I’d like to give credit to Lisa Pavelka for introducing the polymer clay community to her technique called the “Sutton Slice”. It’s very innovative and quite simple, plus it turns out some really cool designs. Try it with any texture sheets or rubber stamps that you might have on hand. The technique can be done with as few as two colors and as many colors as you would like.
COMPLETION TIME: 60 Minutes to make, bake, and assemble
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/cure 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/curing; however please note that the baking/curing 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.
Lay the texture sheet, texture side up on your work surface. Condition and roll a sheet of Igloo as thinly as possible - at least 1/16” or thinner. Make sure there is enough of the Igloo sheet to make two of the earring shapes that you want. Lay the Igloo sheet across an area of the texture sheet that you would like to impress.
Using heavy fingertip pressure, embed the Igloo clay into the crevices of the texture sheet. After using your fingertips, roll over the clay with the Acrylic Clay Roller to make sure the clay is in full contact with the texture sheet.
Carefully use a Clay Blade to scrape away the excess clay leaving only Igloo clay in the crevices of the design.
Condition and sheet a piece of Glacier clay to about 1/8” thick with the Acrylic Clay Roller and large enough to accommodate two of the earring shapes again. Lay the Glacier sheet on the work surface and flip the texture sheet face down on top of the Glacier. Use heavy pressure to push the texture sheet to the Glacier sheet.
Carefully flip the texture sheet over so the Glacier is on top. Carefully peel the Glacier sheet away pulling the Igloo out of the texture sheet at the same time.
Voila! What a beautiful design!
Cut out two earring shapes.
Lay out your earring design with the findings. Poke holes in the clay pieces as needed so that the earrings can be assembled after baking. I like to poke pilot holes for the pinch bails before baking to give the pinch bails something to grab onto. Bake the clay pieces following the baking instructions for Sculpey Soufflé™. Allow to cool completely before handling.
Use flat nose pliers to assemble the earrings as shown.