DIY Clay Beads

Making clay beads at home with paint and air dry clay is easy.  The hardest part is making the holes while maintaining the integrity of the shape of the bead.  My beads look a bit organically shaped and chunky.

After forming the shapes above, I let the clay dry for an hour before piercing the holes through.  I used a knitting needle to make the holes.

Once the beads dry (24 hours), its time to paint.  I like to experiment. Acrylic paints work best.  This time I also used shimmery water colors I picked up at Blick a while ago.

I mixed white and green to get a light mint color and made a couple cards with the extra paint and a small circular sponge. 

I'll post the necklaces I make with the beads soon!