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 30 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.
Wipe your form down with rubbing alcohol.
Place the form upside down on a #1 (thickest) of clay. I mixed two packs of Ecru with 1 pack of Antique Gold.
Trim base and make a snake.
Add two black snakes the sides for handles. Place gold snake around the base and adhere the pieces together with Sculpey Clay Adhesive.
Texture the Gold snake with your smallest Sculpey Ball Stylus. Cut shapes from a #2 sheet of black. Place the black pieces on the snake. Press in the center of each shape with your second largest ball stylus. Bake at 275 for 30 minutes. Cool completely. Tip: Make small rolls of paper towels to support the black “arms” while baking.
Make a sheet of clay the length and width of your form. Apply Sculpey Clay Adhesive to the form. Wrap the clay sheet around the form and trim. Be sure to work out any air pockets.
Texture with small and medium ball stylus. Bake at 275 for 20 minutes. Make sure the arms are supported with rolled paper towels.
While your vessel is baking, make a #2 sheet and lay it on top of your metal cutter. I squeezed my oval cutter a bit to make it fit the top of the vessel.
Using your largest ball stylus, gently go around the inner edge to warm and soften the clay, allowing it to dome inward. Bake with cutter attached for 30 minutes.
Superglue the dome shape to the top.
Make a snake and a #1 Sheet to fit your top. Texture the sheet.
Cut desired shapes from a #2 sheet of black.
Add your shapes to the vessel with Sculpey Clay Adhesive. This is a super fun part of the project; so take your time. Bake for 45 minutes. Be sure to prop the arms in place every time you bake. They’re quite sturdy afterward, but fragile when warm. Enjoy your Classical Style Vessel!