Original Sculpey® Sea Turtle

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 (also called Curing):

Begin by preheating oven to 275 °F (130 °C). After you are done creating; for best results bake/cure 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 1/4" (6 mm) thickness according to package directions. Oven safe glass or ceramic surfaces are also acceptable for baking/curing; however please note that the baking/curing 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.

Start with 1/4 bar of Original White Sculpey®. You can make the size of your sea turtle as large or as small as you like using more or less clay. Just be sure to make the shapes proportionate to each other.

Make the following pieces:
a large flat teardrop for the shell
two small teardrops for the back fins
two long flat tapered elipses for the front fins
a short cylinder neck
and a thick oval for the head.

Press the neck onto the shell.

Pinch a taper on one end of the head. Use the Round End tool to press a deep divot into the neck.

Push the tapered end of the head into the neck.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to push the head so that two flattened areas appear on the head creating flat plains for the eyes.

Carefully lift the turtle up.
Place the fins under the body.
When you lay the turtle back down, apply pressure so that the shell joins with the fins.

Use the back side of the knife tool to score rings around the neck.

Use the small and medium Etch n Pearls to impress little rows of circles into the skin.

Use the Blunt Point Tool to poke in eye sockets.
Fill each eye socket with little bits of clay creating eyes.

Use the Knife Tool to score markings in the shell.

Use the Knife Tool to score lines around the edges of the shell and fins.

Bake the sea turtle following the baking instructions for Original Sculpey®. Allow to cool completely before handling.

Apply layers of watered down green, brown, and yellow acrylic paint to achieve the look that you want.
Paint the eyes black.
Allow the paint to dry completely.

Remove as much dried paint as you want from the raised areas with fine sandpaper creating an old weathered look.