This is a classic flower cane - it's easy, versatile, and ALWAYS amazes people. I'm asked repeatedly to assemble this cane when I demonstrate. The recommended colors are very classic. If "retro 60's" is more your style, try using fluorescent colors for the flower and black for the background!

Materials:

• Premo! Sculpey in the following colors:
  • Cadmium Yellow 5572
  • Orange 5033
  • Cobalt Blue 5063
• Pasta machine
• Sculpey Super Slicer blade
• Tool to poke holes in beads, such as a bead drill, needle tool, or doll needle

Instructions:

1. Roll the yellow clay into a ball, and then slightly flatten the ball into a cylinder about 2 inches long.

2. Wrap the cylinder with a ¼ inch layer of Orange clay (#1 setting on pasta machine). Roll cylinder slightly to seal it.

3. Reduce the cylinder to about 3/8-5/8" diameter and cut into 5 equal pieces at 1-1/2-2 inches long. NOTE: This is done by rolling the cylinder the applying pressure with the hands from the center out. The goal is to keep the cylinder the same diameter from end to end without bulges. Go slowly, and as the clay warms it moves smoothly and evenly.

4. Lay the 5 pieces together so that they touch each other and then stand the new group on end. You should now have a small "fence" of clay rods.

5. Gently wrap this line of rods into a circle and visually measure the diameter of the open center.

6. Roll a cylinder of the orange clay to fit this center and place it in the center of the group. Close the "petals" around the center and press lightly to seal.

7. Now, roll a cylinder of the blue clay to about 1/3 inch diameter and pinch up the top to form a long triangle of blue clay.

8. Place a strip of this blue triangle between each "petal" taking care to keep the point between the petals.

9. Flatten the remaining blue clay into a thin even sheet (1/8 " in diameter or #4 on pasta machine). Wrap around the outside of the clay "cane". Trim the edges and roll slightly to smooth seam.

10. Press again gently to seal. Then squeeze from the middle of the assembled cane to each end. This should reduce the diameter of the cane and remove any air pockets which could cause distortion.

11. Lay the cane on your work surface and roll to reduce to the diameter you wish your beads.

12. Slice your cane in ¼" to ½" slices to form your flat beads.

13. Drill holes in your beads with your needle tool and bake according to directions.

To make Millefiore "bobbles":

1. Roll your flower cane to a smaller diameter of about 3/8".

2. Roll a ball of scrap clay 1" in diameter.

3. Make thin slices of the cane and lay them on the surface of the scrap clay ball so that they cover the surface.

4. Cup your hands and gently roll the bead to blend the edges of the canes.

5. Stop and check your work from time to time to see if the cane slice edges have blended.

6. Drill your hole in your finished "bobble".

7. These make great keychain "bobbles" and backpack "bobbles"!!

8. Bake at 275 degrees F for 20 minutes per ¼" of thickness.

To Make Buttons:

1. Assemble your flower cane and slice in 3/8" slices.

2. Using your needle tool, pierce 2 holes in the center of the flower, probably right on the edges of the green center.

3. It's best to angle your needle tool slightly from the outside edges to add strength to your button.

4. Bake as directed and sew to your garment.

5. Always make at least two more of your buttons than you need - in case you lose a few while enjoying your embellished garment.

6. NOTE: You can make the buttons out of the assembled flower WITHOUT the blue background. Press the assembled flower together gently, and carefully (WITH YOUR FINGERS) pull slightly to reduce.

7. Let the cane rest before cutting your buttons to keep the bottom petals from flattening when you cut the buttons. Or, place the cane in the freezer for 5 minutes.

8. Cut your buttons and place your thread holes as directed above.

9. Bake as directed.