"W" folded index cards
The simplest tool is a folded index card. This paper is ideal because it is easy to fold but is stiff enough to hold its shape when it holds small beads. It really helps to keep those roly poly beads from running everywhere.

a soft fluffy 'earth bed'
Well...it feels like a nice bed to my beads, anyway. When it comes to raw clay shapes like those big lentils and any other shape I won't tolerate flat spots due to the beads resting on a flat surface during baking. I place them on a nice soft bed of fluffy diatomaceous earth covered with some tissues or toilet paper.

I gently stir the earth with a pencil or stick, then place the tissue on top. If no diatomaceous earth handy for you, try baking soda or some other powder.

I carefully place the beads on the tissue. Place carefully because the powder can poof up and stick to the raw clay beads.

a wooden bead rack
This is the most elaborate setup I use. It's great for baking a large number of small to medium sized beads. It consists of 5 1foot long 1.5" wide flat wood molding strips; two that serve as the base and three that serve as the ribs. Add to that several hardened steel wires. It took me a few minutes to staple gun together.

What surprised me is this modest staple-joined rack has lasted about 10 years now, through several cross country moves!

Those spots you see on the wood are caused by the oils in the wood seeping to the surface during bakings. The notches help keep those wires settled in one spot.