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Sculpey Soufflé Cheers! Cork Holder
This is a method that I developed for “writing” in clay. It works especially well with softer clays like Soufflé, Pluffy, or Ultralight. Fairly bold fonts will work well for writing whatever you want on this personalized plaque. Enjoy!
| Product Image | Product Name | Qty |
|---|---|---|
 | Sculpey Soufflé™ Concrete 1.7 oz $2.79 | |
 | Sculpey Tools™ Clay Conditioning Machine $39.99 | Out of stock |
 | Sculpey Tools™ 8-Inch Acrylic Clay Roller $8.99 | |
 | Sculpey Tools™ Clay Blades $14.99 | |
 | Sculpey Tools™ Dual End Detail Tools $9.99 |
Embossing powder - I used a color called verdigris which is a combination of colors that looks like rusted metal. Other nice colors for this project would be rust, wine, black or a combination of these.
Teaspoon
shaped cookie cutter for background or a template and cutting blade
text word printed out on copy paper like “Cheers!”
cork holder
curved mixing bowl or curved glass bowl
coordinating acrylic paint - I used a color called Berry Wine
paintbrush
twine or raffia
scissors
Teaspoon
shaped cookie cutter for background or a template and cutting blade
text word printed out on copy paper like “Cheers!”
cork holder
curved mixing bowl or curved glass bowl
coordinating acrylic paint - I used a color called Berry Wine
paintbrush
twine or raffia
scissors
Additional Resources
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.
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.
Sheet Concrete through the clay conditioning machine on the thickest setting. Sprinkle a teaspoon of embossing powder onto the sheet of clay.
Fold the sheet in half sandwiching the embossing powder inside.
Condition the sheet through the clay conditioning machine on the thickest setting until the powder is completely mixed into the clay. Fold the sheet in half so that it is double thick. Cut out your plaque shape.
Trim your text word close to the lettering and position it in the middle of the background shape.
Press the paper down so that it sticks to the clay. Starting with the 6 mm ball tool, trace over the thick parts of the text. Work slowly and carefully so that you make an impression in the clay but don’t tear the paper.
After the thick parts are embossed, use the 2 mm ball tool to emboss the thin parts.
Carefully remove the paper to show your beautiful embossing work!
Next, clean up the embossed work with the 6 mm ball tool. Go over each area so that the letters are deep and clear. Be careful to work slowly and carefully, pressing the clay more than scraping it so you don’t work up loose clay that can make a mess. You can see in my photo how the edges of the letters have nice clear edges now and they are deeper.
Carefully go over the thin areas with the 2 mm ball tool
Remove the excess clay and buff the cut edges with your finger to smooth them. Use the 6 mm ball tool to press holes into the plaque. Go first through the font and then through the back to make a nice neat hole.
Position the plaque on the side of your cork basket. Gently bend it so that it follows the curve of the basket if the basket is curved. Bake it on a mixing bowl or glass bowl that mimics the basket curve so your clay plaque will stay curved.
13.When your piece is completely cool, remove it from the bowl. Carefully paint the letters with the coordinating paint. When the paint is dry, tie the plaque to the side of your cork holder with cord/ twine and fill with corks!
