craftgrrl | Polymer Clay Bracelet (Reply)

Hey, I have been lurking here for awhile and I don't think I have ever posted! I do a lot of random little crafty things, and I want to make my grandmother a bracelet for Christmas by making polymer clay beads and making a bracelet. (She is an alumni of the college I attend, and she had a bracelet she bought somewhere made from polymer clay with the school colors, and it broke recently. It looks easy to recreate!).

I am wondering if any of you have any tips, I have never really made jewelry before... should I bake the beads I make on a wire hanger in the oven so they don't get deformed? What should I use for the string- elastic, tied with a knot, or something with a clasp?? Is there a kit I can get at the craft store?

I don't even know how long to make the string or how many beads to make... I am pretty lost, but I think it will be easy once I get going. Thanks for any ideas you may have!