Polymer Clay Beads Guide: Sizes, Styles, Projects & Tips
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Polymer Clay Beads · Polymer Clay Heishi · Halloween · Christmas · Emoji · Animals · Hearts · Flowers · Sports
What are polymer clay beads?
Polymer clay beads are lightweight, durable discs, cubes, and shaped beads made from cured polymer clay. They’re ideal for stackable bracelets, party favors, teacher/camp kits, and quick market sets. Most styles fit common elastic cords—check each product’s hole size for the best cord match.
Start browsing:
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Core hub: Polymer Clay Beads
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Fast-build stacks: Polymer Clay Heishi
Heishi vs. Cube vs. Focals
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Heishi (disc) – the classic flat 6 mm disc used in most stacks. Smooth, comfy, easy to mix. → Polymer Clay Heishi
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Focals – larger themed shapes (smiley, hearts, animals, holiday icons) used as a centerpiece.
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Smiley → Smiley Clay Beads
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Hearts → Heart Clay Beads
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Animals → Animal Clay Beads
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Flowers → Flower Clay Beads
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Sports → Sports Clay Beads
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Sizes & Hole Size (4 mm · 6 mm · 8 mm)
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4 mm – dainty stacks, kids’ bracelets, spacer accents. → 4 mm Polymer Clay
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6 mm – the most popular size for everyday stacks. → 6 mm Polymer Clay
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8 mm – chunkier look, statement stacks. → 8 mm Polymer Clay
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Cord fit tips: Most 6 mm Heishi work with 0.8–1.0 mm elastic. When in doubt, test a scrap length and use a beading needle for quick threading.
Finishes & Colors (including Glow)
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Solid basics for clean palettes
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Multicolor & speckle for playful stacks → Multicolor
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Shimmer accents for a subtle pop
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Glow-in-the-dark for night events & kids’ parties → Glow-in-the-Dark
Shop by Theme (Evergreen)
Build your shelf by theme for faster merchandising and easy bundles:
Seasonal Picks (Launch 6–8 weeks early)
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Halloween: pumpkins, ghosts, bats, orange/black mixes → Halloween Clay Beads
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Day of the Dead: sugar skulls, skeletons, bright florals → Day of the Dead Clay Beads
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Christmas: trees, snowflakes, red/green mixes → Christmas Clay Beads
Project inspiration:
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Halloween bracelets → /blogs/projects/halloween-bracelets-with-polymer-clay-beads
Packs, Kits & Bulk
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Mixed packs – fastest start for events and parties
- Theme packs – smiley/heart/animal sets keep production tidy
- Ready-to-gift kits → Bracelet Kits
Quick Project: Smiley Stack Bracelet (5 steps)
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Cut elastic to wrist size + 10–12 cm.
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String 6 mm Heishi (e.g., 18–24 mm of beads), add 1 smiley focal.
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Test fit; adjust bead count.
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Tie a secure surgeon’s knot; add a drop of clear glue.
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Trim ends; roll knot inside a bead.
Follow the step-by-step tutorial → /blogs/projects/smiley-stack-bracelets-for-birthdays
Care & Durability
Polymer clay is splash-safe and lightweight. For longest wear, avoid long soaks, sunscreen/chemical exposure, and high heat. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry flat.
FAQs
What size works best for everyday bracelets?
6 mm Heishi is the go-to; choose 4 mm for dainty stacks and 8 mm for a bolder look. See the Bead Size Guide.
Will these fit elastic cord?
Most polymer clay beads fit 0.8–1.0 mm elastic; check each product’s hole size. A beading needle speeds threading.
How many beads do I need per bracelet?
For a 6.0–6.5" wrist with 6 mm Heishi, plan roughly 90–110 discs, minus any focals/spacers.
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What’s the difference between Heishi and cube?
Heishi are flat discs for smooth stacks; cube beads add blocky, statement texture.
Try: Polymer Clay Heishi ·
Do you have themed/seasonal options?
Yes—shop Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's, Easter
Related Collections & Projects
- Core hub: Polymer Clay Beads
- Fast stacks: Polymer Clay Heishi
- Themes: Fruit & Food. Smiley · Hearts · Animals · Flowers · Sports
- Seasonal: Halloween. Christmas. Valentine's. Easter
- Projects: Halloween Bracelets. Smiley Stacks. Teacher Party Favors