Sculpey Soufflé™ Dots and Lines Silkscreened Earrings

Step 1

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 also called Curing:

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/curing; however please note that the baking/curing 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.

Step 2

Sheet about 1 oz of the conditioned Latte clay out on a middle setting.

Place the silkscreen with the emulsion side down and lightly rub into place.

I prefer to add the paint to the brush/scraper instead of blobbing it onto the screen. NOTE: I use a silicone brush instead of a scraper for screening.

Step 3

Quickly spread the paint over the silkscreen and lightly scrape to remove excess paint.

Immediately take the screen to the sink to wash thoroughly.

Step 4

Often when I return to the table after washing/blotting my silkscreen, the paint is already dry and ready for the next steps!

Step 5

I decided to use the 1.5 inch cutter to cut out two circles from my screened clay. Set aside the remaining clay for later play!

Step 6

I often used lined cards or graphing paper to help measure when cutting. Since I had a 3/4 inch ring, I used the 3/4 round cutter to cut out a small portion of the circles. I can now line up with second circle with my lined paper and cut the same place.

Step 7

The ring is a perfect fit from where I cut. I liked the small piece that I cut out that I decided to make that the post portion of the design!

Repeat on the second circle of clay that you cut out.

Step 8

Here are both earrings now ready to bake/cure.

If you put your assembly holes in before baking, do so now. I drill my clay after baking since Souffle is so easy to drill with a hand drill. Follow the directions in Step 1 above for proper baking/curing. Allow the clay to cool.

Step 9

Once the clay has cooled, I put a small dot of the Sculpey Oven Bake Adhesive on each post piece and slowly pressed the post into the Adhesive, allowing it to flow around the post as shown. Then I rebaked the post pieces for about 15-20 minutes. (I needed to have the paint cure in the first baking before I turned them over and added the post).

While the posts were curing, I also added a very light coat of Sculpey Satin glaze to the larger portion of the earrings. The glaze is entirely optional.

Step 10

Once the posts were baked and cooled, I added a light coat of Satin Glaze to them and allowed them to dry as well.

Here is the layout for my assembly. I used small round jump rings so that the brass piece would sit rather snug with the clay.

Step 11

Here is a look at the final earrings.

Curious about the post back? Here is a look at it after baking. My friends tell me that the clay around the post is quite comfortable and actually soft against their ear.