Bake Shop: From Dollar to Designer

Polymer Clay

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® Work ‘n Bake Clay 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 15 minutes per ¼" (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.

Condition White clay and roll it out on a #3 setting of your pasta machine or roll it into a flat sheet using the Sculpey acrylic roller. Cut out the circle using the a circle cutter. Stamp your Happy Birthday sentiment near the bottom of the circle. Allow the ink to dry – about 15 to 20 minutes.

Using the plastic ruler with the holes and the largest Etch and Pearl create a pattern of dots around the Happy Birthday.

Create the candles by conditioning 2 colors of clay of your choice. Roll a thin coil of each color.

Twist the two colors together and roll into a smooth coil. Trim to a size that fits your circle, leaving room for the candle flames. Break the toothpicks into 1” pieces. Push a toothpick piece into the end of the candle.

Create the flames - Condition the Orange and Yellow clay. Create a small teardrop shape for each flame. Create a smaller flatter teardrop shape from the Yellow clay. Press the smaller, flatter Yellow teardrop shape on the Orange teardrop.

Push the flames onto the toothpicks on the ends of the candles

Firmly (but not so to distort)press the candles on the stamped circle of stamped White clay. Bake as directed. Allow to cool.

If desired back with scrapbbook paper that coordinates with completed circle. Using strong white craft glue attach embellishment to bag or box. If you are creating a box cover the box with wrapping paper or a thinner weight scrapbook paper.