We think you KNEAD to do this fun fall project! Polymer clay is a really cool medium to work with. It’s a modeling clay made from vinyl so it stays soft and doesn’t dry out. These adorable fall-inspired earrings are on trend and completely customizable. Be sure to make extras for your gal pals. These make a really thoughtful gift for a teacher or healthcare worker in your life! 

Material:

-Polymer Clay in various colors (green, red, orange, and white)
-Earring Backs (either posts, hooks, or hoops)
-Jump Rings
-Parchment Paper or Foil
-Acrylic Rolling Pin
-Stencil or Cookie Cutter
-Toothpick or X-Acto Knife
-Flat Baking Sheet
-Pliers

Step 1: With the acrylic rolling pin, start by rolling out a “slab” which is the base of the earring.

Step 2: Roll out three colors for the design of the Autumn leaves.

Step 3: Cut out leaf shapes with an X-Acto knife or toothpick and place them all around the slab.

Step 4: Next, roll the leaves into the slab until it is smooth and blended.

Tip: use parchment paper on top of the slab so the clay doesn’t stick to the rolling pin.

Step 5: Add texture to the leaves and the negative spaces to make a more interesting design. You can add squiggles, dots, lines, etc.

Step 6: Once you are satisfied with the design and textures you can cut out the shape of the earrings. We used a cookie cutter to make circles, but you can also make a stencil from paper and cut it out with an X-Acto knife.

Step 7: Puncture holes into the top of the earrings or wherever you will be adding jump rings. Then, bake the earrings on parchment paper for 20 minutes at 275°F.

Step 8: Allow earrings to cool. Sand the edges for a smooth, clean look.

Step 9: Next, open the jump ring by using the pliers to pry it open. Connect the two pieces of the earrings together and tighten the jump ring.

Step 10: Open another jump ring and connect the hook to the earring and tighten it. You are done! Enjoy your new Autumn earrings!

If this craft left you inspired, visit our DIY blog for dozens of free tutorials.