Spiral Pen and Holder - Sculpey Clay Projects

The Spiral Pen and Pen Holder

Some Basic Information:

Sculpey III should be conditioned before using. To condition, roll and squeeze each color in your hands until the clay becomes soft and pliable and an even consistency.

It's important to bake projects for the right amount of time and at the right temperature. Once your project is complete, follow these baking instructions for each type of clay:

Sculpey III pens bake in your home oven for 15 minutes at 225 Degrees F (130 Degrees C).

Line your baking sheets with aluminum foil or index cards when using them to cure (bake) polymer clay projects.

Always assist children during the baking process and never touch a clay project until it is completely cool. You should use an oven thermometer to make sure the oven temperature is accurate. Overheating polymer clay can cause it to become discolored.

Good working surfaces include a large piece of glass, wax paper, marble, or an old baking sheet. It is important that you not place unbaked polymer clay on any furniture, carpet or fabric surfaces. Do not use everyday cooking utensils with clay if you are going to continue using them for preparing food.

What you'll need:

2 contrasting colors of Sculpey III (two ounce packages)
Disposable round style stick pen (BIC)
Needle nose pliers
Knife - have a grownup help you when using sharp objects.
Rolling Pin

Instructions:

Refer to photo for extra help

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the Bic pen with the needle nose pliers and set it aside.

2. Roll out 1 sheet of each color, about 1/16" to 1/8" thickness. Place one sheet on top of the other. Starting at one end roll the clay together jelly roll style. You will now have a long coil of clay.

3. Gently roll the coil on your work surface so the coil is about 3/8" wide. You may want to place the coil in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to make it easier to slice it, 'cause that's the next step.

4. With the help of a grown up slice the coil (referred to as a cane) into thin slices with a sharp knife. Save extra slices for covering the pen holder (directions below).

5. Cover the pen all over with the slices you have made. Cool, huh?

6. Gently roll the pen back and forth on your work surface. Don't roll too much, just until the clay is flat. Over-rolling may cause the clay to pull away from the pen.

7. Trim the ends of the pen case and use one slice to cover the end of the pen. Blend it in.

8. Bake at 225 Degrees F (130Degrees C) for 15 minutes. Always check the accuracy of the oven by using an oven thermometer. Use a timer to avoid over baking. Over baking may cause your clay covered pen to darken. Use an oven-proof baking dish lined with index cards. Do not exceed the temperature or baking time so you do not melt the pen. Do not handle the pen until it is completely cooled. Replace the ink cartridge when cool. To push it in completely, press the ink tip into a layer of something soft and stand the pen up. Press the clay cover pen case down onto the ink cartridge.

The Pen Holder

1. Shape a piece of aluminum foil to resemble the shape of the pen holder in the photo.

2. Cover the aluminum foil with a very thin layer of clay so that it is the shape you want. Cover the pen holder with slices of the jelly roll.

3. Push your cooled pen into the base, so it will fit in after the base is baked.

4. Bake the base at 275Degree F (130 Degrees C) for 10 minutes. Always check the accuracy of the oven by using an oven thermometer. Use a timer to avoid over baking. Over baking may cause your pen holder to darken. Use an oven-proof baking dish lined with index cards.