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.

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.