Souffle Tropical Leaf 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® Work ‘n Bake Clay 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:

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 metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 30 minutes per ¼" (6 mm) 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.

Sheet out a small piece of the conditioned Shamrock clay on the #2 (middle) setting on the Clay Conditioning Machine. Lightly spray your texture with water and emboss the clay with the texture.

Position the heart template or cutter (you can draw your own template as well!). Use the Exacto knife to trace around your heart template. Repeat for the second earring.

Cut notches along the edge of the side of the leaf using the Exacto blade. Cut larger notches at the top of the leaf and gradually smaller notches as you move to the bottom of the leaf. But the second side to match as best you can. (I actually found this much easier than I thought it would be!)

Gently drape the leaves over/between the bumps on the Hollow Bead Maker. (I keep my Hollow Bead Makers on top of my oven so that they are warmed when I preheat the oven. The clay drapes really nicely over the warmed metal!) Set aside.

Sheet out a small piece of the Mandarin clay on the #2 setting and use the round cutter from the geometric cutter set (or roll a ball the size of a large pea), roll the circle into a ball and flatten slightly between your fingers. Use the rubber chisel to gently press in the petals on the edge of the flattened disc. You can complete the petal by gently pressing the chisel into the top of each petal edge as well! The smallest ball stylus in the Style n’ Details set will create the center of the flower for you. Repeat to create 4 Mandarin flowers and 2 Guava flowers.

Put a small drop of Bake n’ Bond on the back of each flower and gently press into place on the leaves as shown. You can use the small ball stylus to make the hole at the top of each leaf as well!

Bake as directed and allow the clay to cool completely before adding your favorite earring findings!