Simple Polymer Clay Earrings Using One Cutter

👋 Getting Started with Simple Polymer Clay Earrings

If you want to make polymer clay dangle earrings using just one cutter, this step-by-step guide is for you.

You don’t need a bunch of fancy shapes or tools to get started. I used to think I had to collect every cutter style out there—until I realized that simple is better, especially when you know how to add texture and finish your earrings cleanly.

This tutorial walks you through everything I did in my video—from conditioning clay all the way to gluing and finishing.

 🧰 Tools & Supplies You’ll Need

💡 Want the full supply checklist? [Download the printable tools & supplies guide here.]

Here’s what I used:

Polymer Clay: Sculpey Primo in Mustard and Navy
Clay Roller or Acrylic Roller
Pasta Machine (Atlas 150)
Clay Softener (optional)
Texture Rollers (Concrete + Stripe)
Ceramic Tiles (one large for working, one small for baking)
Tissue Blade + X-Acto Knife
Cutter: Basic shape
Loctite Super Glue
UV Resin (J Diction Hard Type)
UV Lamp
Dremel with Felt Buffing Tip
Earring Posts & Jump Rings
Pure Acetone + Q-tips
Isopropyl Alcohol + Paper Towels
Mouse Pad (for drilling holes)

✅ Step 1: Condition Your Clay

Start with your mustard Sculpey Premo. Always clean your roller and surface with alcohol before conditioning—it keeps lint and leftover colors from mixing in.

Roll the clay out a few times with your roller.
Fold and roll several times to gauge softness.
Run through your pasta machine to fully condition it.
Repeat with your navy clay. Add a drop of clay softener if needed.

💡 Tip: Warm clay in your hands if it’s too cold or stiff (especially if you work in a chilly garage or studio).

🎨 Step 2: Texture Your Slabs

Once conditioned, roll your clay slabs out on a ceramic tile.

Use a concrete texture roller on the mustard slab.
Use a stripe roller on the navy slab.
Apply even pressure for consistent texture.

✂️ Step 3: Cut Your Shapes

Use a simple cutter shape for all the pieces.

Here’s how to avoid stuck cutters:

1. Press halfway in.
2. Pull out slightly.
3. Then press all the way down and wiggle gently before lifting.

Leave the shapes on the tile—you’ll bake them right on it.

🔥 Step 4: Bake Your Clay

Preheat your clay oven to 275°F.
Place foil loosely over the pieces to prevent browning (don’t let it touch the clay).
Bake for 30 minutes.

When done, let the tile cool before handling.

🧽 Step 5: Clean & Sand the Pieces

Use a tissue blade to lift your pieces off the tile.
Use an X-Acto knife to clean the inner edges.
Use your Dremel with a felt tip to gently smooth the edges.

Spray with alcohol and wipe to remove dust and fingerprints.

🧪 Step 6: Glue & Finish the Backs

Use Loctite Super Glue to attach earring posts—just above the center of the top piece for better hang.  Let dry for a few minutes.

Then apply UV resin to the back:

Use a squeeze bottle with a precision tip.
Spread it out with a silicone tool or toothpick.
Cure under a UV lamp for 3–5 minutes.

If shiny spots remain, use acetone + Q-tip to remove the excess shine and get a clean, matte back.

🔩 Step 7: Drill Holes & Assemble

Place your earrings on a soft surface like a mouse pad.
Use a Dremel drill bit to make holes at the top.
Use jump rings to attach the top and bottom pieces.

Clean your space with alcohol when you’re done—and enjoy your new earrings!

🌟 Final Thoughts

You really don’t need fancy tools to make beautiful polymer clay earrings. Just one good cutter, some color, and a little texture can go a long way.

This tutorial is beginner-friendly and perfect for experimenting with shape, texture, and clean finishing.

📎 Want a Printable Checklist?

Download the guide here → Grab my $5 Tools & Supplies Printable Guide—so you always have a reference nearby.