The human body is an amazing work of art. We have used the female torso to create these whimsical earrings. Pair metal scrapbook brads with a transferred image to add dimension to these lightweight earrings.
STEP 1 Print out the images of torsos onto transfer paper and cut out as close to the lines as possible. Condition the gold clay, and run it through the third thickest setting on your pasta machine.
STEP 2 Lay the torso images face down onto the sheet of clay and burnish gently, making sure there are no air pockets trapped between the paper and clay.
STEP 3 Use the craft knife to cut around the images. Smooth the edges with your finger. Run the images attached to clay under a light stream of water to remove the paper and reveal the images. (See Creating Image Transfers for how to transfer images.) Let dry completely.
STEP 4 Using your needle tool, poke a hole at the top of each torso. Open up your brads and use the wire nippers to cut off the prongs.
STEP 5 Press the brads onto the waist of each torso. You can use the end of a paintbrush to press the brad if you like.
When creating a hole, start by twisting your needle tool on one side of the clay. Then flip the clay over and poke the hole through from the other side, using the same twisting motion. This technique prevents the clay from distorting.
STEP 6 Turn the clay over and paint the back with a thick layer of clear crackle paint. Let dry completely. When dry, use a paintbrush to paint black powdered pigment into the cracks that form.
STEP 7 Bake the clay for 30 minutes and let cool. Add a thin layer of liquid clay to the front of each torso and bake for another 30 minutes.
Attach 1 small jump ring to each ear wire, then attach 1 large jump ring to each of the small jump rings.
STEP 8 Add 1 torso to each of the large jump rings, making sure the image is facing forward. Close the jump rings securely with pliers.
Here fibers and beads create a dressed-up dangling version of these earrings. To recreate this look, poke 5 holes along the bottom of the torso prior to baking, then hang your choice of beads from the holes. The accent at the waist is a Kreinik iron-on 1⁄8" (3mm) braid.