Sculpey III Sleeping Christmas Mouse in Resin Boot

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 30 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.

Place boot on your work surface and fill opening with crumpled aluminum up to the top so as not to add more weight to this item.

BLANKET: Flatten out a 1” ball of green clay and make indentation dots in desired pattern. For the white trim, roll out a long snake of white clay and press along the outside of the blanket – indent with a toothpick. Place almost all the way to where the arms will be positioned. Use super glue where the blanket comes in contact with the boot and fluff as desired

MOUSE: Make two arms using ½” ball of gray clay (mix black and white) for each arm and shape into logs. Make paw indentation lines with a needle tool or toothpick and super glue as shown.

For the head, use a 7/8” ball of gray clay and shape as desired (round, oval, etc.). Using a craft knife make a muzzle line and make a mouth opening with the end of a paint brush. Make two ears using 1/4” ball of gray clay and press into each side of the head. Blush inside of each ear with pink chalk/pastel. For the nose, roll a small amount of black clay and press into position on face, blush cheeks. For the closed eyelids, press in with the end of a small straw or cutter.

NIGHTCAP: Make a long triangle shape using a ½” ball of green clay and shape as desired. Add a pompom to the very end of it by wrapping a small amount of red clay around the hat tip. Secure to left ear.

CHEESE WEDGE: Shape a ¼” ball of yellow clay into a triangle and press/indent holes with the ball stylus/paint brush handle and place by his right hand.

CANDY CANE: Twist logs or red and white clay together to make the candy cane and place as desired.

Bake as directed in Step 1 and when cooled, gloss nose and candy cane. Add cheek highlights with a dot of white acrylic paint.