DIY Polymer Clay Earrings with Napkin Transfer: A Stunning Spring Look

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate the vibrant season than with a pair of dazzling, handmade earrings? This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating stunning polymer clay earrings featuring a unique napkin transfer technique. Forget expensive jewelry stores – you can craft beautiful, personalized pieces at home, using readily available materials and simple techniques. The delicate floral patterns and pastel colours achievable through napkin transfer are perfectly suited to the fresh energy of spring, adding a touch of handmade charm to any outfit. This is a perfect project for both beginners and experienced crafters alike, allowing for endless customization and creative expression.

Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to achieve professional-looking results! From selecting your favourite napkin design to baking the finished earrings, we'll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step process to create your own breathtaking spring-inspired DIY polymer clay earrings.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Polymer clay
  • Napkin (2-ply, floral print)
  • Cutters
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Bowl of cool water
  • Washcloth
  • Sealer (poly acrylic, resin, or Sculpey glaze)
  • Jump rings
  • Earring posts/glue (Loctite 60 second glue or Sculpey Bake & Bond)
  • Clay conditioning tools
Safety Guidelines
  • Polymer clay needs to be baked according to the manufacturer's instructions to harden properly. Improper baking can result in brittle or soft earrings.
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area, as some polymer clays and transfer mediums may release fumes during baking.
  • Avoid touching the hot clay or earrings immediately after baking. Use oven mitts to remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before handling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Clay

    • Condition your polymer clay.
    • Cut out earring shapes from your base clay.
    Cut out earring shapes from your base clay.Cut out earring shapes from your base clay.
    Prepare the Clay

  2. Prepare the Napkin Design

    • Separate the top layer of your napkin and trace around the cutters, positioning them over the desired floral designs.
    • Carefully cut out the traced napkin pieces, ensuring no ink remains on the napkin.
    Carefully cut out the traced napkin pieces, ensuring no ink remains on the napkin.Carefully cut out the traced napkin pieces, ensuring no ink remains on the napkin.
    Prepare the Napkin Design

  3. Transfer the Design

    • Place the printed side of the napkin pieces down onto the clay, then gently rub them onto the surface using a piece of parchment paper. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent misshaping.
    Place the printed side of the napkin pieces down onto the clay, then gently rub them onto the surface using a piece of parchment paper. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent misshaping.
    Transfer the Design

  4. Prepare for Baking

    • Optionally, punch holes for jump rings before baking.
    Optionally, punch holes for jump rings before baking.
    Prepare for Baking

  5. Bake the Clay

    • Bake the clay pieces in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) on a piece of cardstock on a cookie sheet (with another cookie sheet on the top rack for protection).
    Bake the clay pieces in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) on a piece of cardstock on a cookie sheet (with another cookie sheet on the top rack for protection).
    Bake the Clay

  6. Remove the Napkin

    • Once baked and cooled, soak the pieces in a bowl of cool water to loosen the napkin.
    • Gently rub the softened napkin off the clay using a washcloth.
    Gently rub the softened napkin off the clay using a washcloth.Gently rub the softened napkin off the clay using a washcloth.
    Remove the Napkin

  7. Finish and Seal

    • Seal the clay pieces with a water-based poly acrylic, resin, or Sculpey gloss glaze.
    Seal the clay pieces with a water-based poly acrylic, resin, or Sculpey gloss glaze.
    Finish and Seal

  8. Attach Findings

    • Attach earring posts or clips using glue (Loctite 60 second glue or Sculpey Bake & Bond).
    Attach earring posts or clips using glue (Loctite 60 second glue or Sculpey Bake & Bond).
    Attach Findings

Read more: Twisted Wire Spiral Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Conditioning your clay ensures it's pliable and easy to work with.
  • Go slowly when cutting out the napkin pieces to prevent leaving ink on the clay.
  • Avoid pressing too hard when adhering the napkin to prevent misshaping the clay.
  • Soaking the baked clay in water before removing the napkin prevents discoloration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Napkin Transfer

Reason: Insufficient Mod Podge or improper smoothing can lead to wrinkles, bubbles, or incomplete transfer of the napkin image.
Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge, carefully smooth out any air bubbles, and let it dry completely before adding more layers.

2. Clay Cracking During Baking

Reason: Over-baking, baking at too high a temperature, or using too thick a layer of clay can cause cracking.
Solution: Follow the recommended baking temperature and time for your clay type, and ensure your clay is rolled thinly and evenly.

3. Faded or Blurred Image

Reason: Using too much water when applying the napkin or baking at too high a temperature can cause the colors to run or fade.
Solution: Use a damp, not soaking wet, sponge to apply the napkin, and stick to the recommended baking temperature and time for your clay.

FAQs

What kind of polymer clay is best for napkin transfer?
Sculpey III or Premo Sculpey are excellent choices due to their durability and ability to accept the napkin transfer effectively. Avoid softer clays as they may not hold the detail well.
Can I use any kind of napkin for the transfer?
It's best to use paper napkins with a sharp, clearly printed design. Avoid napkins with a heavily textured or embossed surface as the transfer might be blurry. The ink on the napkin needs to be fairly vibrant to transfer well.
How do I prevent the napkin transfer from cracking after baking?
Ensure you apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge or a similar sealant to the transferred design. This protects the image and helps prevent cracking during baking and over time. Also make sure to cure the clay completely as per the clay manufacturer's instructions.