Faux Gilded Polymer Clay Seashells

Faux Gilded Seashells by Cynthia Gougian

Materials List:

· Makin’s Clay® 60G White, Brown

· Makin’s® Push Mold Seashells

· Wire Ferrule, Cocktail Straw, or Toothpick

· 400 grit sandpaper

· Gold Craft Paint

· Water Based Glossy Sealer/Varnish

· 8 mm Jump Rings

· 4 mm Jump Rings

· Chain Nose Pliers, and Flat Nose Pliers

· Necklace Cord, or Chain

· Earwires

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin with a 1 ½” ball of white clay, and a ¾ “ball of brown clay.

Step 2: Roll the ball into logs of approximately the same length.

Step 3: Twist the logs together.

Step 4: Fold the twisted log and half and twist it again.

Step 5: Roll the log out again.

Step 6: Repeat Steps 4-5, until the clay becomes marbled.

Step 7: Dust the seashell mold with cornstarch or powder.

Step 8: Place a ball of the marbled clay into the mold. Press it into the mold firmly.

Step 9: Turn the mold over to make sure there are no air bubbles, or gaps between the clay and the mold.

Step 10: Repeat this process to make smaller shells for earrings. Or, you can make several different types of shells.

Step 11: Use a wire ferrule, a cocktail straw, or a toothpick to create a hole at the top of the shell.

Step 12: Allow the shells to dry thoroughly. The shells are thick. So, drying will take at least 24 hours, more if you are in a humid environment.

Step 13: When the shells are thoroughly dry, sand the bottoms smooth with 400 grit sandpaper.

Step 14: Paint the bottoms of the shells with gold craft paint.

Step 15: When the backs of the shells have dried. Paint the sides of the shells with the gold paint.

Step 16: Add more gold stripes. Be careful not to cover up too much of the shells. Don’t try to create perfect stripes. Irregular stripes look more authentic.

Step 17: When the gold paint has thoroughly dried, seal the shells with a water-based gloss varnish of your choice. Apply at least two coats, allowing the sealer to dry thoroughly between coats.