Sculpey Premo™ Bargello Pendant

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:

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.

These instructions are written based on one-ounce bars of clay. Roll 1/8 bar (1/8 ounce) of each color into a little rope.

Bundle the ropes together sides touching.

Roll and twist the bundle to create a striped rope.

Fold the rope in half and in half again.

Roll and twist again to create more stripes. Each time you fold and roll and twist, more stripes will appear. For this project we want a lot of stripes!

When you have created lots of tiny random stripes, shape the rope into a fat log by compressing the ends toward the middle with the palms of your hands.

Flatten the fat log with your hands first. Then use the Roller Tube to flatten the log in both directions until it is a little rectangular pancake 1/8” thick.

Drag the Needle Tool across the clay perpendicular to the stripes. Make parallel lines about 1/8” apart.

Roll over the clay sheet with the Roller Tube to help to level the clay again. Little bargello patterns will emerge.

Flip the sheet over, with the Bargello pattern down, and cut out a large shape using the Jewelry Templates and the Knife Tool. Clean up the cut edges with your fingertips.

Lay the large paper clip across the clay shape.

Cut out the same shape again from the bargello pattern sheet and this time, place it on top of the other matching piece, sandwiching the paper clip in between. The paper clip should protrude from two sides of your design so that it can serve as connectors for finishing as a pendant.

Smooth the cut edges with your fingertips. Bake following the baking instructions for Sculpey Premo. Allow to cool completely before handling.