Sculpey Soufflé™ Checkered Earrings

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 clay on an oven-proof surface such as metal, aluminum foil, an index card
or the Sculpey® Oven Safe Work Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼"
(6 mm) of 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.

Cut a ¼ of a half oz Almond Rose and Igloo clay and roll each one into a thin, even
slab.

Trim the edges of each slab to create clean, square slabs.

Cut 5-6 thin strips from each slab using your clay blade.

Arrange the strips vertically in an alternating color pattern, like white, brown, white,
and so on, to form a new slab.

Trim the sides to create a clean, uniform rectangle.

Turn the slab horizontally and slice it into strips again. Place strips next to each other to create a checkered look (white to brown, brown to white).

Lightly roll over the slab with a roller to bind the pieces together. Trim the top and side edges to clean it up.

Cut out two sets of shapes using the clay templates, one arched shape (second smallest size) and one oval shape (second smallest size) per earring. Make sure your slab has enough space to cut both pairs. If not, add more clay and gently roll to blend.

Use a needle tool to poke a small hole at the bottom center of each arch and the top center or the ovals.

Place a thin circle of Almond Rose over the post base and smooth it down to secure

Bake according to Step 1. Once your pieces are baked and cooled, gently sand any rough edges with a nail file for a clean finish.

Once the clay has cooled, use jewelry pliers to open a jump ring and connect the arches to the ovals through the holes. Close the rings securely.

Here is a look at my completed earrings.