Length: 1110 words (4 pages)
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Making Fimo Beads

 

The "Generation X" population of today's society has made the wearing of beaded necklaces containing fimo beads quite a fashion statement. These necklaces contain small, round, colored plastic beads and other intricate beads made out of different colored fimo. Fimo is a synthetic material similar to modeling clay, and can be used to make thousands on types of beads. These beads can then be incorporated into necklaces. However, to accurately describe the process of making this style of bead, a simple pattern will be used as an example. Specifically, the fimo example described will have a pattern with a small, yellow circular center surrounded by three small, green triangles and three small, red triangles. The following process will allow anyone without artistic ability to create a simple, inexpensive fimo bead that can later be used in stylish necklaces.

 

      The first step in the process involves taking a trip to a local craft store like, A. C. Moore, or a department store such as Wal*Mart, to buy the necessary supplies. For the example fimo bead, red, yellow, and green fimo must be purchased. To make a complete necklace, other colored plastic beads would have to be bought along with a spool of beading thread and a silver clasp. Also, a sharp flat-edged cutting tool (for example, a razor blade) and a thick, large pin will also be necessary tools in the final stages of the bead making process.

     

      Once the supplies are gathered, the bead making process is ready to begin. The fimo color that will make up the center circle in the bead (in this case, yellow) is the color that is first readied. A piece of fimo with the diameter of a quarter and the width of a pencil, is pinched off from the larger slab of fimo. It is then rubbed between both hands in a circular motion until it is warm and no longer cracks when folded in half. Then, from that small, primed piece of fimo, a smaller, nickel-sized piece is pinched and rolled on a flat surface. The fimo is rolled into a cylindrical log that is approximately three inches long. It is important to ensure that the log is not too thin, meaning it does not easily pull apart. Once the log is rolled to the desired thickness (slightly thinner than that of a pencil) place it aside for later use. The same process if followed for the green and red fimo colors, also, except for those colors three logs must be prepared instead of only one.

     

      After the three logs each of green and red fimo are formed they must be shaped into a three-dimensional triangular prisms. This is easily accomplished by placing them on a flat surface (on at a time) and pinching the pointer finger and thumb together (to form a small triangle). The pinched fingers are then pressed down gently on the top and sides of the fimo logs so the logs become prisms. Once this is finished, the prisms are ready to be placed around the circular, yellow center. First place the base of the green prisms around the yellow log, leaving equal amounts of space between all three prisms. When doing this make sure to press hard enough so the green prisms are firmly attached to the yellow center. Then position the base of each of the red prisms between the spaces left between the green prisms. By this point the spaces around the yellow center should be evenly filled. The addition of the red and green prisms form the perimeter of the new log that contains the desired bead pattern.

     

      Next comes one of the final stages in the fimo bead making process. The new log that has been formed from placing the red and green triangles around the yellow center, must be rolled using the palm of the hand. This is done until the outside of the log is smooth and only one color. The purpose of this is to lengthen the log and to decrease the size of the beads. The beads can then be cut from the log so that they are approximately one-quarter inch thick. The beads are cut by using a razor blade (or other sharp cutting tool) and positioning it along the top of the log at the desired thickness of bead. Then the log is gently rolled back and forth while slight pressure is applied to the razor blade until it cuts completely through the log. The reason the log is cut in such a manner is to avoid distorting the design that is on the face of the bead. The small piece that is cut from the original log is the fimo bead. The rest of the log is cut in the same way until no more beads can be obtained. Depending on the exact thickness of each bead and the starting length of the log, there should be a net yield of approximately ten to twenty beads.

     

      Finally rounding out the bead making process, a thick pin must be used to put a hole on each side and throughout the fimo bead. This is done so the bead can later be strung along beading thread with other plastic beads to make a necklace. To make a hole in the bead, place the bead with its two faces positioned between the pointer and thumb. Then you poke the pin through the middle of one of the sides and gently twist the pin as it goes in the bead and eventually comes out the other side. This procedure is completed for the rest of the beads, as well. Lastly, all the beads must be placed on a baking pan and baked until they are hard, approximately ten to fifteen minutes at 250 degrees. The finished products can then be used in many creative ways, in combination with small, round plastic beads to make beautiful, fashionable necklaces.

     

The art of making fimo beads is really a study in the art of creativity and patience. It is a relaxing hobby that allows an individual's creativity to take control. Although many people think that the process requires special artistic talent, that is really only a myth. Anyone who follows the procedure described above or similar procedures in craft books would be able to make the simplest of fimo styles. After the simple styles are mastered, they can easily be combined to form more intricate designs. Once this occurs, a real sense of accomplishment can be felt, and you can proudly say " I created that all by myself!"