Ultra Light Simply Elegant 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.

Pull off or cut off a small amount of the Ultra Light, about the size of a golf ball. Use the acrylic roller to gently roll it down to about 3/8 inch thickness. Lay the sheet of deli paper over the sheet and firmly press the second to largest (1.75 inches) down through the paper and the clay. I like to twist the cutter back and forth a little to make sure that the cut is complete. Repeat for the other earring.

Remove the deli paper. There will probably be some wrinkling in the clay around the edges. You can either keep it (I personally like it!) or use your finger to gently smooth the edges.

Dip the medium size Style n’ Detail tool into the Pearl Ex powder to cover just the very top of the ball. Tap the tool against the side of the jar to remove excess powder. Gently press into the clay and remove. NOTE: the firmer you press, the larger the feature, the lighter you press the smaller the feature.

Repeat Step 4 with the smaller Style n’ Detail tool to fill in around the larger balls.

Now for the other earring – you will need to reverse the pattern, so repeat steps 4 and 5 but on the opposite side of the earring.

Baking according to the directions in Step 1 above. After the pieces have baked and cooled, use a very sharp needle or hand drill to make a small, shallow hole at the top of each earring. Thread a bead on the eye pin and trim to length for the hole. Add a drop of instant glue and push into the hole. NOTE – the flat part of the eye pin should be showing, not the edge of the eye pin. Add your ear wire and you are done!