Sculpey® III Wild Zebra Earrings

Begin with two colors that you will have "fade" from one into the other. A general rule of thumb is to use equal amounts of clay for an even blend (for example, 2 oz of red and 2 oz of white). Condition separately using a #1 setting on your pasta machine, lighter color(s) first. The resulting sheets should be the width of your pasta machine. Cut equal size 90 degree triangles of each color.

Fold the bottom of the joined triangles up to the top. Insert the folded bottom into the pasta machine, keeping it in the same orientation when it comes out of the rollers

Fold again in the SAME direction and roll through with the fold inserted FIRST. Repeat 20 times until the blend is smooth and complete, colors are gradated as shown.

When the blend is complete, run the blended clay through the pasta machine on a #3 setting.

Cut triangles and place together as shown in the photo below. Note that the outside pieces are just one triangle cut in half.

Fold this assembly in half from top to bottom. Roll through the pasta machine FOLD-FIRST on a #1 setting. Keep folding and rolling, always in the same direction. This will take about 20 times.

Now you have your final blend. See how the colors flow! Now, fold in half and roll with a brayer or rod to remove any air bubbles. You now have 2 layers of clay in a #1 thickness.

For the rainbow blend, lay your triangles in the pattern indicated in the photo, following the left to right arrangement of colors.

Split the red triangle down the middle and put one half on the other side of the green to create a rectangle. Fold the blend in half from TOP TO BOTTOM.

Run through your pasta machine, folded portion first. Continue folding in the SAME direction and running through the machine. It takes about 20-25 repetitions of these two steps -- don't give up!

The final blend should look something like this.

Use the same steps as above to create a Basic 2 Color Blend.

Once your sheet of clay is evenly blended use your Super Slicer to cut a strip off. Add a small roll of clay to the end of the sheet, one that is the same as the end color. Roll very tightly.

Reduce the cane slightly, working from the middle to the outer edges. You can now cut slices off the cane for use in other projects.

Begin with two colors that you will have "fade" from one into the other. A general rule of thumb is to use equal amounts of clay for an even blend (for example, 2 oz of red and 2 oz of white). Condition separately using a #1 setting on your pasta machine, lighter color(s) first. The resulting sheets should be the width of your pasta machine. Cut equal size 90 degree triangles of each color.

Fold the bottom of the joined triangles up to the top. Insert the folded bottom into the pasta machine, keeping it in the same orientation when it comes out of the rollers

Fold again in the SAME direction and roll through with the fold inserted FIRST. Repeat 20 times until the blend is smooth and complete, colors are gradated as shown.

When the blend is complete, run the blended clay through the pasta machine on a #3 setting.

Cut triangles and place together as shown in the photo below. Note that the outside pieces are just one triangle cut in half.

Fold this assembly in half from top to bottom. Roll through the pasta machine FOLD-FIRST on a #1 setting. Keep folding and rolling, always in the same direction. This will take about 20 times.

Now you have your final blend. See how the colors flow! Now, fold in half and roll with a brayer or rod to remove any air bubbles. You now have 2 layers of clay in a #1 thickness.

For the rainbow blend, lay your triangles in the pattern indicated in the photo, following the left to right arrangement of colors.

Split the red triangle down the middle and put one half on the other side of the green to create a rectangle. Fold the blend in half from TOP TO BOTTOM.

Run through your pasta machine, folded portion first. Continue folding in the SAME direction and running through the machine. It takes about 20-25 repetitions of these two steps -- don't give up!

The final blend should look something like this.

Use the same steps as above to create a Basic 2 Color Blend.

Once your sheet of clay is evenly blended use your Super Slicer to cut a strip off. Add a small roll of clay to the end of the sheet, one that is the same as the end color. Roll very tightly.

Reduce the cane slightly, working from the middle to the outer edges. You can now cut slices off the cane for use in other projects.

A few small blocks of Sculpey® clay can become many pairs of chic, modern earrings for you to wear or give as gifts. Whether you're new to polymer clay or have been crafting for a long time, these wild zebra earrings are sure to bring you fun and satisfaction. Choose a few Sculpey III® complementary colors, and feel free to create to your heart's content. The result will be eye-catching, wild and fun-to-wear DIY earrings.

What You Need for Sculpey III® Earrings 

Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay made from vinyl. It's great for crafting because it does not dry out, so you can store extra clay to reuse another day. To get started making your very own Sculpey III® Wild Zebra Earrings, make sure you have the following supplies:

• - Sculpey Tools™ Bead Maker
• - Sculpey Tools™ Clay Conditioning Machine
• - Sculpey III® Violet 2 oz
• - Silver ear wires
• - Black acrylic paint
• - A shallow pan of warm water
• - 5-millimeter jump rings
• - Paper towel
• - Small paintbrush

Tips for Making Wild Zebra Earrings With Polymer Clay 

When you want to make wild zebra earrings out of polymer clay — or any earrings, for that matter — there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure success:

• - Softening and conditioning the clay: Conditioning is the process of kneading the clay to make it more flexible, softer and easier to shape. Whether you use a pasta machine or your hands, you'll know your clay is well-conditioned when you can roll out a long coil and bend it easily without rough edges or cracks. Be careful not to trap air bubbles in your clay when you are folding and kneading it. If you do spot an air bubble, simply pop it with a craft knife or needle. 
• - Cutting and shaping: After you've created your design, use a craft knife, mini cookie cutters or special clay cutters to cut out your earring shapes. If you find jagged edges around the bottom edges of your earrings, you can either smooth the edges before baking or sand them off after taking your pieces out of the oven.
• - Poking holes in the clay: You'll need to poke holes in your polymer clay earrings to slip the silver ear wires in after baking. You can use a paperclip, toothpick or blunt tapestry needle for this step. Keep the holes close to the edge of each earring and make sure they're large enough in diameter to insert the silver ear wires.
• - Baking polymer clay: You can bake polymer clay earrings in your home oven. Feel free to check out the FAQ page for questions about how long to bake your piece, as baking times differ based on brand and thickness. 
• - Sanding and smoothing: You can use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth your earrings' edges if they're rough after baking. After taking them out of the oven, smooth the earrings' surface with a cotton swab dipped in acetone nail polish remover to brush away stray fingerprints. 

Try Your Hand at Wild Zebra Clay Earrings Today 

Ready to start creating? Sculpey III® Violet, an easy-to-use silk screen and some polymer clay tools are all you need to make these wild, vibrant earrings. Browse our clay lines and order your favorite Sculpey® clay today.