Polymer Clay Millifiore Round Beads

     Polymer Clay "Millifiori" Style Beads

I'm back making some of my favorite beads, round "Millefiori" style.

Millefiori is Italian for a"Thousand Flowers."  Originally, a technique used for making decorative glass works, such as paperweights.  A similar process can be used to make designs in polymer clays, such as Fimo and Fimo Classic.  These materials are perfect for beads, earrings and other jewelry, as well as for adorning pretty much any object that can be put through the oven at 265 degrees. Polymer Clay is such a light-weight medium, that it lends itself perfectly to all jewelry making applications. This is especially the case with earrings & bracelets. I also use this "Millifiori" technique on my Hollow Pods, which can be used as pendants or earrings.

Using the Millefiori technique, a long tube of polymer clay is created in an intricate multicolored flower pattern.  Each slice of this tube is a copy of the original design. My clay of choice for this technique is Fimo Classic, as it is firm and holds it's shape as the cane is sliced. I use a Tissue Blade to make the paper thin slices, then apply these one at a time to each bead. It is a labor intensive process, but well worth the end results!

 

 Handmade polymer beads are available in my

Etsy Shop: Beadazzle Me Polymer Clay Jewelry