How can I add my own images to silicone beads?

Question

I would like to make my friends, who own a clothing boutique, some custom silicone wristlets. I can’t find exactly what I’m looking for and would love to add their name or something or the such to an individual bead in said wristlet. I’ve researched and researched and have come up with zero ideas on how to do that. Would hydrodipping work? Like print tiny images from a printer onto hydro paper and dip each individual bead? I’m not a business and only want to make this special gift for two special ladies. Anybody know how I could accomplish this or have any ideas I could try?

Answer 1

I've got a few ways to do it. You'll want to experiment to see which works best with your beads:

Make a clear adhesive label with the message printed on it:

1. Print something out on regular printer paper with a laser printer.
2. Stick clear tape (regular adhesive tape or packing tape or contact paper or an adhesive paper protector or clear label) onto the paper over the image.
3. Rub the tape with the back of a spoon to make sure it fuses with the paper.
4. Trim the taped image, if desired.
5. Drop the image into a bowl of warm water.
6. Let it soak for a few minutes.
7. Gently rub the paper off of the tape with your fingers, leaving the design behind.
8. Let the tape dry.
9. Stick it to the bead.
10. Use a credit card or scraper or bone folder to firmly press the tape into place and smooth out any bubbles.

Transfer the image directly onto the bead - method 1:

1. Print something out (backwards if it's words) on regular printer paper with a laser printer.
2. Dunk it in water.
3. Press it onto the bead.
4. Set it aside to let it dry.
5. Wash off the paper gently with water, leaving behind the design.
6. Drop the bead into some warm water.
7. Let it soak for 3 minutes.
8. Remove the bead from the water.
9. Use your fingers followed by a soft cloth to gently rub and roll the paper off of the bead.
10. Set the bead aside to dry.

Transfer the image directly onto the bead - method 2:

1. Print something out (backwards if it's words) on regular printer paper with a laser printer.
2. Dunk the paper in rubbing alcohol.
3. Press the paper onto the bead.
4. Wait about 2 minutes.
5. Gently peel the paper off of the bead.
6. Set the bead aside to dry.

Transfer the image directly onto the bead - method 3:

1. Print something out (backwards if it's words) on regular printer paper with a laser printer.
2. Trim the paper if desired.
3. Apply matte medium or white glue to the image.
4. Press the image matte-side or glue-side down onto the bead.
5. Use a scraper or bone-folder or credit card to press the paper fully onto the bead and work any bubbles to the edge and away.
6. Set the bead aside overnight or use a heat-gun on it for 1 minute.
7. Drop the bead into some warm water.
8. Let it soak for 3 minutes.
9. Remove the bead from the water.
10. Use your fingers followed by a soft cloth to gently rub and roll the paper off of the bead.
11. Set the bead aside to dry or use a heat-gun on it for 1 minute.

Finish the bead: Last, but not least, glaze the bead with your favorite finish of clear varnish or sealant of choice to protect the image.