Halloween "Beware" Sign

step 1

Getting Started Polymer clay may stain. CLAY MAY DAMAGE UNPROTECTED FURNITURE OR FINISHED SURFACES. DO NOT USE polymer clay on unprotected surfaces. We recommend working on the Sculpey clay mat, wax paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Start with clean hands and work surface area. 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 ¼" (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 by 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.

step 2

Paint the pine board with the Key Lime Pie acrylic paint and allow it to dry, then put on a coat of the Dioxazine Purple and wipe it this layer with a paper towel before it dries. This gives a weathered look.

step 3

Create the letters from the Souffle Pumpkin, Just Orange and Sweet Potato and lightly mixed together. Twist the lightly mixed colors into a rope to resemble worms and create each letter.

step 4

To create the pumpkins, roll a ball of the Just Orange Clay and cut the ball in half with the Super Slicer.

step 5

Add a stem and some leaves and then score the pumpkin with a toothpick.

step 6

To create the larger leaves and vines use the Leaf Green and Granny Smith. Begin with a ball of clay and flatten it, then pinch one end to a point curling slightly and add veining with a toothpick.

step 7

Once the design is in place, carefully apply TLS to the back of each piece to help adhere the clay to the wood. The TLS will bond the clay to the wood when it bakes.

step 8

For the spiders- Roll out one large ball of black clay about 1 " in diameter and one smaller for the head. Roll four skinny snakes for legs. These can be as long as you want.

step 9

Press the head onto the body using a small piece of toothpick pressed into both balls to help support the head on the body.

step 10

Add legs to the bottom part of the body. Curl the legs upward towards the "belly" of the spider. Add small dots of Sculpey III Red Hot Red to create eyes. Position the spider around one of the pumpkins as shown.

step 11

To make the cat, take one ball of black clay about 1 1/4" in diameter and one smaller ball for the head. Press the head onto the body. Make a fat snake for the tail and texture it with a toothpick. Make another snake for the arm and texture it. Make two ball of black for ears and flatten. Bring one end to a point. The whiskers are tiny rolled snakes. Make the eyes from white with a tiny ball of red. If you wish, add a tiny bit of silver mica powder to the cat to make the textures stand out. (You can use a small paintbrush for this.) Cut off some of the bulk of the cat from the side and press onto the board adhering with TLS. You will only see one side of the cat.

step 12

Bake according to the directions provided above. If you wish, you can apply some Sculpey Gloss Glaze to the spider to make him extra creepy!

step 13

Use black ribbon to create the hanger, tying bows on the back of the board. Add a couple drops of E6000 to secure them to the back of the board. Your Halloween plaque is ready to enjoy!