Premo! Four Golden Angels Tree Ornament

Getting StartedPolymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey clay mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. 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 30 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 Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Remove the metal hanger from the glass ornament using wire cutters.

Roll the Yellow Gold Glitter clay on the conditioning machine’s #1 setting.

Drape the clay over the metal cap, pressing to adhere it to the sides. Trim away excess. Place it on the ornament’s opening to be sure it will fit. Remove the cap. Roll a thin tube of clay on the work surface. Swirl it around the top of the cap then form a loop. Set it aside.

Roll the remainder of the clay on the conditioning machine’s # 6 setting. Place the clay on plastic and use a leaf cutter to create 9 leaves. Arrange the leaves around the ornament opening. Bake the cap and the leaf-decorated glass in a 275-degree oven for 30 minutes. A large round cookie cutter will help to keep the ornament upright while baking. Allow the items to cool completely before handling.

Set the ornament on the cookie cutter and pour a generous amount of Pearl paint inside. Pour a lesser amount of Gold Glitter Paint. Swirl the paints by turning and leaning the ornament on its side

When the glass is coated, turn it with the opening facing down into a small container. Allow the paint to drip out. Save it for another project.

When it seems to be done dripping, place the ornament on the packaging it came in, with the opening facing down. This will keep the ornament elevated and prevent paint from touching the leaves. Let the paint drain overnight.

Find an angel image online by searching Google Images with the key words “Angel Stencils”. Resize the image you’ve chosen to fit four angels around the ornament. Print two on card stock allowing space that will be equal between all angels. Cut out the images.

Place the stencil on scrap clay rolled to 1/8" thick. Be sure there are good margins of clay around the images for easy handling. Use a craft knife to cut out the clay images.

Remove card stock. Touch up any areas that need it by reshaping, stretching or blending the clay. The great thing about clay stencils is you can easily fix any cutting mistakes. Place plastic wrap on the image front.

Flip the clay stencil over and remove the backside plastic wrap. Holding the plastic side of clay in your hand, position the stencil on the ornament. The plastic will minimize any stretching of the clay while handling.

Airbrush the open stencil areas with the Metallic Gold paint. When dry, cover the stencil with plastic again. Carefully peel and lift off the stencil. Move it to the other side of the ornament. Stick it in place. Do not place clay over the already painted images as it may stick or lift paint off the glass when removed. Airbrush the open stencil area. Use rubbing alcohol to remove clay smudges from the glass.

Apply hot fix rhinestones to the hem of the angel’s gowns.

Apply E600 to the inside of the gold clay cap and press it onto the ornament. Spray the ornament with Glosscote to protect the paint.