Do not use unbaked clay on unprotected furniture or finished surfaces.  Start with clean hands and work surface area. Good work surfaces include wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. 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 15 minutes per 1/4” (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 dedicated pasta machine several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first. 

Prepare your highlighting colors by mixing a 1/8 block of Frost Translucent with a tiny amount of each Green, Blue, and Red Translucent. Mix each color until its marbled not completely mixed. Set these colors aside.

Create the base of the opal stone by making a ball of Frost White Glitter. The size of the ball will depend on the type of jewelry piece you are making. If you are making flat backed cabochon earrings, this ball should be twice the size of one earring. Roll the ball first in the medium glitter flakes and then in the larger glitter flakes. Smooth the ball by rolling it in your hands and set aside.

Flatten each of the translucent colors between your thumb and fingers to make very thin sheets. In a random pattern, smooth small amounts of each color all over the ball, tearing away the excess. This smoothing and tearing method will create jagged edges on the clay and make the final piece look more natural. Roll the ball to smooth.

Roll the outside of the ball again with medium glitter and then large mica flakes. Roll the ball to smooth.

Roll out a sheet of Frost Translucent as thin as possible. Cover the entire ball with this sheet and make sure no air bubbles are trapped between the ball and the clay sheet. Roll the ball to smooth. Adding this extra sheet of translucent to the outside will make it possible for you to sand and polish the piece after baking if you desire.

Now you can make either a large bead or flat back cabochon by shaping the ball as desired. If making beads, remember to poke holes in them before baking. If making flat backed earrings slice the ball in half before shaping each earring. 

Bake according to the manufactures instructions and allow to cool. After cooling you may add a glossy glaze to the front if desired or sand with wet/dry sandpaper and buff.