Abstract: A method of forming polymer beads comprising forming an aqueous solution comprising a cross-linkable water soluble polymer and a water-soluble crosslinking agent, adding said solution with mixing to a thixotropic oil gel comprising an oil in which said polymer is insoluble and a silica or silicate, continuing said mixing for a time sufficient and under conditions sufficient to form a water-in-oil dispersion having individual water/polymer droplets dispersed in said thixotropic oil gel, stopping mixing, and when the droplets are in the form of solid beads recovering the beads from the thixotropic oil gel.