Original Sculpey® Terra Cotta 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 15 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.

Condition a 1” ball of clay. Flatten and run the clay through the clay machine on the #2 setting.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the top of your clay sheet. Cut out two small circle shapes and two teardrop shapes from this sheet of clay. The plastic wrap helps to give the shapes nice, curved edges. Smooth the edges of all pieces.

Use the pointed tip of your 5 in1 tool to make holes at the bottom of each little circle shape and the pointed tops of the teardrop shapes.

Bake according to the directions above and allow to cool.

Paint the bottom half of your teardrop earrings in Gold. Allow to dry.

Use stippling tools or just the tip of your paintbrush and make random dots in different sizes in the Gold painted area to the corresponding left and right sides of the earrings. Paint some dots going up into the Terra Cotta area as well. The dots should mirror each other on the pair of earrings.

Attach your Gold jump rings and glue the earring posts onto the back of the little circle tops of the earrings with Super Glue.