Sutton Slice Tutorial - by Cat Carmady

In our first Tuesday Tutorial I’m demonstrating a technique known as the Sutton Slice. This 3 dimensional polymer clay technique was developed around 20 years ago by polymer clay artist Lisa Pavelka. 

The Sutton Slice is one of those techniques that is simple in theory, but can be tricky to do well. But it's worth learning, because the result is a beautiful two-toned embossed pattern... Let's Dive In! 

 1. Gather Your Materials:

• Polymer clay in at least two colours 
  
• Sculpey Lace Silicone Mat
• Clay roller or pasta machine
• Tissue blade
• Clay Cutters 
• Earring findings (hooks, studs, etc.)
• Baking tray and oven

2. Prepare Your Clay:

• Condition your clay by kneading it until it’s soft and pliable.
• Roll out the base colour into a approx 3mm thin, uniform slab using a clay roller or pasta machine.

3. Create Your Design:

• Press the secondary clay colour into the grooves and patterns in the silicone mat. 
• Take your time to make sure the clay works into the pattern to the full depth of the debossed grooves. 
  

4. Slice and Arrange:

• Holding your tissue blade parallel to the mat, carefully slice away the excess clay that remains above the debossed areas of the silicone mat. 
• Refill and repeat step 3 & 4 until you've filled all the patterned areas. 

5. Combine 

• Press the mat onto the first clay slab, and use your acrylic roller to press firmly

6. Reveal and Cut

• Gently pull the mat away from one corner to reveal the raised or embossed design. 
• You can now use your clay cutters to cut your earring shapes from the decorated slab.

7. Bake and Finish

• Transfer your clay creations onto a baking tray or tile and follow the baking instructions for your specific type of polymer clay.
• Once baked and cooled, sand your components and attach earring findings to your polymer clay pieces using adhesive or by drilling holes for jump rings to connect.

Enjoy my video tutorial.

For more information about getting started with polymer clay, please take a look at our Beginners Kits which come with a FREE comprehensive beginners course. 

xxx Cat 

Sutton Slice Tutorial - by Cat Carmady April 2024