Step-by-Step Mitten Earrings Instructions

STEP 1 – MITTEN CUFF: Begin by dusting the mitten cavity on the Katy Sue Knitted Sweater, Hat & Mittens Mould with cornflour and tap out any excess, or lightly brush with vegetable fat such as Trex. 

Select a small portion of white Hearty Clay (if using a Flower Pro Size Guide, this is a number 4 size ball). Place the white clay into the mitten cuff cavity on the Katy Sue Knitted Sweater, Hat & Mittens Mould and press in with your finger or use a Dresden Tool – this tool helps positioning and shaping the clay to achieve a snug fit.

STEP 2 – MITTEN HAND: Now, take a portion of red Hearty Clay, (number 7 ball if using a Size Guide) and add it to the remaining part of the mould cavity where the mitten's thumb and fingers are formed. Similar to the white clay, you can employ the Dresden tool to aid in shaping and smoothing the red clay. The goal here is to ensure a precise fit within the mould's cavity, creating a defined distinction between the red and white sections of the mitten.

TOP TIP: For an extra touch of texture, consider this pro tip: Craft two additional white mitten shapes using Hearty Clay. Allow them to dry thoroughly. Once dry, these will serve as textures for the back of each mitten earring. When you have the main mitten shape within the mould, gently press one of the previously dried white mittens onto the back of the mitten within the mould to transfer the texture. By incorporating this additional texture, you'll achieve a more realistic finish for your mitten earrings.

STEP 3 – REMOVE FROM MOULD: Flex the mould to release the clay mitten.

Repeat the process with the opposite mitten then leave both to dry.

STEP 4 – PAINTING: Using a paintbrush, dust the clay mittens with red powder colour (such as Rainbow Dust), ensuring an even and vibrant colour. Once you've achieved the desired red hue, it's time to set the paint. Hold a can of satin glaze or hairspray approximately 10cm away from the painted mittens and give them a light spray. This helps fix the paint in place. Allow the mittens to dry while you prepare the assembly.

STEP 5 – ASSEMBLY: Now, let's gather the components for assembling the earrings. You'll need two mini hypoallergenic steel bases. Inside the cavity of each base, add a small amount of PVA glue and attach a tiny ball of red clay to create a secure foundation within the steel base.

If desired, thread a pearl onto a wire and attach to the base hook.

Apply a layer of PVA glue over the red clay base you've created and then affix the base to the back of the mitten. This serves as the support for attaching the earring hooks.

Repeat with the other mitten.

Lastly, attach the earring hooks to the bases.