Sculpey Premo™ Gift Tags with Candy Cane Letters

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.

Use the ruler and pencil to draw two parallel lines on the paper which are 3.5” apart from each other. These lines will be your guide for making sure the lettering will fit onto the surface of the jewelry box.

Condition 1/2 block of each color. Roll a strand of each color of clay that is 1/8” in diameter and approximately 8” long. Set the excess clay to the side.

Press one end of the Red Glitter and one end of the Frost White Glitter together. Gently hold the pressed ends of the strands against the work surface. Use the other hand to slowly roll the other end away from you. Keep rolling away from yourself while working your way down the strand; always roll the strands in the same direction. The purpose of rolling the strands is to create a red/white twist like a candy cane.

After you have the entire length of clay twisted start applying a little more pressure to get the two strands to meld into one piece without the gaps. Continue this process until you have one solid stripped strand that is about 1/8” in diameter.

Trim one end of the strand clean, meaning you don’t have an uneven pressed end and so that the twist pattern is clean up to the end. Begin wrapping and turning the clay strand to form the lettering. As you form your letters it is a good idea to work directly over the drawn 3.5” square. This will allow you to make sure the finished lettering will fit into the 3.5” area. In addition, it might be helpful to pre-write the words “Noel” and “Merry” to use as a template for forming the letters.

Once you have both “Noel” and “Merry” spelled out bake the clay directly on the piece of paper for 20 minutes. Let the clay cool completely and you’re finished. You can tie the clay onto the packages with white or red ribbon.