Soufflé Chain Link Decal Earrings

Getting Started:Polymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Work ‘n Bake Clay Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use. Baking should be completed by an adult. Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. For best results, condition all clay by running it through the Clay Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Sheet each color through the Clay Conditioning Machine on the thickest setting. You will need pieces 1” X 3” of each Key Lime and Pesto and two pieces 1” X 3” of Cowboy. Layer Key Lime over one of the Cowboy pieces and Pesto over the other Cowboy piece. Gently roll over each color combination with the acrylic roller to seal together.

Place clear kitchen stretch wrap over the top of the clay before cutting out the shapes. The clear wrap will keep the cut shapes from getting stuck in the cutters and it will give each shape a nice beveled edge. Using the mini cutters cut out two Key Lime/Cowboy circle shapes. Cut out two Pesto/Cowboy oval shapes. Cut out two Key Lime/Cowboy teardrop shapes. If the clear wrap is stuck to the top of the clay pieces, gently peel it off with your fingernail.

Trace the shapes from the inside of the cutters on the chain link decal. Cut out the shapes on the inside of the traced line. Place the decal shapes on the clay shapes to make sure they fit. The decals should be just slightly smaller than the clay pieces. Trim as necessary.

Soak the decals in a shallow cup of water for 30 seconds. Slide a decal piece off of the paper backing and onto a matching clay shape. Remove excess water with a paper towel. Smooth out any air bubbles with the squeegee provided in the Clay Decal kit. Repeat for each shape.

Push a head pin up through the circle shape. Pull the head pin into the circle shape 1/8”.

Push the head pin up through the oval shape.

Push the head pin up through the teardrop shape. Repeat with the other set of shapes. Bake the pieces on the head pins according to the directions above and let cool completely.

When the pieces are completely cool, pull the head pins back out of the ovals and the teardrops but leaving them in the circles. Add an amber E-bead on top of the circles. Add the oval piece then another E-bead. Add the teardrop shape and another E-bead. Using the round nose pliers bend the remainder of the head pin down into an eye above the top E-bead. Add a jump ring to the eye. Add an ear wire to the jump ring. Repeat for the other earring and enjoy!