MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. August 29, 2005 — Graduating from just assembling ready-made beads, those interested in creating truly one-of-a-kind jewelry and wearable art can create their own beads with a convenient tool found in most home workshops. The Dremel rotary tool offers artisans and casual crafters the precision needed for the most creative of projects, including creating their own custom-crafted beads.

“People who want to create truly unique beaded pieces will often craft their own accessories using a Dremel rotary tool,” said Andrea Ash, director of marketing communications for Dremel. “Its versatility and hand-held precision will help you tackle the smallest of projects to create jewelry that will stop people in their tracks.”

BUFFING AND POLISHING POLYMER CLAY

For those serious about bead making, polymer clay is one of the most versatile craft mediums. Easy to work with and appropriate for all age groups (with adult supervision), it is available in a rainbow of hues and can be used to make a wide variety of wearable art accessories, jewelry pieces and embellishments.

To create a bead, mold the polymer clay compound into the approximate size and shape desired. Try layering many colors of rolled-thin clay and cutting on angles, or cutting shapes into the clay. Bake as directed. After baking the clay, use the Dremel #520 Polishing Wheel to buff the piece and create a shiny, glossy finished piece. While buffing, use a gentle circular motion and avoid pressing the clay into the buffer, which will create gouges. The Dremel #511 Finishing Abrasive Buff will even out any rough edges on the clay bead without ruining its overall design.

When using a variable speed tool, use lower speeds to prevent the clay from melting. If you find the clay is getting tacky, use a #412 felt polishing tip, along with a variable-speed Dremel like the Multi-Pro, combined with the Foot Speed Control attachment #221 which can go as slowly as the lightest touch of your foot.

Once the clay bead is polished, it is ready for a hole to be drilled. Using the Dremel 400 XPR (retail price $79-$149) or the new 10.8V Dremel Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit (retail price $69 - $79) with a #661 drill bit drill gently, but firmly create a hole. A hole can be made directly through the center of the clay to allow for easy threading, or it can be transformed into a dangle charm by drilling one or two small holes at the top. The Dremel XPR is also the perfect tool for drilling holes in stone beads and pearls. When the bead holes do not meet perfectly in the center, use the XPR to enlarge the hole, making it easier to get a bead head pin or high gauge craft wire through the hole.

With a little imagination, experimentation and the right Dremel tool, the beading possibilities are endless.

About Dremel

Since inventing the high-speed rotary tool more than 75 years ago, Dremel has become the trusted name in high-speed rotary tool technology, providing creative solutions for hands-on professionals, homeowners, craftspeople and artists alike. The Dremel brand’s leadership in design and manufacturing has made it the top selling rotary tool in the world, a reflection of the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Today, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation in Mount Prospect, Ill., Dremel continues to build upon this legacy with a full line of high-performance rotary tools, benchtop products, specialty tools, accessories and attachments, delivering the perfect solution for almost any job. Regardless of what the task may be, users quickly realize they can depend on Dremel to provide the satisfaction of a job well done.

For information on Dremel products, project ideas and problem-solving tips, visit us at www.dremel.com or call Dremel at 1-800-437-3635.