This is a terrific intermediate tutorial on how to create beads using plain objects or buttons you might have sitting around at the house.

The tutorial is divided into two parts: the first part thoroughly explains how to create the original molds, and the second part details how to create the beads. Carolyn does a superb job in explaining all the details and tricks of both parts. There are numerous pictures and the text is clear and never superfluous.

Although I had made my own molds in the past, I am not an advanced user, so she shows some details and tips which are very interesting to learn.

I wish that she had shown how to create the mold without using a pasta machine, since I am a sporadic clayer and do not own one. It’s nothing that I cannot extrapolate myself, and with all her other instructions, hopefully I will do a good job at it.

Overall, this is a fabulous lesson for an intermediate or beginner student.
Great job and thanks, Carolyn!