Classy Clay Earrings

 Classy Clay Earrings

Let me show you how to make your own classy clay earrings with Creative Paperclay®!

Supplies and tools are minimal and the impact is big and bold!  Here is what you need:

Creative Paperclay®

Acrylic paint - I used Apple Barrel by Plaid (Because it's nice and glossy.)

e6000 glue

Post Earring Backs

Craft Wire (24 - 30 Gauge)

Daisy Spacers (Optional)

Oil or Mold Release Spray

Rolling pin or Straight Sided Jar

Texture Sheet, Rubber Stamp, or Other Texturing Implements

Round Clay Cutters in 2 sizes

Craft Blade

Wire Cutters

Jewelry Pliers

Start by rolling out a slab of Creative Paperclay® that is big enough for 1 large circle and 2 small circles.  Make it about 1/16 inch thick.

Use your rolling pin to texture your clay.  I oiled my texture sheet.  You can also use leaves, and household items to create custom textures.  

I used this cool texture I bought at an art convention. 

Use the cutters to cut out 1 large and 2 small circles.  Find the best composition for your earrings.  I like mine to look a little off centered.  I think it's more interesting that way.

cut the large circle down the middle to create 2 semi-circles.  Aren't they looking cool already?  

Smooth out the fuzzy edges with your fingers.  Sometimes a wet finger works best.  

Put one hole in each piece for assembly.  

Allow these pieces to dry completely.  I flip them over a few times and weight them down with a book after a few hours.  Sometimes these flat pieces have a tendency to curl up.

Once your pieces are dry, you may need to sand the edges a bit.  Then paint both sides with acrylic paint.  I used Apple Barrel Glossy by Plaid.  

The finish looks like glazed porcelain.  It took 2 coats to get a full coverage.  Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.  Once the black paint is completely dry I dabbed on a bit of metallic paint to make the texture pop.  This is an optional design decision.  I just really like how metallic paint looks on a black background.   

Allow the paint to dry completely.  

While you wait  you can pic out some metal daisy spacers.

Once your layers of paint are completely dry and you are happy with the look, it's time to assemble our pieces.  Yay!

We are going to create a figure 8 with wire to attach our pieces together.  The Creative Paperclay® is so lightweight That we can use fine wire to attach our chunky pieces.

Start by cutting a 6 - 8 inch piece of wire.  You will not need it all but, it is easier to work with a long piece.  

Slide 2 of your daisy spacers on to the wire.  

Then slide the large clay part that matches up with the daisies.  Make sure that the daisies are in the front!  

Create a teardrop shape and wrap once.  

Slide 2 more daisies onto your wire.  

Then slide small circle on.  

Again pay attention to placement of the daisies and that both the semi-circle and small circle are facing the same direction.  

Create another small teardrop to form a figure 8.  The longer you make your tear drops the swingy-er your earrings will be.  

Wrap the wire securely around the center of the figure 8 to attach your parts together.   

Cut the loose wires and press them down to be sure there aren't any sharp edges sticking out. 

With e6000 or other strong glue of your choice, attach post backs to the small circles.  

Once they dry you are ready to rock these classy clay earring on your next ZOOM meeting.  Make one to match every outfit!

Creative Paperclay® Online Store 
Blick 
Joann's 
Michael's

I'll be back with more "What's On My Workbench Wednesday" fun on the first Wednesday of each month.

Until then, stay creative! 

Chau!

LaLa

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