Working to perfect an idea

For the last couple days, I've been trying to make some tile beads using a technique I learned from an Israeli artist, Iris Mishly and another technique by Melanie Muir. Without giving away the specifics of their proprietary techniques, I will say that in trying to cover the backs of my tile beads for a nice finished look, I always have problems getting my side holes neat and even. Even if I have a good hole to start with, I have trouble once I start covering the sides. Can't see the holes, sometimes forget exactly where they are, it's a mess. So today I came up with an idea that's working for me. I don't know that it's all the innovative, but I thought I'd share it for others who may be having the same problem I have been having.

First, start with a tile bead that has it's holes already made. Extrude some thin strings of clay, stretch them straight and stick them on the baking tile to cure. Cure for the recommended time. Once cool, stick one end through one of the holes in your bead.

Then clip off the excess with scissors or wire cutter.

Next, lay the shape on the clay you wish to cover the back with and cut a rough outline so you know how much clay you need.

Then, lift up the bead and the backing you will be using, turn the bead over and hold in your hand with a sponge, sandpaper or other fine texture.

Begin forming the clay backing to the edges of the tile. Depending on how long you left the clay strings, you may get a bump sticking out on the side or a large piece of the cured string. Just work around it.

Next, take a thin bead pin or the end of your need tool and push the cured clay string from one side of the bead out the other side and remove.

Lastly, smooth the edges with the sponge or texture and open the holes a bit more with a needle tool if necessary. Then bake! And you're done. Neat holes!

I hope this was helpful to somebody. It's been driving me crazy! I made a beautiful set of tile beads once with a tutorial but I could not get the holes to stay open or straight. Hopefully my next set will be easy thanks to this idea. Happy claying!