Silly Millies
Layl McDill began working in polymer clay in 1993. Through the years, she has developed a millefiori process by which she first creates an illustration and then builds it into a colored polymer clay cane.
When the colorful clay image is complete, it is about the size of a paint can. The cane is then stretched out until everything is about the diameter of a quarter. Layl calls her millefiori canes Silly Millies.
What Are Silly Millies
Silly Millies are slice and bake polymer clay millefiori canes. A picture extends all the way through the cylinder of clay called a cane. The canes bake in a regular home oven at 275 degrees and can be sliced to make beads, buttons, magnets, or to cover glass jars, knobs, pens, ornaments, frames, jewelry etc. Large Silly Millies are 2 inches long and the diameter of a quarter. Small Silly Millies are 2 inches long and the diameter of a dime.
If you don't want to bake them for yourself, you can also purchase pre-made beads, buttons, magnets and pins. And, if you don't see something you are looking for, just contact layl@claysquared.com and ask her to customize one for you.
Basic Instructions
- Heat oven to 275 degrees
Use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven doesn’t run too hot. Harmful fumes are produced when the clay bakes at over 300 degrees. - Slice with a thin blade
Use a utility knife blade, scraper blade or x-acto blade. Thick slices for beads (about 1/4 inch), thinner for buttons or other projects. - For beads or buttons
Poke hole through the wide/face part of the clay with a toothpick before baking. - For bracelet beads
Poke hole through the thin/side of the clay (not through the picture) with a toothpick before baking. - Bake for 30 minutes
- Let cool
- Wash your hands after use
Subscribe to Layl McDill's YouTube channel
It's chock-full of project ideas, and processes on everything Silly Milly.
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