Sculpey Premo™ Gradient Earrings

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 Liquid Polymer Clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Getting Started with Premo Clay:
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.

Getting Started with Liquid Sculpey
Stir Liquid Sculpey® completely. Thin with Sculpey® Liquid Clay Softener as needed - Wash hands after use (we have found that baby wipes work best) .

Baking:

• It is important to use oven thermometer when you bake the liquids so that you can ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. • Do not microwave the liquids. They must be baked in a Preheated oven at 275 ºF (130 ºC) for liquid colors and 300 ºF (149 ºC) for Clear – Do not exceed baking temperatures. • If your piece is less than 1/4” bake for 15 minutes. For thicker pieces that are 1/4” or above bake for 30 minutes. • If your liquid project has become yellowed or discolored in the oven, when you remake it, tent it by placing either – folding an index card in half and placing your project under it or by using aluminum foil over your project.

In this project we are going to use the Silicone Bezel Mold to create little frames for the circle shaped pieces. That way the earrings will show the color scheme from the front and the back and the thin bezel pieces will create delicate borders.

Fill the Medium Bezel Circle shape with Silver Liquid Sculpey® (LS) but only in the frame area. Run the Needle Tool around in circles through the LS in the mold so that trapped air bubbles are released. Especially in the corners of the frame.

Bake the mold following the baking instructions for LS above. When the mold is completely cool, remove the little frame by gently flexing the mold. Repeat to create a second silver frame.

Trim any excess LS from the inside and outside edges with sharp scissors. Set the frames aside for now.

Use 1/16 bar of each Gray Granite, Slate, and Black. Chop the colors up with the Super Slicer to make them into a random pile.

Wad the little chunks up in your hands to marble them.

Divide the marbled clay into two equal pieces. Roll the two pieces into balls.

Press one of the balls each into one of the frames. Work with your fingertips to make sure the clay fits snugly in the frame.

Shave off the hump from the ball of clay making it level with the top of the frame so the style will be more delicate. Place a piece of deli paper or other barrier paper over the top of the clay piece and smooth in circles with your fingertips to smooth out the rough areas caused from shaving away the excess. Peel off the barrier paper and repeat on the other clay piece.

Poke holes in the top of each piece near the frame edge with the Needle Tool. Bake the pieces following the baking instructions for Premo.

When the pieces are completely cool, insert the prongs of the pinch bail into the holes front and back of the clay piece. Use flat nose pliers to gently close the pinch bail securing it to the clay piece.

Add ear wires and enjoy!