Sculpey Premo™ Amber Faux Tortoiseshell Hoop 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® Work ‘n Bake Clay 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 1/4 bar of Amber Translucent through the Clay Conditioning Machine on the thickest setting. Sheet 1/4 bar of Amber Translucent through the Clay Conditioning Machine to the fourth thickest setting. Roll a very thin rope of Black Premo and cut off little bits in random sizes. Sprinkle the bits of Black on top of the thicker sheet of Amber.

Roll over the bits with the Acrylic Clay Roller to smooth the dots into the Amber clay.

Press the dotted sheet through the Clay Conditioning Machine on the thickest setting. Then fold the sheet in half and press it through again always putting the folded edge through the machine first. This will create a muddled look of the Black spots in the Amber. You can repeat folding and pressing as many times as you like to get the colors as muddled as you want.

Next cut out two 2” oval shapes from the spotted sheet and place them on the thin sheet of plain Amber that we made in Step 1. Press them onto the plain sheet so that they stick together well and there are no air bubbles between the layers.

Cut out the 2” oval shapes again from both layers. Cut out the centers of the large ovals with the 1.25” oval cutter.

Use the 1” oval cutter to cut the 1.25” ovals down to 1” and set aside the scrap.

Poke a hole at the base of each of the small ovals and in the top of the large oval hoops with the needle tool. Make sure the holes are 1/8” from the edge so the clay around the holes will still be strong. Also make sure the holes will be large enough to accommodate your jump rings.

Bake all the pieces following the baking instructions for Premo. You will notice that the Amber has turned a much richer color during baking. If you would like for your pieces to take on a natural shine, you can use a heat gun on the surface of the clay. While the pieces are still hot from being baked, turn the heat gun on high and move it in circles 4”-6” from the surface of the clay. As soon as you see the clay turn shiny, turn off the heat gun and allow the clay to cool completely.

Open the jump rings with flat nose pliers and attach the bottom hoops to the top ovals. Close the jump rings.

Glue the ear posts to the upper area of the back of the small ovals. Allow to dry completely.