How to Make Thermo-Sensitive Liquid Crystal Beads

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper or plastic sheet

  • Cutting mat or sheet of corrugated cardboard

  • Temperature-sensitive liquid crystal Mylar sheets

  • Sharp hobby knife

  • Steel ruler

  • Spray-on contact cement

  • Drinking straws

  • Tissue paper

  • Silicone decoupage sealer

  • Smooth-sided wooden or plastic beads

  • Toothpick

Liquid crystals change color with pressure and temperature.

Temperature-sensitive liquid crystals are fascinating creations. They are responsible for the color-changing features of mood rings and similar jewelry. The structure of liquid crystals responds to temperature -- the arrangement of the molecules in the substance changes, affecting the way the liquid crystal absorbs light. In popular mood jewelry, the liquid crystal material alters its color in response to changes in the temperature of the wearer's skin. You can make your own "mood" creations using liquid crystal sheets, which you can find through companies that sell scientific supplies to schools. Wind the material into beads or wrap existing beads with scraps of liquid crystal sheet.

Advertisement

Cylindrical Liquid Crystal Beads

Step 1

Cover your working area with plastic sheeting or old newspapers and lay your cutting mat on top.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Cut rectangular strips from the temperature-sensitive liquid crystal Mylar sheet, 1 inch wide and as long as your drinking straw plus 1/2 inch. Use the steel ruler as a guide.

Step 3

Cover half of the end of your temperature-sensitive Mylar rectangle with a piece of newspaper or plastic. Spray the Mylar sheet and a drinking straw with cement spray. Wait 30 seconds.

Step 4

Press the drinking straw onto one edge of the sheet, making sure it is perfectly straight. Wrap the Mylar sheet around the straw, holding the sheet by the unsprayed end. Allow the cement to set. Cut the covered drinking straw into sections to make beads. Cover with a layer of silicone decoupage sealer. If you want fatter beads, you can wrap the straw with tissue paper before adding a layer of temperature-sensitive sheet.

Advertisement

Oval Beads

Step 1

Cut strips from the liquid crystal sheets, half an inch wide at the base and tapering to a point.

Step 2

Spray a strip and a drinking straw with contact cement. Wait 30 seconds. Press the larger end of the Mylar strip to the straw and swiftly roll it up.

Advertisement

Step 3

Trim the drinking straw close to the bead. Cover with a layer of decoupage sealer and allow to dry.

Wrapped Beads

Step 1

Cut a strip of temperature sensitive Mylar sheet that is long and wide enough to wrap around your bead, plus a little overlap.

Advertisement

Step 2

Push a toothpick into the bead. Spray the bead on all sides with contact cement, holding it by the toothpick. Spray the Mylar sheet. Wait 30 seconds.

Step 3

Wrap the bead in the temperature-sensitive sheet, pressing down firmly. Allow the cement to set fully. Cover with a layer of sealer.

Tip

Use a sharp hobby knife. Dull blades may cause the material to tear. For wrapped beads, your beads need to have straight sides. Cylinder shapes work best.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references