Do not use unbaked clay on unprotected furniture or finished surfaces.  Start with clean hands and work surface area. Good work surfaces include wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean your hands in between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly.  Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275 °F (130 °C) for 15 minutes per 1/4” (6 mm) thickness.  For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. DO NOT USE MICROWAVE OVEN. DO NOT EXCEED THE ABOVE TEMPERATURE OR RECOMMENDED BAKING TIME. Wash hands after use.  Baking should be completed by an adult.

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay. For best results, condition all clay before using. 

Using the acrylic roller, roll out a thin sheet of clay. Place the light switch cover on top of the sheet. Using the craft knife, trace around the edge of the switch place leaving a little bit of clay to overhang (this will ensure that there is enough clay to wrap around the sides of the plate). Next, cut out the center switch opening. Use the pointed tip on the tool to press through the screw holes.   

To make the Tree, create:  

·         A flattened log, flatten out the bottom so it’s a little wider than the rest.

·         A long thin snake. Cut it into different lengths to form the limbs.

·         Several small flattened teardrops for the leaves.

·         To assemble (after painting)- press the limbs together in a pattern you like and attach to the trunk. Attach the leaves randomly on the limbs. 

To make the Flowers, create:  

·         Flower 1- Make seven small tear drops shapes-five for the petals and two for the leaves. Make one small ball for the middle of the petals and one snake for the stem.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the petals around the ball. Attached the leaves to the stem and the stem to the bottom of the flower.

·         Flower 2- Make one flattened oval and cut into the top to make a tulip shape. Make one snake for the stem and two thin tapered logs for the leaves.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the tulip petal to the stem and then attach the leaves. 

To make the Caterpillar, create:

·         Five small balls, make one slightly larger for the head and the rest for the body.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the smaller balls to the head.

To make the Owl, create:

·         One flattened circle and cut out a half moon shape from the top to create the shape the ears.

·         One flat circle and cut in half to create the tummy. Texture with the tip of the knife.

·         Two flat drops for the wings. Texture with the tip of the knife.

·         One small cone for the beak.

·         Four flattened circles for the eyes. Make two of them slightly smaller.

·         Two small ovals for the feet cut two lines into them.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the tummy to the center of the body and the wings to the sides. Attach the eyes and beak to the face and glue the feet under the body.

To make the Butterfly, create:

·         One thin log for the body.

·          Four flattened tear drops for the wings.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the wings to the body. 

To make the Bird, create

·         Two flattened tear drop shapes-one large and one small.  Gently curve the larger one at the pointed end to form the body. The small one will be used for the wing. Texture the wing with the tip of the knife.

·         One tiny ball for the eye.

·         One tiny cone shape for the beak.

·         Make one small oval for the foot, press two lines into it.

·         To assemble (after painting): Attach the wing to the body. Attach the eye and beak to the face and glue the foot under the body.

To make the Name, create:

·         Roll out a snake of clay and cut appropriate pieces for the name.

·         Bake the pieces according the manufacturer’s instructions and let cool.

·         Use acrylic paint to paint all the pieces and let dry.

·         Use the clear fast dry glue to assemble the pieces. Once all of your creatures and shapes are dry you can then glue them to the switch plate.