Free Polymer Clay Tutorial: Faux Dichroic Dragon Egg Pendant

Free Tutorial

Dragon Egg Faux Dichroic Pendant Tutorial 

by Sherri Kellberg

I wrote this tutorial for the Sculpey.com site, just thought I'd share it here with my Blog followers!  Enjoy!

Layers of bright colored foil and Super Slicer Ripple Blade create a faux dichroic look with unbelievable dimension.

Designed by Sherri Kellberg,   BeadazzleMe.Etsy.com

Clay:

• Premo! Sculpey®, 2 oz , Black - 1 block

Tools:

• Sculpey® Clay Conditioning Machine
• Sculpey Super Slicer

Additional Supplies:

Rainbow colored foil (made for clay use, Pavelka Brand used)
Exacto knife
Heat gun
2 Small jump rings
18" Silver chain
1 Crystal bead
1 Silver lobster claw snap

Step 1:

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" (6 mm) 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 2:

Roll out and condition a package of Premo! Black clay, do half of the package on the #6 setting of the clay conditioning machine. Condition the other half on the #3 setting.

Step 3:

Take the clay that was rolled out on the #6 setting of the clay conditioning machine, this will be used for the foiled scales of the pendant. Cut out a square about 2.5 inches from the clay. Place a piece of waxed paper on your work surface; lay the clay on the paper. Apply the foil to the clay, do not move the foiled-clay as this will stretch it, and cause it to crackle.

Step 4:

Use the Ripple Blade to cut strips. Take care not to stretch them when you handle them. Lay the strips on an index card, as you cut them. This makes easier to handle, and they won't stick to the index card.

Step 5:

Making the base of the pendant. Use the clay that was rolled out on the #3 setting of the clay conditioning machine. Use a few of the foiled zigzag pieces to decorate the back of the pendant. Lay them in a random pattern. Cover with a piece of parchment paper, and roll over to embed the design.

Step 6:

Cut the pendant shape using either a Teardrop cutter, or an Oval cutter. Now you have completed the back of the pendant.

Step 7:

Turn the pendant piece over to the front side (plain black side). Begin placing the zigzag foiled pieces, starting at the bottom of the pendant. Use your straight clay blade, or Exacto knife to trim the ends. Make sure when you add the next strip that you have them overlapping to create a scale-like appearance. Continue to add the zigzag strips, using a gradual blend of colors.

Step 8:

Completely cover the pendant with the zigzag scales. Take the acrylic block, set it on top of the pendant, gently press, to even up the face of the pendant.

Step 9:

Place a piece of Plastic Wrap on top of the pendant, use you shape cutter to re-cut all the raw edges. Now your pendant is complete and ready to bake.

Step 10:

Place the pendant on a tile for baking. Bake the pendant according to the clay package directions. You may finish your pendant with a coat of resin.