For quick and interesting results give translucent clay a try. I started working with translucent clay from the very beginning of my beadmaking journey and it remains one of my favorite "colors". I started out by making lampwork beads and quickly realized I didn't like working with the flame. So when I began experimenting with polymer clay I went back to those lampwork lessons I had learned. I would wrap a bead in translucent clay letting the under layers show through and then putting little dots on the top of the beads. There is a liquid translucent clay that can be used to make faux lampwork beads, but that is a whole other can of worms. If you feel like going fishing in that direction check out this project at Sculpey.com.

Fimo soft translucent is my favorite clay for wrapping beads. It really is more transparent than the other types. But it takes a little practice because it's so sticky. Try this, make a bead with a random pattern with some extra canes you have. Roll out the Fimo soft on the pasta machine's thinnest layer and quickly wrap around the bead. Pinch off the excess and roll in your palm to smooth out the seems. Layer a coordinating cane on top, leaving room for the under layer to show through. Cook it up and see what happens!

After Fimo Classic and Premo translucent bakes it has a mottled pebble type texture. It's more opaque and can be used for faux stone beads. I also use translucent clay to cover up my ugly beads. Sometimes if I feel like a bead is going bad instead of throwing it in the scrap pile I will wrap it in a thin layer of translucent clay. It mutes the pattern underneath and you can add cane slices on top, letting the under layer show throw again. It's a nice save. I like to make canes with translucent clay and white for a striking effect. If you'd like to experiment with translucent clay try these one of these canes, but use white and translucent instead of the suggested colors. Try a Chrysanthemum Cane or a Snowflake Cane. Layer them on pretty colored base beads for a soft subtle style.