Sculpey III® Pastel Gradient Space 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/cure 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/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

Roll out three balls of pink, purple, and blue.
To make these colors I mixed bits of colored clay large amounts of white clay in a ratio 3:1 to get a pastel tone. Red + Blue = Purple, Red + White = Pink

Step 3

Shape each ball into chunky raindrops and place each of them facing opposite ends (bottom/top/bottom) as shown in the image. Slightly press them down so they stick together.

Step 4

Set your clay machine to the thickest setting and place the clay in vertically. Your clay should appear close to the image shown after the first roll.

Step 5

Fold the bottom half of the clay sheet vertically onto itself and continue to roll through the pasta machine till you reach the desired effect. Always fold/roll the clay sheet vertically.

Step 6

After continuous passes through the clay machine, your sheet should look something like this. Feel free to smooth out any rough edges or textures that may have transferred through the process.

Step 7

Cut out a star and a moon with your clay cutters onto the sheet, the best area to cut is where multiple colors are blending to catch a nice gradient in your piece. Bake according to Step 1.

Step 8

After baking, glaze each piece with a thin layer of glaze and quicky place your glitter onto the cut outs. If you are using chunky glitter like I have, slightly dip your toothpick in glaze and place glitters onto each cut out surface. Once dried, place more glaze over the piece to seal in the glitter.

Step 9

Flip them over and super glue the earring backing onto the star and moon.

Step 10

Here's a look at my completed earrings!