Sculpey Premo™ “Color of the Year” Floral Arch Earrings

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

Sheet out each of the conditioned colors of Ultramarine, Purple and Slate on the #3 setting (middle setting) on the clay conditioning machine. Use the second from largest cutter (1.75 inch) to cut out 2 each of the Purple and Slate. Cut out 1 circle of the Ultramarine (you may opt to add another half circle of the Ultramarine if you want a slightly more blue look). Mix the colors together thoroughly

Sheet the mixed color out on the #3 setting again and lightly set your 2-inch cutter on the clay and trim the clay to just a little larger than the cutter.

Lightly spray the leaf texture with water and gently press into the sheet of clay. We are NOT aiming for a deep texture. We are aiming for a more subtle texture for once!

Sheet out a small piece of the conditioned White clay on the next thinnest setting from your background sheet (#4 for me). Dampen your sponge and select your smallest Etch n’ Pearl. Place the White clay on a small piece of paper.

Press your Etch n’ Pearl into the dampened sponge and then into the White clay. If your clay pearl stays on the paper, press the tool into the sponge before gently scraping the clay (pearl) up from the paper and wipe the edge on your thumb. (Both the scraping action and the wiping will help remove any pesky tiny feathers of White clay from the perfect pearl!) Position it in a corner. Then just repeat, adding 6 more pearls around the center. Use the pointed end of the Etch n’ Pearl to texture the center of the flower. NOTICE that I started in a corner? That is because I wanted to practice.

Continue to add more of your “pearl flowers”. I frequently checked my placements by lightly setting my circle cutter into place.

I also checked with my center .75 inch cutter in place. I was trying not to have too many floral patterns cut up if possible.

Once you have completed the square, position the cutters again. I prefer to put a small stiff board across the top and press firmly down on the board to cut out my pieces. (Saves bruising my palms!)

DESIGNER TIP: When using circle cutters, you can gently spin the cutter right and left. This will help give you a cleaner edge!

Place the clay on a sheet of lined paper (I’m using an index card). Cut through the center of the design, using the lines on the paper as a guide.

Place your earring pieces on your baking sheet and gently slide the brass circles into place. I bake with the circles in place so that they fit snugly.

Sheet out a small piece of your remaining clay mixture, texture it and use the .75 inch cutter to cut out 2 pieces for the post portion of the earring.

Use your needle tool to place a hole near the bottom edge of each circle. (NOTE: You can also drill the holes after baking, which I normally do)

I like to “sink” my post backs into a small puddle of Sculpey Oven Bake Adhesive. Once they are baked, the Oven Bake Adhesive is semi-transparent and quite strong. My friends that wear posts tell me that they are super-comfy as well!

Bake the posts and the larger sections of the earrings as directed in Step 1 above. Allow to cool.

Apply the glue with the brush tip along the inside edge of the earring and gently press the brass ring against the clay. I propped my earring up and allowed them to dry overnight before attaching the posts with a jump ring.