Fake Plugs/Tapers/Stretchers

Perfect to test the look out before you commit :]

Posted by ely.

This is my first tutorial, I hope you like it!

Being 15, my parents aren't crazy about the whole body modding thing, understandably. This is where polymer clay comes in handy...huzzah!

These are great if you aren't allowed to stretch your ears or if you want to see sort of how tapers will look without committing.

Sorry about the bad pictures, my camera is MIA at the moment.

1

First, pick your color/colors. The TOTAL amount of clay you will need for the tapers I'm demonstrating is a little less than the size of a ping pong ball, if that makes any sense.
2

Do any color mixing now, but keep it to a minimum- as you shape the tapers, the colors will continue to blend together more.
3

Divide the clay in half and then divide the halves into about 1/6 and 5/6 pieces. The smaller piece will be the front and the larger will be the long pointy part in the back :]
4

Roll the smaller pieces into balls, then begin to shape into flat cylinders.
5

Now, take the larger clay pieces and roll them into rope shapes. Taper the ends down to a point.
6

Flatten ends down.
7

Insert the earring posts into the flat circles (make sure they are secure!) and the the earring backs into the long pointy parts.
8

Other piece!
9

The process for the square shaped faux-stretchers is basically the same, just with different shapes.
10

Finalize any shaping and then all that's left is to bake per the instructions on your clay! Test out new tapers, feel cool, and enjoy.