in various sizes that will work for a variety of wire and cord sizes. You can often find them in the dollar store. Polymer clay is so soft that you don't need to get very good drill bits.
Hi. Im having trouble getting the drill to go in straight through to the other side. I am new to doing this stuff and I tried a couple times and my holes are crooked. I don't want to mess up all the nice beads I've made. Do you have any tips for this? Thank you so much!
Did you watch the video? There are several tips in there that should help you. Also, drilling straight holes can take some practice, so perhaps you could make up a few scrap beads that are just for the purpose of practicing your drilling on. You will find once you have done a few, your holes will get better and better. Good luck!
Hi lindsey k, I would love to give you a link, RUclips doesn't allow links. What you need to do is go to my blog (link is in description). Type 'easter lily cane' into the search box at the top of the blog page and you will find the link to the tutorial.
Hi KraftyKristi, like I mentioned to seabrooks68 I have already done a tutorial on the peacock feather cane that I think you would love. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description box) you can find the post by typing 'peacock cane' into the search box at the top of the page. I would give you a direct link, but RUclips does not allow it. The videos are wonderfully detailed and easy to follow and the price is extremely reasonable. I do hope we see you over there!
when i make polymer clay beads i use metal kitting needles. i think i have used size one and size two. what you do is bake the beads on the kitting needles.
And I don't mean to come across rude if I do so but I have been subscribed for a few months but haven't seen any new videos yet (which is a shame as I love your videos) so was wondering if you still make videos or not? Or if you have just made a new channel for PCT to work with? I hope everything is OK and again, I apologise in advance incase this came across rudely. Thank you.
Hi Cindy...Can you fit a NEEDLE SIZE DRILL BIT in you Dremel? You can now with this simple trick! You won't believe it! The Dremel tool uses multiple size Drill Bits!
I am legally blind and am creating with polymer clay. I am having a hard time getting the hole straight when I make the hole in the bead.........the hole usually ends up wonky. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?
Thank you seabrooks68! I have already done a tutorial on the peacock feather cane that I think you would love. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description box) you can find the post by typing 'peacock cane' into the search box at the top of the page. I would give you a direct link, but RUclips does not allow it. The videos are wonderfully detailed and easy to follow and the price is extremely reasonable. I hope you like what you learn!
That's a good one to put on my list. Thanks for the suggestion Patricia! In the meantime, I did do a paid tutorial a while back on how to securely embed links in your polymer clay that I think would be very helpful for you. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description) and type 'Embedded Wire Links' into the search box at the top of the page, you will learn more about it. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Jenny, there are lots of ways to great a great shine on your polymer clay beads. If you look through my RUclips channel you'll find several videos on the subject. And if you go to my blog (the link is in the description) you'll find even more articles, posts, tutorials and videos if you type 'finishing' into the search box at the top of the page. You'll also want to sign up to be on the Guest List aka Newsletter so you don't miss more cool information on polymer clay. Thanks for commenting!
There is a tool out there I believe is called a pearl drilling vice, that holds round beads so that you can drill a straight hole in it. Something like that should work very well for you. I have been meaning to hunt one down so I can do a demo on it for everyone. I think there are a lot of people who would appreciate a tool like this.
Hi Cindy! I absolutely love your videos they have helped me out so much! I just ventured into pendents and beads. (Still lots to learn) I have Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Hand drilling worked just fine but when doing a lot at one time my hands could not take it. I completely understand the safety issues of using a high powered drill while doing this but I suddenly had an idea and it works GREAT! I have a little hand held electric screw driver that plugs directly into the wall to charge. (It's a little pink Black & Decker brand I got from Wal-Mart for roughly $15.00) My fiances drill bits just so happen to fit in it perfectly! It's low power and no more aching hands. Some drill bits are made differently so this may not work for everyone but I wanted to share it anyways :)
Nadia Serrano that sounds great but for me, the problem is that it moves too fast and makes it hard to get the hole in the right place. I am also drilling into resin, which is much more solid.
Finally a tutorial that is easy to listen to and understand! Thank you! This was very helpful.
ShoryoTombo Thanks for saying that Shoryo!
Beautiful peacock feather bead! Could you do a tutorial, or direct me to one? Thanks
Thank you for your help! I will definitely have to try the pearl drilling vise. =) I will let you know how it goes.
Have you ever tried a small spiral hand drill? I have a tiny one, about 4" long, and it's a nice balance between your pin vise and a motorized solution like a Dremel tool. It's a really simple tool. You just line up your bit and push down on the handle. I use my palm, others hold it more like a pen The "spiral" part of the shank turns the drill bit. A little spring pushes the handle back up and you just push it down again. I've had carpal tunnel and suffer from arthritis from time to time, but, I find this little tool very comfortable and easy to use - no twisting motion like you have with the pin vise. It's also very affordable. I got mine, with an assortment of bits, for about six dollars about a decade ago. I can't add a link, but, if you plug "spiral hand drill" into Amazon, you'l find lots of them. A bit more than six dollars now, but still pretty cheap.
Yes bryancmcguire, adding the finish first, then drill the hole bigger after the finish dries would give your beads a cleaner and more professional look.
Can I use a 20 inch hand drill to make holes in Arlic earrings? They didn't come pree drilled! Ty
Wonderful, Cindy, many thanks. Where would I find your peacock feather tutorial. I love that bead you drilled.
Thanks. Roberta
Thank you Roberta! Here is a link to where you can buy the tutorial: www.beadvideos.com/back-issues-02/vol-037/
Hi Cindy, Thank you for sharing your methods in this video! I wanted to ask if you think this would work on an acrylic bead?
Hi, what is the tapered drill bit called? I know you said it was a dremel piece. Is there a size or anything. Trying to find one online (after several drilling disasters) and overwhelmed by choice. Btw I love your videos.
hi cindy! could you make a video about how to secure eyepins and stuff so they will not fall out is really a big problem for me i'll really appreciate it if you made a tutorial on that, tnks a lot
I dot knownif you made a video before, but what do you use to give that shine to your beads? Ty :-)
Thanks cindy ..I ll pick something from amazon
i cant find your video on how to make the day lilly cane could you add a link here please
Cindy I love your videos I have learned a lot watching you. My question is do you have a way of holding a bead steady for drilling holes in beads? There are some micro vices out there do you have one you like best?
Thank you Alice! I have used the JoolTool Bead Vise but there are lots of options out there: Here is a link to some Bead Vises on Amazon: amzn.to/2xv2Ub0 (**Affiliate Link)
if you are gonna finish the bead with a water based polyurethane like varithane or polycrilic do you finish the bead first then drill the hole bigger?
Found it in your site! Joined! Great!!
Hi Cindy..Can you share the brand of the pin vice and which dias should i pick? I am planning to get these for the small beads. Thanks!
Hi Suguna Srinivas I don't remember the brand of pin vise I have 9there are no brand markings on it either) . Any pin vise should do just fine. As far as bits go, just get a cheap set of small bits in various sizes that will work for a variety of wire and cord sizes. You can often find them in the dollar store. Polymer clay is so soft that you don't need to get very good drill bits.
Hi. Im having trouble getting the drill to go in straight through to the other side. I am new to doing this stuff and I tried a couple times and my holes are crooked. I don't want to mess up all the nice beads I've made. Do you have any tips for this? Thank you so much!
Did you watch the video? There are several tips in there that should help you. Also, drilling straight holes can take some practice, so perhaps you could make up a few scrap beads that are just for the purpose of practicing your drilling on. You will find once you have done a few, your holes will get better and better. Good luck!
Hi lindsey k, I would love to give you a link, RUclips doesn't allow links. What you need to do is go to my blog (link is in description). Type 'easter lily cane' into the search box at the top of the blog page and you will find the link to the tutorial.
Hi KraftyKristi, like I mentioned to seabrooks68 I have already done a tutorial on the peacock feather cane that I think you would love. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description box) you can find the post by typing 'peacock cane' into the search box at the top of the page. I would give you a direct link, but RUclips does not allow it. The videos are wonderfully detailed and easy to follow and the price is extremely reasonable. I do hope we see you over there!
Doing it by hand, how do you keep from getting off the vertical and coming out with something that doesn't quite meet? Thanking you in advance.
when i make polymer clay beads i use metal kitting needles. i think i have used size one and size two. what you do is bake the beads on the kitting needles.
love this idea
I'd love to see how you can make toggle buttons!
And I don't mean to come across rude if I do so but I have been subscribed for a few months but haven't seen any new videos yet (which is a shame as I love your videos) so was wondering if you still make videos or not? Or if you have just made a new channel for PCT to work with? I hope everything is OK and again, I apologise in advance incase this came across rudely. Thank you.
Sorry did you bake the bead first? or is just rested? thanks
Hi Letitia Berghammer This video is about drilling it after it is baked. Did I not mention that in the video? My bad if I didn't.
Would you buff the beads before or after drilling?
It doesn't matter. Either before or after is fine.
Thanks
Hi Cindy...Can you fit a NEEDLE SIZE DRILL BIT in you Dremel? You can now with this simple trick! You won't believe it! The Dremel tool uses multiple size Drill Bits!
I am legally blind and am creating with polymer clay. I am having a hard time getting the hole straight when I make the hole in the bead.........the hole usually ends up wonky. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?
thnx for tip...wud luv to c tutorial on peacock !
Thank you seabrooks68! I have already done a tutorial on the peacock feather cane that I think you would love. If you go to my blog (the link is in the description box) you can find the post by typing 'peacock cane' into the search box at the top of the page. I would give you a direct link, but RUclips does not allow it. The videos are wonderfully detailed and easy to follow and the price is extremely reasonable. I hope you like what you learn!
That is so awesome seabrooks68! So happy to have you!