Sculpey® III Tiled Box

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:

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 1/4" (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.

Using the Clay Conditioning Machine on the #1 setting, roll out a sheet of Tranquility and Leaf Green. For each sheet fold and roll the clay at least 3 times until the clay is pliable and the edges are fairly smooth. Place each sheet of clay on a piece of clean white paper. Mist the texture stamp lightly with water and press the stamp into the clay. Quickly remove the stamp. Repeat with the other color of clay.

Select two shapes of Mini Cutters to cut out your tiles. The square and the round cutters were used for the project shown. Start by cutting out a couple of tiles of each shape, place them on the box lid and check your pattern and spacing. Then estimate how many tiles you will need to fill the space and use the cutters to make the tiles. Always cut a few more than you estimate, just in case.

Place the tiles on your baking sheet and bake according to the directions above. While the clay is baking, paint your box and set it to dry.

Once the tiles have baked and cooled, “antique” the surface of the tiles to enhance the texture pattern by painting the tile with the Dark Gray paint and quickly wiping the surface with a damp paper towel. Repeat for each of the tiles and allow them to dry completely.

Glue each tile in place, starting with the lid and then each side. Allow the glue to dry and your new box is complete!