I'm starting to making beads! With horrible result...

Moni of Spaghetti Clay wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 6:13 AM

It all started few days ago... one of my brilliant ideas to make some money: I want to create polymer clay beads.

Why not? A lot of people creates and sells them too!

Okay, let's start with those that seem most popular: lentil beads. They are also beautiful... What a disaster, horror! the ugliness that I have managed to create!!!
But, to be honest, it was the first time I tried to create lentil beads, but I was not even able to create the swirl!
You can have a look of them in the first photo, I built drops, heart, and nautilus lentis ... skewed...

I said, okay, is the first time!
I only have to create beads using techniques that I know well, like filigree ...
Okay, I spent a whole morning to do A SINGLE gem!
Right, it's nice, (though perfectible) but how much should I ask to pay for this pearl, to make a business?

The reason for this post is to seek comfort - I'm serious - because I'm about to give up, just started ... Although the idea seemed good.

P.S. I'm happy to be back.

Valbeads wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 6:44 AM

They're not THAT bad!  I think they're pretty good! I wouldn't dare try that, 'cos I KNOW I couldn't do it.  I especially like the swirly bead .  It looks like you did ombre shading and I'm very fond of that. 

Wish I could tell you how much to sell them for but I'm not experienced in that department.  I'd offer you some money for that swirley bead, 'cos it's so cool and I could definitely use it in a design, but I'm terrified I might offend you!

But the beads really are quite beautiful.  Don't sell yourself short.

Val

Ricki Ayer wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 8:36 AM

Moni - you are being WAY too hard on yourself.  If this is your first attempt, then I say keep going - these are very good for a first try.  Your colors are nice and I especially like the heart.  I could see building a necklace around any of them.  I am sure there is a learning curve to get the swirls the way you want them, please don't give up.  The filigree beads are beautiful - love the patterns and colors.  I agree with Val, I would buy one. 

Please, please do not give up on making polymer clay beads so quickly.  I see real potential in what you have done on your first attempt and you will only get better.  You remind me of myself - I have always been told that I am too hard on myself.  Rejoice in your talents and tell yourself that with a bit more practice you will have your swirls swirling the way you want them to and selling your beads.

We are glad you are back as well!!!

Ricki

Moni of Spaghetti Clay wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 1:03 PM

Thank You Lady for Your encouragement!

I've passed this afternoon making other beads: I'm already addicted! :-)

To be honest, I enjoy creating them so much that the fact that the idea of selling them (and the worry of not being able to do so) is going in the background.

You are right, I've been too hard on myself. I wonder why, if this post had been sent by another girl, critical as I did, I would be more gentle, same like you did with me...
But it makes no sense, this. I deserve the same tenderness I give to other women.

Therefore, instead of giving up, now I practice and practice and practice...
And I will put new pictures of my results as soon as I finish them.
I leave you with a smile.

Valbeads wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 3:44 PM

I'm so glad!  And I know the feeling.  Are you a Virgo, by any chance?  We tend to be pretty hard on ourselves.

And if you do decide to sell some, I want first dibs on the swirly, spirally one.  It is so pretty!  I can think of many things I could design around it!

Val

Allison B wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 10:07 PM

i think they are pretty- Love the colors and the heart is so beautiful

brightcircle wrote

on Jun 29, 2012 10:34 PM

Listen Moni, because I'm gonna be upfront with you. The first pictured beads are not great. But they are FAR from hideous. Think of them as practice pieces. Nobody creates 'great' right off the bat--it takes time.

Also, the second bead with the swirls of clay is beautiful! I encourage you to forge ahead with those.

Moni of Spaghetti Clay wrote

on Jul 2, 2012 2:46 PM

Dear friends,
thanks again for your encouragement, I like clear and direct sentences, I myself speak in this way...
So, I understood the message, and I will dedicate myself to the creation of flowers and candy :)
Well, let's see!

In the meanwhile, thanks to all, I'll post new pictures of my future creations.

Moni.

Emma.J wrote

on Jul 2, 2012 7:42 PM

Moni, they look great!!! I love the ones with the swirls on them!

Don't get so down, they look AMAZING for a first attempt. Practice makes perfect! You can do it

Emma
xXx

christina66 wrote

on Jul 5, 2012 2:29 AM

Don't be so hard on yourself - I know it's sometimes difficult be be objective about your own work (the number of times I've pulled something apart  several times - even when other people say it looks fine...).

The first ones - some of the shapes are a bit off, but the colours are lovely. The round one would be really nice in a piece of bead embroidery in Mediterranean colours - the blue and white colours of Greek Island houses and the sea.

The second bead is lovely. I really like the shading from bronze to gold and back again, and I always love the mystery of spirals.

I don't see any horror or ugliness here!

Kokopelli wrote

on Jul 6, 2012 9:43 AM

I definitely like the color combo you chose for your lentil beads. Polymer clay is not that easy to handle, but you only go to pratice. And I really LOVE those filigree beads. It looks sooooooooo nice.

TreasureW wrote

on Jul 6, 2012 12:18 PM

I just started making polymer clay beads too, and you should have seen my first efforts! I dare not put them up here. But it all takes practise, and a bit of time for you to get the feel of the clay, and when making those lentils, how big a circle to roll in, and how fast or slow you need to go to get the desired shape. All of it takes time and patience though, so don't rush them, they will only grow in their own sweet time I've found. 

christina66 wrote

on Jul 25, 2012 5:15 AM

Hi Monica. I've just added to this post to ask if you'd made any more beads. I really liked the swirly one and would hate to think you'd given up because, looking at the pictures you've posted on this forum, I think you could pretty much do anything. Keep going...and show us your beads!