With so many types of beads, there is a special collection of FIMO beads. FIMO corresponds to the material that is used to produce those beautiful and eye-catching beads. Girls and women adore complementing their outfits with these astonishing decorations. It gives their look additional charm and secret. The FIMO beads are bright, universal, comfortable to wear, and easy to make. Many people are fond of this material for the possibility to reveal their imagination and creativity.
It’s great to have beads in your collection, so let us provide you with some information on that very material and discover FIMO beads diversity.
- What is FIMO?<
- How are FIMO beads made?
- How to create FIMO beads at home?
- Steps to create FIMO beads
- FIMO beads quality
- FIMO beads types
- Conclusion
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Precious Opal 925 Silver Stud Earrings by BeYindi 17.52 USD -
Exquisit Sterling Silver Pendant Tree of Life Twirling Branches by BeYindi 20.94 USD -
Volumetric sterling silver pendant white shark, 1 inch by BeYindi 44.55 USD -
Small Freshwater Pearls Ring Silver Stud Earrings by BeYindi 19.01 USD
Content of the table
What is FIMO?
FIMO is a polymer clay produced by the Staedtler company headquartered in Germany. Today it is sold all over the world. The first benefit of this material for jewelry makers is that it is produced in a wide range of colors. The second benefit is – polymer clay can be shaped into any desired form, like beads or charms, for example.
FIMO appeared in the late 30s of the last century as a replacement for plastics during war times. At first, it was used for dolls production by Käthe Kruse to be later sold to Eberhard Faber who gave the clay the name we know today - "FIMO".
How are FIMO beads made?
Several techniques are used for forming the products made of FIMO, and they are pretty much the same as for other modeling materials. When FIMO is used for beads production, colors are mixed at the initial stage before baking it. Achieving the result, you might have already seen in our FIMO beads collection, is made possible by combining several colors of clays. The final pieces of jewelry are provided with a marble effect if the mixing is thoroughly done. More to that, the final piece can always have the acrylic paint applied. As the shaping process is over, the FIMO needs to be hardened by baking it in the toaster oven for about half an hour at 230 °F. In 30 minutes cutting, drilling, painting, sanding, and slicing can be done. The holes can be made prior to baking or can be drilled after it.
The techniques used to create the artful pieces of FIMO jewelry contain color creation (known as caning), polishing (using sandpapers and slow-speed handheld drills), and sometimes media mixing as well to add some sparkling and glittering to the surface of the bead.
How to create FIMO beads at home?
If you like DIY bracelets, FIMO beads are just for you! You can create a variety of adornments with this soft material. Do not be afraid to experiment and make your unique FIMOs! As you already know, these handmade beads are created using polymer clay, so it’s a primary material for making FIMO beads on your own. Then you can take molds to make not only circular but other sophisticated bead forms. Consider that you have a pasta machine, an oven, a needle, sandpaper, and decorative materials like paint and varnish.
Steps to create FIMO beads
This simple guide will help you benefit from amazing customized beads you can later use for different decorations.
- Now you have to knead the polymer clay to make it soft and devoid of any air bubbles. Take different clay colors and mix them for more impressive results.
- Then make a bead shape on your own or using a mold. They can be circular, triangular, square, or you can apply creativity and make a heart, flower, or star shape.
- Another step is to punch a hole in the center of a bead. You can make it wide or narrow depending on the thread thickness you will later use.
- Now you need to harden your beads in the oven, baking them at the highest temperature for about twenty minutes.
- Once they cool down, take sandpaper to smoothen them before decorating.
- And finally, you can move to paint your beads wherever you want, depicting desired patterns or adding rhinestones. Varnish your FIMO beads to preserve their beauty and provide a shiny cover.
FIMO beads quality
All the beads sold and out of the store that is made of FIMO are covered with STAEDTLER Glossy Lacquer for extra surface glossiness as well as protection. The beads conform to the European Standard EN 71 part 5 and therefore received the ACMI-Seal AP "non-toxic".
You should be very careful when making FIMO beads at home with children. Despite being non-toxic, kids may suffer from ingesting residue or inhaling fumes from the oven.
FIMO beads types
Many wonder how to choose a perfect bead, and now we’ll discover different types of FIMO beads that will widen your horizons of jewelry making and help make the right choice. You have never seen it before, but this information is worth your attention. You know that beads vary in color, style, and shape, but there's something more to discover. Beads are not as simple as may seem, so explore their unique variety with us.
Polymer clay FIMO beads
Polymer clay is the basic material for FOMO beads that are used to create circular or other three-dimensional structures. We can find them in a variety of colors and shapes, mostly strung in lines. Different patterns and rhinestones make them more interesting. It’s also possible to create small sculptures from polymer clay that can be used as pendants. They look truly impressive, and you should try to complement your jewelry with these creative elements.
Millefiori FIMO beads
Millefiori is a unique technique for creating mind-blowing FIMO beads. Different color bars of clay are rolled together that make wonderful patterns. When slides apart, they decorate the bead surface, covering its part or entire bead. This incredible technology allows you to create versatile patterns.
Wax FIMO beads
This technique involves adding wax into polymer clay that results in tremendous hollow spaces when beads are baked. Using this technique, you can make beads within beads or suspend beads around other beads. Include other materials in polymer clay beads to experiment with beads structure.
Leather FIMO beads
It is a specific FIMO bead with a leather effect that looks and feels like leather. This unique quality allows you to cut, sew, and punch clay after its hardening. You can create stunning bead trend accessories and stand out.
Conclusion
Now you are familiar with amazing FIMO beads and know their specifics. They are made of soft clay that is hardened in different shapes and can be decorated in any possible way. You can buy ready-made beads, order customized ones, or create your own FIMO beads. Enjoy vibrant decorations and be yourself!