Now I make jewellery primarily to test out my own beads designs to make sure they're suitable for others to use (well, sometimes I'll make myself something pretty, or make presents for people). For example, my side-drilled coin beads work well for bracelets because they lie so flat against the wrist, whilst the centre-drilled ones are great as spacers or bumpers between larger beads in necklaces:
I never used to use polymer clay beads until I made them myself, so this process has also become a side-quest for the best way to incorporate them in designs (best being subjective, obviously). Here's two examples of what I've found:
Because I make a lot of flower beads, I like to pair them with toggle clasps that echo this theme; toggles with leaves, vines and flowers themselves. It's a way to add continuity to the beads, and give the item a bit more cohesion.
I also love using polymer clay beads for bracelets because of how light they are; I don't wear a lot of jewellery, and when I do, I like to not notice it's there unless I'm looking at it! Simple bracelets like the one to the left are great because there's only the little jangle of jumprings, and the smooth, warm feel of polymer clay.