How to Make A Clay Bird

One thing I love is jewelry making. And what's more fun than jewelry making? Making your own beads, of course!
Hi, it's Diana here, to show you step by step how to make your own bird bead!

First, form your clay into a small round ball. It should be about the size of a nickel.
Then, pinch two sides, as shown:

All I've done above, is pinch the sides. Now, you're going to flatten the top, and start forming the clay into what will look like a bird.

All I've done here, is flatten the sides a bit, and elongate the beak and tail. After that, an eye is made by poking the clay with a toothpick.

Now, you're going to make a little wing. 

Once again, start with a little ball, then flatten it like so: 

Then, pinch one side, to form a tear drop shape.

Add a bit of detail to the wing if you wish, then apply it by wetting it slightly first. Once you've done that, make it into a bead by adding a hole through the middle with a toothpick. It should look like this:

Now, you're ready to add paint. My advice is to use a paint spray. When leaving the painted bead to dry, lay it out on a piece of wax paper, or plastic wrap (so it won't stick while drying).
After that, add a bit of protection from mother nature, by coating it with glaze. I used Glastique finishing glaze by Globecraft & Piccolo.

Here is the finished bead, glazed up, beaded up and ready to wear: 

You can make a bunch of these as gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or any time!
Happy Crafting!


Diana Gonzalez