by claire coshan

Created on: July 22, 2010   Last Updated: July 23, 2010

More and more people are now choosing to make beautiful jewelry from polymer clay, it is inexpensive, it comes in a range of colours and it is very easy to work with.

Lots of different effects can also be created with polymer clay, one of the most popular and stunning effects is creating a marbled effect, with a little practise this can be done quickly and easily.

You will need polymer clay in at least two different colours, whilst marble patterns can be created with many different colours, if you are a beginner it is best to stick with just two. You can choose two colours that are vastly different, black and white are simple but stunning. Or you can choose two colours that tone together such as two different shades of blue.

You will need to start by clearing a large work surface for yourself, your work surface must be wipe clean because if you lay the polymer clay down onto the table, you will leave a slight residue. Make sure it is a clean space because you do not want dirt and grease from the table getting into the beads.

Some people choose to wear gloves when working with polymer clay, this will protect your hands from getting dirty. This is entirely optional but if you do wear gloves make sure that they are tight fitting, if they are not then you will not be able to feel if the beads are smooth.

Start by cutting two equally sized sections of polymer clay from each colour, make sure they are both the same width and length. Hold them in the palm of your hands for a few minutes to help them warm up, this will make the polymer clay easier to work with.

Once you have warmed the clay up, gently roll one of the sections in between your palms to create a log shape, this should not be too thick. Place the rolled log onto the table and repeat this process with the other section of clay.

Once both of the sections have been rolled into logs, place them side by side in the palm of your hands and roll them together so they for one log. Keep rolling this log until the sections have both blended completely. Fold the log in half and roll it again until it has blended, you can repeat this process until you are happy with the marbled effect.

Once you have acquired the effect you want, roll the bead into a ball shape and pierce a hole through the top, please note that you must do this before the clay is baked or too warm.

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