Sculpey® III Gingerbread Man Ornament

Getting Started:

Please make sure your work area is covered and you are not working on an unprotected surface. We recommend working on the Sculpey® Oven-Safe Work Mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Uncured clay may damage unprotected furniture or finished surfaces. Be sure to cover your crafting area appropriately.

Start with clean hands, unwrap and knead clay until soft and smooth, or condition by running clay though a Pasta Machine. We recommend using a designated machine for clay purposes only. When working with multiple colors, clean hands with soap and water or baby wipes (we have found that baby wipes work best) before switching colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces firmly together. Wash hands after use.

Baking:

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake clay on an oven-proof surface such metal, aluminum foil, an index card or the Sculpey® Clay Mat at 275°F (130 °C) for 20 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking; however please note that the baking times may take longer as the glass or ceramic surfaces take longer to heat up. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME.

Chocolate: Shape one 7/8-inch ball into a flattened drop for the body. Shape one 1/2-inch flattened ball for a head. Shape two 5/8-inch balls into flat clubs for the legs. Then shape two 1/2-inch ball into arms.

Black: Make two tiny balls for the eyes.

White: Make one small ball for the pompom and two very small balls for the eyes. Make one long snake for the icing on the feet and the arms.

Sky Blue: Shape one 5/8-inch ball into a flat triangle. Fold up the bottom to create the rim of the hat. Roll out some clay and cut two strips for the scarf.

Red Hot Red and White: Make one red and one white snake, twist together for the candy cane and the buttons. Mix some red and white to make pink then make a very small oval for the nose.

Attach the "icing" to the legs and the arms and press them to the body. Press the head to the body and using a toothpick draw a mouth. Attach the nose, eyes, and hat to the head. Add the white pompom to the hat. Using the toothpick draw lines into the hat rim and attach the buttons and candy cane. Attach the scarf by first attaching the smaller blue strip where the head and body meet. Then fold the longer blue strip to look like an upside down v. Use the knife to fringe the bottom of both ends and then attach the upside down v to the other strip of blue. Insert the eye pin into the top of the hat.

Bake as directed above in Step 1. Allow to cool and add the blue ribbon to hang your ornament. Enjoy the holidays!