Sandalwood Mala

I need advice on making Buddah/Mala beads?

I’ve started with bracelets of 27 beads. What is a cost effective way to buy semi-precious stones? I’ve looked at bead stores over the internet but it doesn’t say how many are in a strand. Is it OK to mix stones with sandalwood? There is a huge hobby store near my house. Should I get them there?

That depends on what kind of “semi-precious stones” you have in mind (I assume you mean actual beads-with-holes too, not just stones). They come in various sizes, qualities, shapes, etc., both online and at various craft or other stores.

One way to get them more cheaply is to buy old jewelry at thrift stores and garage or estate sales, then take them apart for the beads (and findings, etc).

And if you’re thinking of wood beads, one trick is to buy those old car seat pads made of hundreds of those beads, then take it apart and use the beads.

Another thing to consider though is that most any kinds of semi-precious stones can be created quite convincingly with polymer clay–using various techniques and sometimes a bit of other materials.
Some of the possibilities would be turquoise, jade, amber, coral, pearl, abalone, ivory, and more… as well as “stone” and rock of all kinds, wood, leather, metals, etc. The “faux” clay can be shaped into beads, chips, or even little sculpts, etc, before hardening.
If you’re interested in lessons/examples/etc, check out these pages at my polymer clay ‘encyclopedia’ site:

http://glassattic.com/polymer/Faux–many.htm

http://glassattic.com/polymer/faux-ivory.htm

http://glassattic.com/polymer/faux–turquoise_wood.htm

http://glassattic.com/polymer/inclusions.htm

HTH,
Diane B.

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