Glass Effect Polymer Clay Earrings

October 25, 2024 Rockrose Clay Clay Co.

Creating jewelry with polymer clay opens up endless possibilities for unique textures and effects. In this tutorial, inspired by a method from The Polymer Clay Artist's Guide: A Directory of Mixes, Colors, Textures, Faux Finishes, and Surface Effects, I’ll walk you through a beautiful glass effect technique that’s perfect for adding an elegant touch to any holiday ensemble.

Along with learning how to create a truly stunning glass effect, you'll also create a delicate bezel, silkscreen, and make a faux hammered metal texture all using polymer clay. Whether you’re familiar with polymer clay or just starting out, this guide offers a unique blend of techniques to bring your own creations to life.

Materials You’ll Need:

Polymer clay (I'm using a few specific brands and colors:)

20 grams - Cernit Translucent
20 grams - Sculpey Premo Forest Green
10 grams - Sculpey Premo Graphite Pearl

Silver foil leaf
Alcohol inks (such as greens, blues, or jewel tones)

Pinata Brass
Ranger Mojito
Ranger Bottle
Ranger Moss

Metallic pigment powders

Artdone Metallic Mirror Effect Holographic Aurora Chameleon Pigment (Color #13)

Rockrose Clay Cutters

Black acrylic paint
Silkscreen and squeegee
Liquid clay, resin, and Sculpey gloss glaze
Basic clay tools (pasta machine, tissue blade, paintbrush, ball tool, sculpting tool, extruder, etc.)
Dremel Drill Press Workstation (optional)
Drill Bit #60
Jewelry pliers for assembling the earrings
Surgical stainless steel earring posts
6mm jump rings
Popsicle sticks, plastic wrap, and cardstock
Ceramic tile
Oven for curing the polymer clay

Video Tutorial

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Faux Glass Effect

Start by rolling a sheet of white polymer clay to a setting #0 and covering it with a thin layer of silver foil leaf. Smooth out the foil gently to avoid tearing, and then remove any excess. Next, run the foiled clay through your pasta machine on a #2 setting in one direction, then rotate it and run it through again. This creates a neat crackle effect that will enhance the “glass” look.

Now comes the color! Apply alcohol inks in a mix of greens, blues, or other jewel tones for a rich, layered look. Use a paintbrush to move the inks around, creating fluid patterns. To add depth and a bit of sparkle, incorporate metallic alcohol ink or a gold pigment powder on top.

Step 2: Layer with Silkscreen Design

Once your inks have dried, prepare a sheet of translucent clay by rolling it to a very thin setting (about #9). Place a silkscreen over the clay and add a small line of black acrylic paint along one edge. Use a squeegee to spread the paint evenly across the silkscreen, creating a delicate, printed design. Be sure to wash your silkscreen immediately to keep it in good condition for future projects!

After the paint dries, layer the translucent silkscreened sheet over your alcohol-inked clay, placing it print side down. Use a roller to gently fuse the layers, then trim the edges.

Step 3: Cut and Shape with Rockrose Cutters

Using Rockrose Clay Cutters (I used the 2:5 series here), place a layer of plastic wrap over the clay before cutting to create a domed effect on the edges. This technique is great for giving your pieces a more refined, finished look. Carefully align your cutter if it doesn’t slice through on the first pass, and press to cut fully through the clay.

Step 4: Adding a Bezel for an Elegant Finish

To give the earrings an elegant, framed look, use an extruder with a 2mm circle insert and about 10 grams of Graphite Pearl clay to form a thin, even strand. Add a touch of golden pigment powder for a more metallic finish. Next, wrap the extruded clay around the focal piece to form a bezel. Be sure to paint the sides of the focal with liquid clay before wrapping. Using a sculpting tool, smooth the seam and gently press the bezel to create a slight concave effect.

For added detail, use a ball tool to make small indentations around the bezel’s edges—this adds more texture and visual interest.

Step 5: Create the Dangle Section

Condition about 20 grams of Forest Green clay and roll it to a #3 setting. Pass it through the pasta machine with an air conditioner sponge filter on top, flipping and repeating to create a unique surface texture. Using a Rockrose 3:5 Ratio Oval Cutter, apply the same doming method as with the focal to cut out your shape.

Align your dangle slightly off-center, place your focal piece on top, and press gently to join the pieces. Mark the position where you plan to drill a hole for your jump ring, using a dotting tool to make an indent.

Step 6: Faux Hammered Metal Effect for the Studs

Roll another sheet of Forest Green clay to a #2 setting and coat it with the same golden pigment powder for a metallic look. Use a 7mm ball tool to add random indentations across the surface, simulating hammered metal. Cut out two small pieces using the Belladonna cutter, and brush additional pigment powder on the edges to cover any green clay showing through after shaping.

Step 7: Finish with Resin and Glaze

After curing the pieces, apply a layer of Sculpey gloss glaze to areas coated with pigment powder. Take your time applying the glaze with a fine-tipped brush, leaving the green clay matte for a balanced, contrasting look. Allow 30 minutes between coats, applying a total of three coats for durability.

Apply a small dot of strong jewelry glue to attach the ear posts to the faux hammered studs. Once the posts are securely in place, add a layer of resin over the entire stud. This extra step not only enhances the shine but also gives the earrings a professional, glassy finish that will stand up beautifully to wear.

For the final touch, add resin to the front focal surface to really give it that glass-like shine. Use a lighter to pop any air bubbles, being careful to avoid excessive heat.

Step 8: Assemble and Enjoy!

Attach jump rings to each drilled hole, linking the focal and dangle. The glass effect combined with rich, warm jewel tones and a hint of metallic detail makes these earrings a standout addition to any festive look.

Tips & Tricks

Safety with Resin: Always work in a well-ventilated area when using resin, wear gloves to avoid skin contact as well as a face respirator.
Pigment Powder Burnishing: Applying pigment powders with a soft brush and gently burnishing enhances the metallic appearance.
Experiment with Color Combinations: Try different ink colors and foil bases for a unique look each time!

Final Thoughts
These polymer clay earrings are a fantastic way to practice new techniques and create something truly beautiful. I hope you enjoyed following along with this tutorial! If you found it helpful, please share it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more polymer clay inspiration. And if you try this out, I’d love to see your creations—share them with me on social media! Happy crafting!

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