Tip: Always begin with lightest colors first; washing hands before working with a new color. This will help prevent trace bits of color on
hands from corrupting lighter colors.
Cover work surface with parchment paper. Corners can be taped down to hold in place.
Step 1
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Preheat oven to 265ºF (130ºC). Knead White, then Cherry Red FIMO® Soft polymer clay to condition then roll through pasta
machine set at thickest setting to create separate sheets of clay. From each sheet cut a 4" x 6" rectangle. Cut the rectangle from
corner to corner to create two triangle shaped pieces of each color.
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Make a Skinner Blend
Step 2
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Using one triangle of each color, place the pieces side by side to create a new rectangle (see diagram at the end of the instructions for reference). Roll
lightly with PolyRoller™ to join at seam. Fold top half over bottom half, keeping White edge on one side and Cherry Red edge
on the opposite side. Pinch together lightly with fingers then pass through pasta machine with folded edge inserted first. Repeat
this process about 20 times. When finished, color will fade from Cherry Red to White with graduating blended shades of the two
colors at center.
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Rolled Beads
Step 3
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Using smallest triangle shape on template found in AMACO® Bead Making Tool Set, position widest end of the triangle template on lightest
edge of the Skinner Blend and cut two pieces for beads shown closest to pendant. Reverse template to cut third triangle, with darker
edge of clay now on widest end of triangle. This adds a slightly different variation of the same bead style when finished.
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Step 4
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Beginning at widest end, roll triangles around large mandrel from Bead Making Tool Set and set aside.
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Step 5
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Make another Skinner Blend using remaining White and Cherry Red triangles. Beginning on darkest (Cherry Red) end of sheet; roll clay
to opposite (White) end. Roll lightly with palms to join the rolled layers. Cut excess clay at ends then set the “jelly roll” style cane aside.
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Pendant
Step 6
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Knead Black clay and roll through pasta machine set on thickest setting making a clay sheet. Cut sheet in half. Stack one half on top of
the other then roll lightly to remove any air pockets. Repeat once more, creating a level sheet of clay that is approximately 5/16" thick.
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Step 7
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Place the thick clay sheet onto an index card then use AMACO® Flexible PolyBlade to cut curved side edges of the oblong pendant creating
a piece approximately 1½" wide x 2¾" long. Wash hands to remove any residue from the Black clay before continuing.
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Polka Dots
Step 8
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Referring to photo, cut thin slices of the jellyroll cane and place them randomly on all sides of the black clay pendant. To unify the overall
finished appearance, wrap some dots around outer edges to sides and back of pendant. The jellyroll can be reduced in size to create
smaller “polka dots” by rolling with palms on a flat surface. For best results, cut slices as you go to create a variety of dot sizes, giving
depth to your finished piece. Once all dots are in place, roll lightly with PolyRoller™ to smooth.
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Step 9
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Carefully insert wooden skewer through pendant, twisting with fingers as you gently work it through the thick clay to create hole for stringing
onto necklace. Remove skewer and use pointed end to smooth openings on both sides of pendent, rounding them slightly. Replace skewer
back through prepared hole leaving it in place during baking to hold hole shape. Place back onto index card or card stock for baking.
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Step 10
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Make a tiny ball of black clay and press with finger onto point at center of each rolled bead from steps 3 and 4. Cut a slice of the reduced
jellyroll and press at center of the black clay referring to photo as a guide.
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Step 11
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Suspend beads during baking by placing mandrel onto AMACO® Professional Bead Baking Rack. If Bead Baking Rack is unavailable, you
can also elevate beads by resting the mandrel on small balls of either scrap FIMO® polymer clay or aluminum foil.
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Step 12
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Bake for 40 minutes in preheated AMACO® Polymer Clay & Craft Oven or home oven set at 265ºF (130ºC). Remove from oven with hot
pad and let cool. Remove mandrel and wooden skewer.
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Step 13
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Use wet sand paper found in Bead Making Tools set to sand any shiny portions on back side of pendant. Wipe with a damp cloth to
remove dust. Refer to photo to string pendant to center of the rubber tubing necklace length. Tie an overhand knot on each side of pendant
to hold in place.
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Step 14
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String the two matching rolled beads onto opposite sides of the pendant. Mix 2-part epoxy as directed by manufacturer. Use toothpick
to apply directly onto tubing 1¼" from each side of pendant. Slide the rolled beads over epoxy; adhering them onto the tubing to hold
position. Trim tubing ends to make even (if needed). Apply epoxy to each end then insert into opposite sides of remaining rolled bead
to finish necklace. Lay flat until completely set.
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Polka Dot Pendant
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