Casein Plastic Beads

What You'll Need

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Small bowl
• Food colouring or natural dye
• Toothpick or skewer (for shaping holes)
• Drying rack or parchment paper

Steps

1. Gently heat 1 cup of whole milk in a pot until warm (approximately 43 degrees C / 110 degrees F) – do not boil.
2. Add 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar and stir gently until curds form.
3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth and rinse the curds with cool water.
4. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible by pressing the curds firmly.
5. Add a few drops of food colouring or natural dye to the curds and knead well to distribute the colour evenly.
6. Knead the coloured curds into a smooth, pliable dough. If too sticky, let it sit for a few minutes.
7. Pinch off small pieces and roll into bead shapes between your palms. Use a toothpick to poke a hole through the centre of each bead.
8. Place beads on parchment paper or a drying rack and allow to dry for 24-48 hours.

Shot List

• Curd reaction
• Kneading dough
• Rolling beads
• Drying beads