Preheat oven to 275 °F. Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. Condition all clay by kneading until it’s soft and smooth or running it through the Clay Conditioning Machine for several passes on the widest setting. Fold the clay in half after each pass and insert the fold side into the rollers first.

Show students pictures of Inca masks – the internet is a great resource! Discuss with students why the masks were made and what they were used for. Discuss design elements seen in the work – patterns, shapes, colors.

Have students draw a sketch of their mask.

Let students decide what the base color of their mask will be from the Premo! Sculpey Metallic and Pearl collection.

Give each student a piece of aluminum foil and have them write their name on the foil with permanent marker.

Use Black clay to add details. Coils work great.

Use a pencil point or toothpick to engrave details.

Bake as directed. Each project may be baked right on the aluminum foil it was made on.

This project has many variations. With more clay students can make a life-size mask. With less clay, students can make a smaller version then turn their mask into a magnet, necklace or pin. This project may be made with Original Sculpey (more economical) and painted with acrylics after baking.