How to Sculpt UFO Earrings

Making these earrings is a great beginner project. The semi-dangle design is easy to make but gives a more complex look.

MATERIALS

• 6 small black beads
• 2 earring studs
• 6 small jewelry screw eye pins
• 6 metal findings
• Metal glue or super glue
• Green polymers clay
• Grey polymers clay

TOOLS

• Tweezers (there are many small parts, so tweezers can help)
• Needle nose pliers (optional but highly recommended)
• Awl or needle (optional)
• Clay cutting tool (anything that can cut works)
• Baking pan lined with foil

1. Cut a large clump of your green clay(s).
2. Cut a small clump of your grey clay.
3. Warm the clays by kneading them until they're warm and workable.
4. Split both colors in half and set one of each aside.
5. Roll out one of the grey balls to make a thin sheet.

If you have multiple shades of green, combine them as shown in the picture on the right.

1. Shape the green clay into a saucer shape like the picture to the left.
2. Using your awl or needle, draw a faint line across the top where the 'window' would be.
3. Drape the grey sheet you prepared earlier over the saucer, making sure the edge stops at the line you drew.
4. Cut around the saucer and set the excess clay aside for later.
5. Add 3 black beads to the saucer

1. Lightly press 3 jewelry screw eye pins to the back of the saucer. The circular hook part should be mostly if not fully visible from the front.
2. With the excess grey, shape a strip that is slightly smaller than your saucer.
3. Press the strip against the back of the eye pins, making sure they're secure.

1. With the other half of the clay you set aside, make the second identical UFO.
2. Rub off any fingerprints before baking.
3. The temperature and time in the oven depend on your brand of polymers clay. A good standard for this project is 245 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Before you bake, consult the instruction guide for your brand of clay.
4. Once the clay is baked, let it cool for at least an hour.

1. Using your needle nose pliers, open up the findings so the loop is open.
2. Hook the findings through the eye pin, and close the loop.
3. Repeat these steps until all six findings have been opened, hooked, and closed.
4. Trim the findings to your desired length.

1. Add a small drop of glue to the stud face and hold it in place for 30 seconds.

That's it!

Feel free to ask any questions.

I would love to hear your comments and tweaks on the design!