Getting Started

Do not use unbaked clay on unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Start with clean hands and work surface area. Good work surfaces include wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. 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" (6mm) 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 dedicated pasta machine several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Step 1 Make a “pillow” of the Green Pearl and press the ornament gently into it to form a small impression in the clay.

Step 2 Remove the green clay from the ornament and set the ornament aside.

Create your other layers of color and stack them onto the original Green Pearl layer.

Step 3 Refit the clay to the bottom of the ornament to make sure that you have a secure fit.

Step 4 Create two layers for the top of the ornament. Cut a small circle in the bottom layer to fit around the ornament top. Cut a slit in the top layer to slide the exposed wire loop of the ornament top through. Use your finger or clay tool to smooth the area.

Step 5 Put the ornament on a sheet of white paper and use your brush to liberally apply the glitter to the clay. You can use your fingers to help press the glitter into the clay.

Step 6 Bake the clay according to the clay package directions. You will be baking the ornament with the top in place and the bottom will bake separately.

NOTE: To bake ornaments, I put some polyester fiberfill in a round metal cutter and nest the ornament in the fiberfill. If you do not have a metal cutter, tape a 1"x6" piece of cardboard or cardstock together to form a ring.

Step 7 One the ornament is baked and cooled, invert the ornament in the round cutter or a small glass – something that holds it securely -- and glue the bottom clay portion to the ornament.