I make so many beads out of scrap clay that I needed an easy way to bake them so they came out round, without any flat or shiny spots.  These trays are an easy solution and can be baked over and over again.  I have some I have used for years.  You can powder them occasionally to keep the beads from sticking to the trays.

Materials:

Scrap clay
Marble, Dowel Rod, Pencil or Knitting Needle
Ceramic Tile
Baby Powder (the travel size is easiest to handle)
Tissue Blade

Round Bead Tray

Roll out a sheet of scrap clay on the highest setting of the pasta machine.  Lay a strip on the ceramic tile.  Using a marble, make divots by pushing the marble into the clay and twisting.  Make trays for larger beads by using a larger marble.  When all the indentions are made, trim sides with a tissue blade.  Dust the surface with baby powder.  Bake and cool on the tile so that the tray will be flat.  Brush off the excess dust.  Place unbaked beads in the tray and bake. 

Tube Bead Tray

Instead of using a marble, use a dowel rod, pencil or knitting needle to make rows of channels.  Lay the tube beads in the channels to bake. 

Tips for Making Beads:

• Use a metal skewer made for poultry lacing to pierce the beads.
• Use an eraser to roll beads, especially tube beads.
• Wear exam gloves for a smooth finished bead.
• Flatten round beads with an eraser and pierce the center with a skewer for disc beads.
• Flatten round beads with an eraser and pierce end to end for lentil beads.

Place baked beads into an old sock with small strips of white cotton.  Knot the sock and place in a lingerie bag.  Place that bag in a second lingerie bag.  Throw the bag into a regular wash of clothing.  It doesn’t matter what setting or temperature as long as no bleach is added.  Remove the beads at the end of the wash and allow to dry before using.  They will have a lovely, smooth satin finish.