Shaping & Piercing Tools

Clay Shapers

Clay shapers are rubber-tipped tools in a variety of shapes and sizes made specifically for shaping clay. They usually come in sets of similar sizes and firmnesses. These tools are especially popular with sculptors and miniaturists, but they can be used by anyone who wishes to smooth clay, heal cuts in clay, or blend seams. Clay shapers are also useful for the strategic application of mica powders and the removal of paint during the antiquing process (use it like a squeegee and quickly clean the paint from the tool).

Piercing Tools

When making beads or pendants from polymer clay, at some point you must make a hole (unless you intend to insert a bail into your pendant, of course). Some people prefer to pierce their beads before curing, while others swear by drilling them after they've been cured. You need different tools depending on your preferred process.

Pre-Curing Piercing

The polymer clay section of your local craft store probably has piercing tools for sale (though they may only be available as part of a set of tools). These are essentially needles with handles. You can also make your own tools by embedding a needle or toothpick into a polymer clay handle-or you can use any of a variety of things with or without polymer clay handles. Some people like bamboo skewers; others prefer knitting needles. Anything that produces a clean, even hole will work. Different thicknesses of tools will of course produce different size holes in your beads. While a large hole is convenient when it comes time to string your beads, smaller beads require a daintier hole, so you'll probably want to have at least a few different sizes of piercing tools on hand.

Post-Curing Drilling

Though you can drill holes in cured beads using a power drill, many people find that it's easier to drill them by hand. Craft stores sell tools that are drill bits with handles, or you can make your own by embedding a drill bit in a polymer clay handle or using a pin vise to hold the drill bit.

Related Links

Make your own polymer clay needle tool
By Christy Sherman
http://www.skygrazer.com/polymerclay/reference/needletool.htm

Glass Attic: Bead Holes
Compiled by Diane Black
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/MainPages/beads-holes.htm

Homemade Jig for Drilling Lentil Beads
By Desiree McCrorey
http://desiredcreations.com/howTo_TLLentilDrillJig.htm