American Art Clay Company - Bicone Bead Roller Instructions

Bicone Bead Set

Create these Bead Shapes

Bead Roller Components

Bead Roller Components
The two center parts fit together in two different ways to form the four smaller bicone beads. The top piece and the base combine to make the 22mm (7/8") bicone bead. All beads are rolled inside the base with either the two center parts or the top piece. One of the center parts has two holes on each side. The other center part has two pins on each side. There are raised registration lines on one end of each of the pieces. The two lines should always be at the same end and in line with each other when they are assembled correctly. When the two center parts are assembled so the registration marks are close together, you will be able to make the 6mm (1/4") and the 13mm (1/2") sized beads. Switch the pieces so that the two lines are separated to form the 10mm (3/8") and the 16mm (5/8") sized beads. When beads are rolled using the center pieces, there is no additional “handle”. Simply hold the assembled parts between your thumb and forefinger as you set it into the base over a measured amount of clay and move it back and forth. The 7/8" roller top is used only when rolling (or measuring clay for) the 22mm (7/8") size bicone.

Successful beads from this bead roller set require accurate clay measuring. If too much clay is used the bead will not be uniformly formed and the points will tear apart. If too little clay is used there will not be a crisp line around its middle. Beads made from well conditioned clay will give the best results.

Measuring Clay
1. Select the roller channel top for the bead size you wish to make.
2. Pack that channel full of conditioned clay.
3. Use a clay blade to carefully shave off the excess clay, leaving clay level with the channel top. Caution: clay blades are sharp, can cause personal injury, and are not intended for use by unsupervised children. Always hold a clay blade by its dull edge, cut away from yourself, and keep fingers clear of the blade.
4. Press a ruler with raised 1/16” increments into the clay marking the clay with the increments. Note: If you do not have a ruler with raised increments, use any ruler. Hold the ruler alongside the clay filled channel and mark the lengths needed by marking only the surface of the clay. Remove the clay, and then cut the lengths at the marks.

Rolling Beads
Cut the clay to the length recommended in the chart below, using the marks you made in the clay.

Size of Top
7/8"
5/8"
1/2"
3/8"
1/4"

Clay Length
1 1/4"
3/4"
5/8"
1/2"
3/8"

Hand roll measured clay into a ball and place in the channel of the base for the bead shape you wish to create. Place the roller top on the base over the clay and move the top back and forth. The stroke length needs to be no longer than an inch or two. Move only until bead is formed. Rapid, long strokes are unnecessary and could be detrimental to success.

Swirling a Pattern
This set will uniformly pull multi-colored clay around the bead in a pattern if the bead is rolled repeatedly in one direction. Roll the bead from end to end in the roller, then place it back at the beginning, without turning the bead, and re-roll until you are happy with the pattern.
If a cane slice is added after a bead is formed and distortion is not desired, lay the bead back in the base, place the top over it, then very gently rock the bead back and forth in short strokes to help press the cane slice into the bead.

Curing
Carefully pierce beads with a sharp object such as a toothpick or needle tool. Place on a non-metal surface and bake at the temperature recommended by clay manufacturer. Option: AMACO also makes a Bead Baking Rack that includes bead piercing pins. Simply pierce the beads and suspend on the rack for baking.

Cleaning
Baby oil or mineral oil on a soft cloth or paper towel is recommended to clean your rollers as needed. Always wipe dry after cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.