DIY Blue Lace Agate Clay Tutorial

IN THIS POST

• Gemstone Symbolism and Meaning
• Materials Needed
• Video Tutorial
• Instructions
• Tips

The first time I experimented with creating faux gemstones from polymer clay, I was immediately hooked. The endless creative possibilities and the stunning, one-of-a-kind results were truly captivating.

I’ve always been fascinated by gemstones, not just for their beauty but for their meanings and the way they resonate with us. Blue lace agate is particularly special—known for its ability to soothe overthinking and dissolve negative thoughts. Its soft, swirling patterns exude both calm and energy, making it a truly unique stone. Often called the 'Caregiver's Gemstone,' blue lace agate is ideal for those whose professions rely on empathy and deep connections, such as caregivers, educators, and nurturers. Many believe that wearing blue lace agate or carrying it can inspire confidence and enhance public speaking.

As I delved deeper into learning about this stone, I knew I had to find a way to replicate its beauty using polymer clay. I hope this tutorial inspires you to create your own blue lace agate-inspired faux gemstones for your jewelry designs.

Materials Needed:

 

Video Tutorial:

 

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Workspace

• For best results use a large ceramic tile with a gloss finish.
• Preheat your oven according to to the polymer clay package instructions (For Sculpey Premo 275°F or 130°C)

2. Condition the Clay

• Condition your polymer clay using a pasta machine or by kneading it with your hands until soft and pliable.

3. Roll the Clay and Prepare for Color Mixing

• For the custom colors I made in this project, you’ll only need a small amount of Premo Navy Blue and Purple—less than 5 grams of each. You’ll also need around 15 grams of Premo Pearl and approximately 28 grams of Cernit Translucent.
• Start by rolling the Premo Pearl, Navy Blue, and Purple clays out to a #2 setting on your pasta machine. I personally use an Atlas 180, where #0 is the thickest setting and #9 is the thinnest.
• Next, take a 1" round cutter to create your color "parts." Each circle you cut will represent one part in the color recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 parts of one color and 1 part of another, you’ll simply cut two circles of the first color and one of the second. This method keeps your ratios consistent and easy to follow.
• By following this process, you'll achieve the exact amount of clay needed to replicate my custom colors, ready to be seamlessly blended with translucent clay.

4. Mix Custom Colors

Lavender

• 1 Part Pearl
• 1/8 Part Navy Blue
• 1/16 Part Purple

French Blue

• 1 Part Pearl
• 1/8 Part Navy Blue

Dark French Blue

• 1 Part Pearl
• 3/8 Part Navy Blue

5. Mix with Translucent Clay

• Now that you've mixed your custom colors, combine each one with the following amounts of translucent clay for a flawless blend:

• Lavender: 4 grams of translucent
• French Blue: 4 grams of translucent
• Dark French Blue: 4 grams of translucent
• For the Pearl Clay, mix 7 grams of pearl with 6 grams of translucent.
• Lastly, condition 10 grams of translucent clay for final use.

6. Apply Paint & Mica Powder to Bands

• Roll out each color of clay to a #7 setting on your pasta machine.
• Using a rectangular clay cutter (I used a 1x1.5" cutter), cut as many rectangles as possible from the clay sheets.
• Gather any leftover scraps, roll them out again on the #7 setting, and cut additional rectangles until all the clay is used.
• Using acrylic paint, carefully paint one side of each pearl rectangle and one side of each dark French blue rectangle. Make sure to apply an even coat for a smooth finish.
• Using mica powder, carefully apply it to one side of each translucent rectangle and one side of each French blue rectangle. Be sure to cover the surface evenly for a beautiful shimmer effect.

7. Layering Bands for a Realistic Gemstone Appearance

• Stack the rectangles of each color randomly until all the rectangles have been used. This random stacking will create the beautiful bands characteristic of faux agate stone.
• Here’s the layering process I followed when creating my stones:

 

8. Enhancing Bands with Visual Texture for a Naturalistic Look

• Using your ripple blade, position the blunt side down against the clay (be cautious not to cut yourself with the blade facing upwards). Gently push the blade into the clay block as far as it will go without cutting through. Ensure that the blade is perpendicular to the bands in the block. Move the blade in a fan motion across the surface of the clay block for an even texture.
• Flip the clay block over and heal it before repeating the process on the opposite side. This will help achieve a consistent texture and enhance the overall effect.
• Next, take your knitting needle and gently push it into the clay block to create parallel divots across one entire surface. This will add additional texture and depth to your faux agate design.
• Flip the clay block over and heal it before repeating the process on the opposite side. 
• Heal the block one final time to ensure a smooth and cohesive texture, then prepare to slice into your faux stone. This final step will reveal the beautiful layers and patterns you've created!

9. Cutting out the Stones

• Choose the side of the block that looks most interesting to you and slice off a piece about 1/4 inch thick. Next, run that thicker slice through the pasta machine to stretch the bands. I experimented by passing my slices through the machine with the bands oriented perpendicular to the rollers and then tried another direction with the bands parallel. Each method produced unique and fascinating effects, so feel free to explore whichever technique pleases you the most!
• I ran my slices through the pasta machine at a #0 setting, but you can choose to go thinner if you prefer. Experimenting with different thicknesses can yield varying results, so feel free to adjust according to your desired effect!
• Cut out your desired shapes using clay cutters. Here are the cutters I used when making my stones:

• Sabi Drop Clay Cutter

• Marquise Clay Cutter
• Arabian Pear Clay Cutter
• When using a clay cutter, press it gently into the polymer clay until the cutting edge meets the work surface. Wiggle the cutter slightly, then lift to remove the cut piece. To prevent sticking, lightly dust the clay or cutter with cornstarch. Alternatively, you can spray a makeup sponge with Armor-All and dab the cutter before use for a smooth, non-stick cut.
• Smooth out the edges after cutting to reduce sanding after curing.

10: Bake the Clay

• Follow the polymer clay package instructions for baking. If using Sculpey Premo Clay, bake at 275°F (130°C) for 60 minutes. For the best results, reference the package instructions.

11. Sanding

• Sand down any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Start with 600 grit and work through to 1000 grit. My preferred sandpaper is Abranet Sanding Mesh.

12. Finish and Glaze (Optional):

• If you prefer a glossy finish, apply a layer of UV resin to the surface of the clay.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and curing.

Tips:

• Take Your Time: Enjoy the process and don’t rush. Experimenting with colors and techniques can lead to beautiful surprises!
• Condition Your Clay: Make sure to properly condition your clay before mixing colors or rolling it out. This ensures better blending and easier handling.
• Experiment with Textures: Don’t hesitate to try different tools or techniques to create unique textures and patterns.
• Have Fun: Remember that art is about creativity and expression, so have fun with the process and let your personality shine through!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel inspired to try creating your own faux agate stones! Don’t hesitate to experiment with colors and textures to make each piece uniquely yours. I’d love to see your creations, so please share your finished projects with me on social media! Tag me and use the hashtag #RockroseClay so I can celebrate your beautiful work. Happy crafting, and remember to have fun along the way!