Polymer Clay Rose - Part 2

This is where I left off on my rose making venture.

The rose is still unbaked and I used a head pin to make the hole.

I decided where I wanted the hole to be. I wanted the rose to be in the best direction for the finished product. There isn't a right or wrong, it's just personal preference. Then I just inserted the head pin. I removed the pin before baking.

This is a reference picture to show the actual size of the roses.

I used Sculpey for these roses. I baked them according to the directions but they discolored. It didn't seem to matter in the end.

Once baked, I sanded the backs of the roses to make them flat and smooth.

Then I painted the roses using regular acrylic craft paint and a well loved paint brush. It took several coats to get the effect I wanted. Plus, I kept finding spots in the crevices where I had missed.

Once I was satisfied with the color, I let them dry completely. Then I sprayed them with a clear coat to protect them and make them shiny.

I know there are polymer clay artists that are cringing right now - lol. I am sure there are paints and clear coats that are made for polymer clay. However, I just used what I already had.

Polymer Clay Rose Tutorial Part 1

I have never made anything with polymer clay but decided it was time to try. I wanted to hand sculpt roses to use as necklace pendants. I think they would also look great on boxes, picture frames, etc. So...this is my first clay project.

I kneaded the clay until it was soft and easy to work with. Then I rolled a chunk of it into a ball.

I rolled the ball into a long rope.

I tore 7 sections off of the rope. I don't think they have to be the exact same size.

I rolled the 7 sections into little balls.

Then I just used my fingers to flatten each ball.


You need the rose center to start. I just rolled one of the sections around itself.



Then I started adding the petals. I added each new petal in the gap where the last petal ended.


Keep adding the petals.

And adding.



Each time I added a petal, I curled the top a little to the back of the petal.

It's starting to look like a rose :)

Almost done.

And here it is. A little clay rose.

In order to get rid of the excess clay under the rose, I just rolled it between my fingers. It will get long and thin.

I rolled it as thin as i wanted and then sliced it off with a craft knife.

And this is the completed rose. You can stick a tooth pick or wire through the rose to make a hole for jewelry making. Make sure you make the hole before baking.

It was so much fun, I had to make more. Each one will be completely different.

You can either paint the rose after baking or you can just buy the clay in a rose color.

What do you think?

I know I need a lot more practice but I think they turned out pretty good for a newbie.