The best thing about beading is the never-ending crafting possibilities. Their flexibility, softness, toughness, elegance, and colors work like magic. You get them in various small, medium, and large sizes to accomplish your design. Silicone, acrylic, wood, and glass beads often attract your attention. Have you checked clay options? These beads can be available in 3mm to larger flat sizes. Pick any of them based on your project and get started. Whether you mix and match different shapes, sizes, or colors, the outcome can win your heart. You can discover some surprise elements even within the clay bead category. Think of heishi beads, for instance.
These cylindrical designs are created from baked clay for use in jewelry, accessories, and other DIY projects. The word heishi means shell or coral, boasting a tube-style shape. These clay beads have been prevalent for centuries. Native American tribal communities like Zuni and Navajo wore bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories made of them. The modern population has also started recognizing their versatility. Hence, they have also become everyone’s favorite part of DIY projects. So, let’s delve into these clay bead varieties once.
- Heishi beads overview
Bead manufacturers use modeling clay to create small tube-like structures and then bake or burn them so they become firm. Primary material can be polymer clay (polymers, pigments, and resins). These are shaped and cured at low heat. Once they cure, the beads become durable and stable. Some artisans make these beads from raku clay. However, polymer clay is the most sought-after raw material. It is easy to use and can be given various shades. The ones with a glossy finish can have an acrylic sealant’s protective layer. You can include heishi beads in your jewelry designs for their lightweight, uniform shape and dimensions, matte or glazy touch, and consistent appearance.
- Beading ideas for heishi beads
If you want to create eye-catching effects in your jewelry or crafting pieces, arrange different sizes of these beads in rainbow shades. The result will stun you. You can use larger beads in the center and medium sizes around it in pendants. You can combine glossy and matte beads in your craft for visual depth. Do you want to do something more? Accentuate the design with clay bead designs like flowers, stars, and more. Focus on getting the ombre-like effect. Some designs benefit from spacers. Those who wear headbands and hair clips can embellish them with these beads. Pet collars and anklets also look good. Where do you get these beads? A wholesale beads store can meet your needs. You can also browse the store for beading supplies like bead storage boxes, claw clasps, a bead counting tray, nylon string, a sewing loop turner, and more.
Heishi beads can smoothly complete any crafting project, whether alone or mixed with other beads. Due to this, you can work even on simple designs and derive complete creative satisfaction from them. Or, indulge in a sense of mastery by experimenting with challenging jewelry or crafting ideas. However, bead quality should be good. Niche stores generally take care of product quality and pricing. Hence, you can expect them to fulfill your supply expectations.