Mica Shift is slightly mysterious! The appearance of texture draws a viewer in only to surprise when on closer inspection, the surface is smooth! While solid color mica shift is very geometric and precise, the blended colors here soften the look and bring a little more organic feel.
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 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 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.
Condition about ¼ package of bronze and 1/8 package of silver until the colors are soft and smooth. Roll the colors together until they are lightly marbled but not completely mixed. Using the Acrylic Roller, roll this sheet out to about 1/8” thickness.
Press the sheet with the texture sheet or stamp.
With a clay blade nearly parallel to the surface of the clay, shave the raised portion of the texture away until the surface on the clay is smooth.
Roll the sheet with the Acrylic Roller to even out the surface and then cut out your desired shapes for the earrings.
Punch out a circle shape at the bottom of each piece.
Condition and roll out a sheet of Antique Gold. Cut out two circle shapes using the same circle pattern you used for the bronze half circles. Insert the circles into the spaces in the bronze clay.
Using the Needle Tool, pierce the top of the earrings for the jump-rings.
Bake according to the manufacturer’s directions and allow to cool.
Sand the clay surfaces with wet 400 grit wet dry sandpaper. Repeat with 600 grit. Buff with a soft cloth, against a muslin buffing wheel, or apply Sculpey Gloss.
