Making large oval beads

Beads like these:

I am pretty sure there is a lot easier way to do oval beads, but the more complicated the process is, the more interesting it is for me :))) And I think my way is very economic, uses mostly scrap clay.
The working area:
A two-layered square of clay. A layer of scrap clay at the bottom, the layer of nice ochre clay on the top. Lots of canes.

Filling area with canes' slices:
If you are interested in the process of filling are with cane slices go to see a slide show :) (I didn't out it in a blog, as it's a bit heavy)

Rolling out a flowery clay sheet:

Now it is smooth, except for the edges of the sheet.

Wrap a knitting needle in scrap clay:

Then wrap it into a slice of a flower sheet, adjust and smooth a joint line:

Cut a cylinder into segments (1.5 cm in my case)

Gently shape segments into ovals. My knitting needle is quite thick, so the hole in a bead will be quite wide, for the thick rope (as the one used on the photo above).
Bake the beads (I made a few pillow beads from flower sheet leftovers)

Here is the result

Covering Altoid tin with polymer clay sheet

I made a tartan cane following Dora's tutorial (Thank you, Dora!). I didn't reduce it too well, the pattern have got deformed. But the colours are still nice :)))
Roll a sheet out of scrap clay. Place cane slices in a row, trying to match lines and colours. When all slices are in place, roll them until smooth surface.

It is important to clean the box just before covering it with clay. Wash it with a soap, or wipe it with alcohol and let dry.
Place a sheet of clay on to the bottom half of the box. Make sure there are no air bubbles are trapped between clay and metal.
At the corners of the box press the clay gently toward the box. While soft clay takes a shape of the box corners.
Very carefully cut off the excess of clay. The best way will be cutting it off bit by bit, say, first cut away 5 millimeters all around the box. then another 5 millimeters all around the box again. Then 2 millimeters and so on. This way you are not going to cut off too much clay. Smooth the edge of the clay sheet with your fingers, hiding scrap clay.
Bake the resulting half-covered box.

Cool down the box and cover the other half of it with the second sheet.

Decorate the box as you wish. Bake the box.