How Do You Make Three-Hole Mala Beads?
Mala beads are the three-holed beads used in certain configurations of Buddhist prayer beads. The mala beads are used at the ends of the 108 children beads and connect the children beads to tassels of beads that hang down from the main circle. While you can buy mala beads already predrilled for use in making prayer beads, you can also make your own. Here are two methods for making your own mala beads. Place the Buddha bead in the clamp so that the holes are visible. Drill into the side of the bead at a 90-degree angle to the existing hole. Drill only until you feel the drill enter the existing hole. Do not drill all the way through the bead. Remove the drill and brush away any dust or debris left on the bead. It can now be used as a three-hole mala bead. Roll out a bead-size piece of clay until it is the shape you want. Push the skewer all the way through the clay bead to make the first two holes. Remove the skewer and make sure you can see all the way through the hole. Turn the bead a
