How They're Made
Here’s the “inside scoop” on how I make beads.
I had to study very closely how juzu beads are constructed…sizes of different beads, types of beads, and numbers of beads in different places.
First the colors are mixed and the clay is molded into tubes the right size.
Then the tubes are measured and cut into beads.
Then the beads are individually rolled.
Each bead needs to get a hole in it, as uniformly as possible.
When all the different types, sizes, and colors are done getting molded and having holes put in, they look like this. Then they can be fired.
After firing, it’s time for the “beading” to start. First with one end.
Then the circle of inner beads is complete.
Then the ends.
Which need to be knotted carefully.
When the ends are braided and the poms are put on…they start looking like real juzu beads!
And here’s the finished set. These are not for sale, though, they’re for President Ikeda’s 80th birthday.