Instructions:

Before starting: Condition the clay by rolling it in your hands or on the work surface until it is smooth and flexible. Try not to overwork the clay, as it will get really soft and hard to use. If this happens just let the clay “rest” and it will firm up again.

1. Mix a pea-sized ball of purple clay into the pearl clay to make lavender pearl. Roll the lavender clay out into a sheet about 1/8” thick. Cut a butterfly shape from the lavender sheet of clay.
2. Pinch off tiny bits of yellow, pink and purple clay. Roll them into balls and cones. Flatten the balls and cones and press these shapes onto the butterfly you cut out in Step 1.
3. Use the length of a toothpick to make a dent lengthwise, centered on the butterfly. Roll a snake of purple clay for the butterfly’s body. Loop it over at one end to make a small loop for stringing the ribbon through later. Press the body in the center of the butterfly where you formed the indentation with the toothpick.
4. Roll thin snakes from each color of clay. Wrap them around the toothpicks to make tiny coiled beads (be careful to wrap neatly but not too tight). Slide the coils carefully off the toothpicks.
5. Place all clay pieces on an oven proof glass surface, and bake at 275ºF for 15 minutes per ¼” thickness, with good ventilation. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. Avoid over baking. Let cool. String clay beads on a length of ribbon. Tie ends of ribbon together to form a necklace.